Turning Houses into Homes: A History of the Retailing and Consumption of Domestic Furnishings

Turning Houses into Homes surveys the developments and changes in the retailing and consumption of home furnishings over the past three centuries. By taking a cross-disciplinary approach it explores and evaluates the inter-relations between two constitutions. The important but often contradictory role of the retailer as both a supplier and advisor is considered in relation to the needs and aspirations of consumers who wish to turn their houses into homes.

Clive Edwards is a Senior Lecturer and Research Co-ordinator in the School of Art and Design at Loughborough University, UK.