Applications of
Heraldry in the Home
Heraldry and armorial ensigns have been used for centuries in home decor to lend an air of distinction and to display the pride of one's ancestry, place of origin, allegiance, and affiliations. It is still appropriate to use heraldry in such ways today. Indeed, it is possible that there are more ways than ever before to use heraldry in home decoration. And the use of proper heraldic charges and items makes for better design.
Recreate a Gothic or Tudor room (such as a library) with the use of national and familial arms and crests...create the feel of a medieval castle in a child's room using the arms of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table...or add a few subtle but classic touches to a dining room or den -- the possibilities for application of the use of heraldry in home decor are greater now than they have ever been.
Examples include:
If you would like to see an example of how an heraldic treatment can be used in a room, David has redone his office here at Appleton Studios using an Old World heraldic theme. "Before" and "after" pictures can be found on the page linked above. Please feel free to take a look and see just one of the many possibilities available as it has been used in an actual room. We think you'll agree that it's made a big improvement!
The touches in a room might be very subtle, with a choice of a few appropriate items of tasteful armorial display: an armorial bellows near the fireplace; an old chair with a painted, carved or embroidered armorial back and/or cushion; curtains with an armorial pattern; an armorial firescreen; or a few well-chosen small decorative items.
Or select a theme, a place and period or an individual event, and use appropriate coats of arms of the leading persons (and places) involved. For example, the Spanish Armada, with the arms of England, Spain, the Spanish Dukes of Medina-Sidonia and of Parma, and those of the English "sea dogs" Hawkins, Drake and others on both sides. Or, of course, King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table or Robin Hood are popular themes.
The possibilities may not be endless, but they are certainly voluminous.
We at Appleton Studios would be happy to discuss with you some of the many ways in which heraldry, coats of arms and armorial ensigns, can be used in home decor and interior decorating. (Or even in the garden! There are a number of techniques for creating heraldic gardens or flower beds.) We can also assist in finding those heraldic items which will best fit appropriately into your decorating plans and goals.
Please contact us at the address, telephone number, or e-mail addresses listed here, let us know your desires, and we'll be happy to discuss the possibilities with you.