Bed Hangings: A Treatise on Fabrics and Styles in the Curtaining of Beds, 1650-1850 [Paperback]

Abbott Lowell Cummings (Compiler), Jane Nylander (Contributor), Nina Fletcher Little (Contributor)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 15, 1994

A classic work on early American examples of this domestic art is once again available with a new introduction and updated bibliography.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

6 x 9 trim. 65 illus. Table. End-papers. LC 94-28239

Product Details

• Paperback: 132 pages
• Publisher: Society for the Preservation of New England Antiquities; 1st edition (November 15, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0874519721
• ISBN-13: 978-0874519723
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6.1 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,882,701 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Dusty Treatise, July 24, 2009

By 

Henhouse Fox "Past Perfect" (Decatur, GA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Bed Hangings: A Treatise on Fabrics and Styles in the Curtaining of Beds, 1650-1850 (Paperback)

While groundbreaking at its time, this printed compilation of conference lectures has become a bit dusty due to the advance of studies in the genre since its initial publication. If a Historic Interiors Specialist or House Museum Professional the information could prove of some use. But for the layman there is little of practical application. Too often the text refers to items visible to conference participants but leaves the reader vague on exactly what is being described; most likely the primary reason for not being re-printed.

5.0 out of 5 stars Bed Hangings: 1650-1850, December 2, 2010

By 

MaryPem - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Bed Hangings: A Treatise on Fabrics and Styles in the Curtaining of Beds, 1650-1850 (Paperback)

This is an excellent, delightful book on bed hangings of 1650-1850. While all the photos (except that on the book cover) are black and white, they are clear and well focused, and the colours of the various hangings -- valences (upper and lower), counterpaines, curtains, etc., are well described, and the dates of each element of bed dressing are clearly indicated. Fortunately, too, the text describes the various fabrics appropriate to each period (with then-current as well as contemporary names), and the shape of the valences typically used during certain time periods. Copies of paintings, engravings and photos showing illustrations of beds (1650-1850) show how beds and their hangings were put together. I, for one, would find it easy to decorate a bed from the instructions in this book! An invaluable guide for anyone interested in period decorating!