TALK of austerity in the 21st century has become commonplace – and there is no doubt many households are feeling the squeeze.

But when times are tough, spare a thought for newly-weds in the post-World War Two era. . . when it was not just food that was rationed.

Nowadays many newly-married couple have the advantage of already living together or, at the very least, having enough resources to pool together and furnish one home.

But during the Second World War a lack of timber, alongside the pressure of replacing furniture for homes which had been bombed, led to strict restrictions on what people were allowed to have as they started their married life.

The Utility Furniture Scheme meant new furniture was rationed and was restricted to newly-weds and people who had been bombed out, under the Domestic Furniture (Control of Manufacture and Supply (No 2)) Order 1942, introduced in November of that year.

In East Lothian’s records from the time, one woman who wed in 1945 kept a record of a furnishing plan, provided to the couple as guidance for their future home.

It set out an allowance of 60 units (U) for a three-roomed flat, under the rationing.

The living room was allowed one sideboard (8U), a dining table (6U), four dining chairs (4U) and two fireside chairs in dark or light oak (10U).

For the bedroom it was suggested newly-weds purchased a 4ft 6in bedstead (5U), 4ft wardrobe (12U) and dressing chest (8U).

Units left over provided for a table (6U) and one chair (1U) for the kitchen.

Along with this allowance, newly-weds were allowed up to 15 yards of 3ft long curtain material and a maximum of 20 square yards of linoleum or felt base.

There was no utility carpeting and the furniture was plain and practical, with no real thought for comfort.

The wedding itself presented a challenge, as clothing was also rationed during and after the war, often leading to a family clubbing together to gather enough coupons for the bride to have a dress.

It is said that even the then Princess Elizabeth had to collect clothing coupons to buy the material for her royal wedding.

The only thing allowed in concession to a wedding during rationing was 2lb of cooked ham.

Adverts in the Courier at that time reflected the ideas of rationing and the Ministry of Food frequently included food bulletins to educate consumers on how best to scrimp and save.

Into the early 1950s, adverts continued to reflect lean times through promotions of ration books and smart shopping via savings clubs.

There is no doubt times are tough for some now, but back then they were a lot tougher. . . that really was austerity.