During the Victorian era imports from the colonies and the mass production of goods enabled by the Industrial Revolution meant that the middle classes could decorate and furnish their homes in a much more lavish style. For inspiration the Victorians plundered the past, reviving styles such as Gothic, French Rococo and Italian Renaissance. This period is typified by a richness of colour, decoration and opulence.

The early Victorian Gothic Revival style was led by the work of Augustus W.Pugin, who was inspired and influenced by the work of the craftsmen of the Middle Ages.

In the latter half of the period, William Morris founded the Arts and Crafts movement which renounced mass production and standardisation and insisted on a return to handcrafted items made from high quality materials.