The Domestic Consumer

The long eighteenth century saw the expansion of the middle classes, and a general increase in disposable incomes. This led to a growth in expenditure on consumer items within the house, the variety of which was ever expanding. Some were partly for show, such as clocks, pictures, punch bowls and barometers. But most, even if also status symbols, involved increased comfort or utility.

Photograph of silver candlestick.

Silver candlestick, late eighteenth century.
© SCRAN/National Museums of Scotland

Photograph of porcelain punch bowl.

Chinese export porcelain punch bowl, commemorating the Battle of Culloden in 1746.
© SCRAN/National Museums of Scotland

Photograph of cutlery box.

Cutlery box, from the Georgian House, Edinburgh.
© SCRAN/National Trust for Scotland

Photograph of barometer.

Barometer, made in Edinburgh c.1800.
© SCRAN/National Museums of Scotland


With the introduction of the Argand lamp in 1784 lighting was greatly improved. Mirrors to reflect the light of candles or lamps also became more common. First carpets and later curtains helped keep houses warm. Wash-stands became increasingly common features in bedrooms, for those with servants to fill and empty them. Crockery, cutlery, umbrellas, door-mats, kitchen utensils, the list of new objects on sale to the middle class domestic consumer, particularly in leisure towns, is long and varied.
Late 19th century bed at Fyvie Castle.

Left. Late eighteenth century bed in a room at Fyvie Castle, Aberdeenshire.
© SCRAN/National Trust for Scotland

Below. Late eighteenth century chest of drawers, with a chamber pot, from the Georgian House in Edinburgh.
© SCRAN/National Trust for Scotland
Late 18th century chest of drawers.


Furniture changed fast. Mahogany and other decorative woods replaced the plain oak and pine used in the seventeenth century. Upholstery was introduced, and new pieces of furniture such as sofas and dressing tables. Beds had curtains, feather or wool mattresses, and finer sheets and blankets. Because transport costs were high, there was a strong second-hand market. Much consumer spending was in the hands of women, who had acquired greater control within the home.


Interior scenes are rare, but there are a few which help to give us an insight into how lives were led. This can be reinforced with evidence from literature, including the novels becoming increasingly fashionable at this time.