The Decoration of Houses
The Decoration of Houses, published in 1897, was Edith Wharton's first book, written with the Boston architect Ogden Codman Jr. before she became known as a novelist. It is an argument against the cluttered Victorian interior and for a return to the principles of classical architecture, as practiced in Italy and France from the Renaissance to the eighteenth century. After chapters on the historical tradition and on rooms in general, the authors treat walls, doors, windows, fireplaces, ceilings and floors, and then each part of the house in turn, from the entrance and staircase to the drawing room, library, dining room, bedrooms and nursery, ending with a chapter on bric-a-brac. The full text is available to read online in your browser on Vinteuil, and the first chapter is free.
Start reading right away, without signing up. The complete text is included in Vinteuil Reading, or yours forever with a one-time purchase.
Frequently asked questions about The Decoration of Houses
The Decoration of Houses by Edith Wharton can be read online on Vinteuil, directly in your browser. The first chapter is free for everyone; the complete book is included in Vinteuil Reading ($4.99/month or $39.99/year) or yours forever for $2.99.
Can I read The Decoration of Houses online?
Yes. The Decoration of Houses opens right on this page, in a reader designed for long reading: adjustable text size, light, sepia and dark themes, a clickable table of contents and your place saved when you are signed in. No download or app is needed.
Is The Decoration of Houses free to read on Vinteuil?
The first chapter of The Decoration of Houses is free, without an account. To read the whole book, either buy its online reading for $2.99 (£2.99 in the UK) and keep it forever, or subscribe to Vinteuil Reading for $4.99/month (£4.99/month in the UK) or $39.99/year, with 1 month free for new subscribers. The subscription opens every book in the library and can be cancelled at any time.
Is The Decoration of Houses in the public domain?
Yes. The Decoration of Houses by Edith Wharton is a public-domain work. Vinteuil offers a carefully prepared digital edition made for comfortable reading on screen.
How long does it take to read The Decoration of Houses?
About 4 h 10 min of reading, at an average reading pace. Your place is saved automatically when you are signed in, so you can read in several sittings and on several devices.
What kind of book is The Decoration of Houses?
The Decoration of Houses by Edith Wharton is filed under "Classics" in the Vinteuil library.
