Scandal‘s got a West Wing connection! Two of your favorite political dramas from the past few decades might not take place in the same TV universe, but they have more in common than you’d think: the Scandal Oval Office is outfitted with decor used on The West Wing.
“Many of the original pieces of furniture and art we got from ABC for the pilot were also used in The West Wing,” the art and set decoration departments told Us Weekly.
Read on for more tidbits the art department and set decorators had to share about the presidential workspace — including how all of the knickknacks on Fitz’s desk were chosen, and who actually would’ve done the decorating in the Grant White House.
The real boss of the Fitzgerald Grant presidency
Fitz’s Oval Office look “was all about Mellie, actually. First Lady’s decorating style was what we were conveying. Classic, no wallpaper, formal drapery, etc.,” the departments revealed.
Link to real life
“We research every set that is an actual space,” the Scandal team told Us. “The console behind the desk in the actual oval typically holds gifts to the president, mementos, etc. There was a desire to do something in that same vein.”
In working order
“We do not use any replicas. We were just going for the correct, stately vibe. The phone definitely works! Many of the phone conversations you see are real! The items on the desk have evolved and changed over the seasons with the exception of two things — the phone and the ship.”
Speaking of the gold ship…
“We brought the ship in specifically for Fitz’s military past story line and it has been there since. It might be the one thing we’re still renting in the room. It has proven to be very difficult to replace!”
Desk photos: Photoshopped or real?
“The cast always pose for the photographs you see on set.”
Hydration is key
“I don’t have my little private objects in the desk or anything,” Fitz himself, Tony Goldwyn, revealed to Us. “No, I keep a bottle of water under the desk if I need a drink while we’re shooting.”
For more on how TV set decorators bring your favorite characters’ living spaces to life — including the New Girl loft, Don Draper’s living room, and Dre’s closet from Black-ish — check out the new issue of Us Weekly, on stands now. Scandal airs Thursdays at 9 p.m. ET on ABC.
