The Vermeil Room is one of the public rooms on the Ground Floor of the White House, the official residence and principal workplace of the President of the United States. It is primarily used for receptions, teas, and as a sitting room, and is notable for housing a collection of vermeil, which is gilded silver.
History and Renovation Originally, the space that is now the Vermeil Room served as a billiard room in the early 19th century. Over time, its function changed, becoming a dressing room and later a storage area. Its transformation into the Vermeil Room began in 1956 when Margaret Thompson Biddle, an American socialite and philanthropist, bequeathed a significant collection of French and English vermeil to the White House. This collection, comprising over 1,600 pieces of gold-plated sterling silver, includes dinnerware, decorative objects, and serving pieces.
During the John F. Kennedy administration in the early 1960s, First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy oversaw a major renovation of the White House, including the Ground Floor. The room was officially designated the Vermeil Room and was decorated to showcase the collection. The interior design has evolved over different administrations but generally maintains a French Empire style, often featuring shades of yellow or gold to complement the vermeil.
Decor and Usage The room's decor typically includes portraits of past First Ladies, which are rotated periodically. Furnishings often consist of antique pieces, such as Louis XVI-style chairs and tables, and drapes and carpets in rich, complementary colors. The vermeil collection itself is displayed in custom-built glass cases along the walls, allowing visitors and guests to admire the intricate craftsmanship of the gilded silver.
The Vermeil Room serves multiple functions. It is frequently used by the First Lady for small receptions and teas. It also provides a comfortable waiting area or an informal sitting room for guests attending events in the State Dining Room or East Room. During White House tours, the Vermeil Room is often one of the stops, allowing the public to view the unique collection and experience the historical ambiance of the Ground Floor.
The room's name directly reflects its primary feature: the extensive and valuable vermeil collection that defines its character and historical significance within the White House.