Make do and mend was a way of life for everyone on the Homefront! Due to strict rationing during World War II; materials once readily available in the UK were so scarce that buying certain items wasn’t an option for many people.
© Public Domain
During the war, the only new furniture produced came under a government rationing scheme, like food. The Board of Trade designed a simple collection of furniture in 1941 that could be manufactured very cheaply.
The Board of Trade chairman, Sir Hugh Dalton, announced the new range of “utility furniture” in 1942. He told the public the aim was to create items that were soundly constructed, in a “simple but agreeable” design, at a reasonable price.
Utility furniture standards
In 1943, the government published its first utility furniture catalogue, comprising around 30 different items. Furniture designer Gordon Russell had been heading the advisory committee that came up with the designs. Stamped with a CC41 hallmark (the abbreviation for Controlled Commodity 1941); each item had to conform to recognised utility scheme standards.
The public could order utility furniture either via the catalogue or from local shops. They paid through a voucher scheme, in the same way that food rationing was organised. A lack of timber, combined with the urgent need to replace furniture in homes that had been bombed, led to strict restrictions on what new furniture people could have.
The Utility Furniture Scheme was governed by the Domestic Furniture (Control of Manufacture and Supply No 2) Order, introduced in November 1942. Not every household was eligible for the scheme and the public had to apply for a permit. People who had lost their homes through the bombing were given priority, followed by newlywed couples moving to a new home, such as the prefabs.
How much furniture could people have?
Each piece of furniture was valued in units. For example, a larger item, such as a sideboard, was worth eight units.
Historic records have revealed the amount of furniture newlyweds could expect in 1945 for their future home. Rationing provided an allowance of 60 units for a three-room residence under the laws.
The living room could have one sideboard, a dining table for six units, two oak fireside chairs for ten units and four dining chairs for four units: the bedroom could have a 4 ft 6 in bed at five units, a 4 ft wardrobe for 12 units and a dressing table for eight units: the remaining units bought a kitchen table for six units and one chair for one unit.
In addition to the furniture allowance, newlyweds could have up to 20 square yards of linoleum or a felt base as a floor covering and up to 15 yards of 3 ft long material for curtains.
Prefab homes were built to combat the post-war housing shortage. Designed with fitted storage cupboards in every room, so that not as much new furniture was needed; the carpeting didn’t come as standard and while the furniture was practical, it was very basic and didn’t take comfort into account.
Foodwise, there were a few extra ration coupons for a wedding. Relatives and friends tried to save up their coupons for the reception – the only extra food item allowed for a wedding was 2 lb of cooked ham.
How long did the rationing of furniture go on for?
When the war ended in 1945, rationing continued. The utility furniture scheme carried on until 1952, through seven years of post-war austerity.
St Fagans National Museum of History in Cardiff, Wales, has a few items of wartime utility furniture on display including an armchair, a chest of drawers and a stool manufactured by Brynmawr Furniture Makers.
The manufacturer, set up in 1929, was originally called Brynmawr and Clydach Valleys Ltd. Sadly, the company closed down during the war, as importing materials became difficult and many of the workers were called into the Armed Forces. The plain utility furniture on display at the museum is a relic of a bygone age.
Furniture Rental Online will be remembering those who gave their lives defending our freedom on Remembrance Sunday, 13th November, when people across the world will be observing a two-minute silence at 11 am. Our thoughts and prayers will also be with those caught up in the Russia/Ukraine conflict. Lest we forget.