Red Room

The Red Room is a state parlor in the White House in Washington, D.C. with walls covered in red satin and furniture in the Empire style. Six doors connect the space to adjacent rooms and allow a continuous tour through the ground floor of the residence.

After British forces burned the building in 1814, President Monroe refurnished the space starting in 1817 with French pieces. A restoration in the 1960s brought back the original Empire character that had defined the room since its early years.

The name comes from the red silk fabric that has covered the walls since the early 19th century. Today, presidents use this parlor for smaller receptions and informal conversations before formal dinners begin.

The parlor is part of the public tour route that passes through several state rooms and opens to groups on selected days. Visitors usually walk through quickly, as tours follow a set schedule.

A French chandelier from 1805 hangs from the ceiling and holds 36 candles in gilded wooden fixtures. The piece is among the oldest furnishings acquired after the fire of 1814.

Location: Washington, D.C.

Length: 8.5 m

Width: 6.85 m

Part of: White House

GPS coordinates: 38.89750,-77.03650

Latest update: December 20, 2025 00:12