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Hatstand

language culture Maturity 11-13 Next article →

A hatstand is a useful tool for your home.

DorrHouseAug2008HatTree (cropped)
DorrHouseAug2008HatTree (cropped)

It helps you keep many things in one place. You can hang hats, coats, and jackets on it. Many stands also hold umbrellas. Some even hold bags, walking sticks, or boots. People use these items to stay organized.

DorrHouseAug2008HatTree (cropped)
DorrHouseAug2008HatTree (cropped)

Most stands are very tall. They usually have a single pole for height. A sturdy base sits at the bottom. This base stops the stand from toppling over. At the top, there are many long pegs. You can place your hats on these pegs. Some versions use hooks to hold items. These hooks can create pretty patterns on a wall.

DorrHouseAug2008HatTree (cropped)
DorrHouseAug2008HatTree (cropped)

People use many different names for this object. In the UK, it is a hatstand. In the US, it is often a hatrack. You might also hear it called a coat rack or a coat stand. Some call it a hall tree. Upscale European shops sometimes use the word portmanteau. This comes from French words for carry and cloak.

DorrHouseAug2008HatTree (cropped)
DorrHouseAug2008HatTree (cropped)

These items have a long history. In the 1700s, special hatracks were in Lutheran churches. This was in a region east of Hamburg, Germany. Around 1840, new forms like the hall tree appeared. This happened as homes became much larger. During the Victorian era, the front hall was very important. A hall tree was the most important piece of furniture there.

DorrHouseAug2008HatTree (cropped)
DorrHouseAug2008HatTree (cropped)

In the Victorian era, these stands showed a lot. They showed a family's wealth and social position. They also showed their knowledge of current styles. Families used them to hold calling cards for guests. By the 1920s, things began to change. Houses became smaller than before. Most people used a closet or cupboard instead. They might only have a chair and a mirror in the hall.

DorrHouseAug2008HatTree (cropped)
DorrHouseAug2008HatTree (cropped)
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