The Victorian Interior

The inside of a Victorian home was the domain of the wife, or eldest daughter if the owner was a widower. She was considered to be the "angel of the home". Her primary responsibility was household management, the goal of which was an orderly home. Jobs in business took the man away to work during the day. When he returned it was the wife who created a home which was an escape, comfortable after the worries of the day. The house should be clean, dinner ready, children washed and eager for a goodnight kiss. Thorstein Veblen, in his work "Conspicuous Consumption" of 1899, also made clear her role as a consumer. Purchasing and displaying items reflecting good taste represented wealth to those passing by the house and visitors coming to call. The servants themselves were items of conspicuous consumption. Since Victorian people were fascinated by history, exotic lands and the new mechanical gadgets of the day, homes were often clean but cluttered with items. Framed photographs, oriental rugs, books, a phonograph, a piano, clocks, momentos, vases and other bric-a-brac vied for space on tables and mantles. Industrial dyes made possible fabrics in rich colors and various hues and textures of drapery, upholstery and carpeting would be apparent in every room.