The Vermeil Room is also commonly referred to as the Gold Room. It was last redecorated in 1991. The primary function of this room is to serve as a display room, and during more formal events, the room functions as a sitting room for ladies. The paneled walls are hung in a soft material, which was chosen to complement the room’s extensive collection of vermeil (gilded silver) that was bequeathed to the White House in 1956.
In 2006, then First Lady Laura Bush refurbished the room. The walls were painted with an enamel gloss finish, which changed the color of the walls to an ivory shade with a hint of green. A center table, which was built in 1829, was introduced into the space, and the well known lolling chairs of the room were reupholstered in white silk damask, with a raised pattern. The sofa that is placed on the south wall of the room was created by famed manufacturer Duncan Phyfe, and on each side of the sofa is a pair of Boston work tables.
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The windows of the Vermeil Room were provided with new treatments. The windows are now adorned with straight panels that were created from a jacquard silk. It features patterns of olive and gold, and the treatments are finished off by the addition of festooned swags and side jabots, each of which are created from the same material. Other highlights of the room include the Turkish Hereke carpet and the powerful chandelier. The carpet was selected for its pale green background and gold highlights, and it was estimated to be made in 1860. Likewise, the chandelier is made of cut glass. It was made in 1785, and it features ten arms.
The Vermeil Room features an impressive vermeil collection. Many of these pieces have been collected from different services, and just some of the famous names that can be found in this collection include Paul Storr, Jean Baptiste Claude Odiot, and Phillip Rundell. Phillip Rundell was the creator of the cooler, with its classical figures reaching for grapes, that can be seen in the space.
Because it has been over 20 years since the Vermeil Room has been completely remodeled, it is currently on the “to do” list of First Lady Michelle Obama. It will certainly be interesting to see what new design schemes she comes up with for the room.
