Title: The President's House

Description: In 1837, President Van Buren decorated the oval parlor with a blue color scheme. Ever since it has been known as the Blue Room. Other improvements made in the White House included new wallpaper for the state rooms, new carpets, and the re-varnishing of most of the furniture and doors. A hot air heating system was added to the residence in 1840. An iron furnace in the basement warmed the air and pumped it through ducts to vents in the walls and floors upstairs.

Date: 1840

Creator: P. Haas

Credit: White House Historical Association (White House Collection)