Here we have displayed some examples of furniture built during the Victorian era (1837-1901). The Industrial Revolution of the 19^th century saw companies using machinery to mass produce furnishings, instead of making it by hand. That made furniture more affordable for the middle class.

Generally speaking, furniture produced during the Victorian era included “fussy” details, often upholstered in velvet, with ornately carved dark wood, such as mahogany or walnut.

The first area showcases examples of the furniture that could be found in the parlor or sitting room. This was the most important room in the house as this was where guests were entertained. The space may seem over decorated and crowded with furniture, but a bare room was considered to be in poor taste. The more ornate the settings were, the more status the family home carried in society. Objects displayed on the tables and flat surfaces reflected the owner’s interests and hobbies. Having a piano or organ in the parlor was considered to be an important status symbol.

The next part of this gallery shows typical bedroom furniture of the era. The needlework chair with no arms was a style of chair that allowed ladies to sit down while wearing their full skirts.