In addition to the renovation and repair work going on inside the lighthouse, another challenge was how to furnish it once the work was completed. I thought long and hard about what I wanted the interior to look like including whether to use antiques or modern furniture, and the appropriate placement of pieces to both suit my taste and respect the history and purpose of the building.
I tried to envision what life was like in the early twentieth century for the keepers who lived there. I determined that what is now the main living floor, was not where the keepers lived then. They lived on the 2nd floor, which is laid out like a one bedroom apartment. The current main living floor was used for storage and other work purposes. It was also where coal was brought in to feed the coal burning stove, so it was likely quite dirty. Just one floor above, the keepers could retreat to an open living/working area, a kitchen with a large pantry and eating space, a bathroom and one bedroom.
Now the open plan first level is home to a living room, modern kitchen and dining area. There’s also a laundry room on the main level and a bunk room and bathroom in the basement. The 2nd level is dedicated sleeping space with two bedrooms, a day bed and two bathrooms.
My goal in furnishing the lighthouse was to use as many antiques and period pieces as possible. However, the sofa is new – custom-made for the space – as is a swivel chair in the living room. As for the antiques, I scoured the country via Craig’s List and eBay looking for just what I wanted. The dining table was one of my first purchases and came from New Braunfels, Texas. It had to fit the space, not block the front door, and be able to seat as many people as possible. The rustic-style farm table easily seats 10. The dining chairs were also a great find. They were old schoolhouse chairs and I was able to get 12 of them from Vermont.
Neither bedroom on the 2nd floor has closets so I added armoires for clothing storage; likely what the keepers used when they lived there. I found one armoire in New Jersey and another one – known as a “break down” armoire because it is modular – from Tennessee. Other than the bunk bed frames in the basement, all the bed frames and headboards are antiques found in Virginia.
There are a few other odds and ends around the lighthouse that complete the furnishings. There’s a writing desk and chair in the open area on the 2nd level and a wash basin stand in the master bedroom for additional storage. I crafted an end table out of the old foghorn found inside by placing a piece of glass on top. There are several old apple crates that act as shelves in an awkward corner behind the circular staircase. A recovered wing back chair anchors a reading nook on the 2nd level and a small wooden dresser sits between the bunk beds in the basement.
I hope my choices have made the lighthouse feel authentic. It was inspiring to bring aged and well-loved pieces back to a place where they look at home. They are certainly appreciated for their beauty and provide the functionality that is needed for a 21st century home.