When the new House Chamber opened in 1857, it was equipped with fashionable, custom-designed, Renaissance Revival–style furniture. The oak armchairs used by Members are elaborately carved with decorative and symbolic motifs. The top rails include a shield of stars and stripes, with oak branches on one side symbolizing longevity and expressing optimism about the future of the nation, and laurel on the other side, a popular decorative motif symbolizing achievement. Two seasonal seats were made for each chair, one upholstered with goatskin and a second cane seat for warm weather.