Different periods in history reflect very different interior designs. This article looks at the key characteristics of the most popular dolls house periods from 1714 to the early 1900s and will help to ensure your house looks its period best!

Georgian Era (1714-1837) This style focused on harmony and symmetry using pale colour schemes and delicate furniture to produce a room that was airy and light.

Floors were often bare with oriental style rugs although grander houses may have had stone or marble flooring. Walls were panelled but often only reaching dado height with the top being papered or painted. Wallpaper were made using simple repeat patterns although towards the later half of this period they were also block printed often in stripes or simple shapes. Furniture was delicate and sofas with a hoop back were typical. Fireplaces were the focal point of the room and should be elegant with basket grates. Pictures were hung in formal groups to flank the fireplace and other ornaments would have included porcelain, fans and lacquer work.

Victorian Era (1837-1901) The Victorians used theirs homes as a reflection of their status. It was an age of imitation and reproduction with many styles influencing interior design from Gothic to Rococo. For the dolls house enthusiast this means lots of ornaments, overstuffed chairs and sofas, and patterned wallpapers and carpets.

Fireplaces would have been ornate and made mostly of cast iron with mantles stuffed to bursting with ornaments and often fabric draped across. Stairs would have been covered with a central runner, stained either side. Room moulding would have been plentiful with ceiling roses a must! Fabrics for curtains etc would have been highly patterned and very rich.

If your passion is for miniatures rather than dolls houses then the Victorian period provides you with the perfect excuse to cram your house from the floor to the rafters!

Edwardian Era (1901-1910) Following on from the Victorian era the Edwardians were a breath of fresh air. They favoured a fresh and light interior with lots of feminine influences with wicker, bamboo and pastel colours being the order of the day.

The Wing chair is a typical Edwardian piece. Edwardians used reproduction furniture (to them!) so many styles can be appropriate. Rooms were designed to be bright and breezy so light fabrics with delicate patterns were a must. Electric lighting was on its way in during this period and the Edwardians often chose fabric shades with frills and tassels. Fireplaces were smaller than their Victorian counterparts with tiled sides. Floors would have been highly polished woodblock or red quarry tiles for areas of heavy traffic. Some of the biggest names from this period are Art Nouveau, the Arts and Crafts movement and Queen Anne style furniture.

I will be looking at later periods post 1900 in a future article.