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A hatstand (UK), hatrack (US), coat rack, coat stand, or hall tree is a device used to store
A hatstand (UK), hatrack (US), coat rack, coat stand, or hall tree is a device used to store hat
A hat is a head covering which is worn for various reasons, including protection against weather conditions, ceremonial reasons such as university graduation, religious reasons, safety, or as a fashion accessory. Hats which incorporate mecha ...
s and often coats on, and umbrella
An umbrella or parasol is a folding canopy supported by wooden or metal ribs that is usually mounted on a wooden, metal, or plastic pole. It is designed to protect a person against rain or sunlight. The term ''umbrella'' is traditionally use ...
s within. Some upscale European catalogues market it as a portmanteau from the French ('carry') and ('cloak').
The front hall was the introduction to the house, and as such was an important part of the Victorian home. Furnishings
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The decorative arts are arts or crafts whose object is the design and manufacture of objects that are both beautiful and functional. It includes most of the arts making objects for the interiors of buildings, and interior design, but not usual ...
were selected not only to make it a useful place to hang a hat and coat, store an umbrella and leave a Visiting card, calling card, but also to show family wealth
Wealth is the abundance of valuable financial assets or physical possessions which can be converted into a form that can be used for transactions. This includes the core meaning as held in the originating Old English word , which is from an I ...
, social position and knowledge
Knowledge can be defined as Descriptive knowledge, awareness of facts or as Procedural knowledge, practical skills, and may also refer to Knowledge by acquaintance, familiarity with objects or situations. Knowledge of facts, also called pro ...
of current styles. A hall stand or a hatrack was the most important piece of furniture. These were new forms that appeared about 1840, such as the hall tree, as homes became larger and social visits became more structured. As well as holding hats and coats, a hall tree could be used to store bags, umbrellas, walking sticks, boots and other items.
Usually made of wood and standing at least tall, they have a single pole making up most of the height, with a sturdy base to prevent toppling, and an array of lengthy pegs at the top for placement of hats. Smaller houses had smaller front halls, so a hanging hatrack was the answer to the problem of storing visitors' coats and hats. The complicated shapes of the spindles and hooks of both varieties created an interesting pattern on the wall.
By the 1920s, houses had become smaller, and hall furnishings were usually just a chair, a table and perhaps a mirror; a closet
A closet (especially in North American usage) is an enclosed space, with a door, used for storage, particularly that of clothes. ''Fitted closets'' are built into the walls of the house so that they take up no apparent space in the room. Closet ...
or cupboard held hats and coats.
A coat rack often refers to a set of hooks that are attached to a wall and is mainly used to hang coats and jackets. The self-standing variant is more often referred to as a hatstand, and is mostly used to hang coats, jackets, umbrellas and hats.
See also
* Clothes valet *Entryway
A lobby is a room in a building used for entry from the outside. Sometimes referred to as a foyer, reception area or an entrance hall, it is often a large room or complex of rooms (in a theatre, opera house, concert hall, showroom, cinema, etc. ...
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