Material culture in the 19th century

Using probate inventories as a source, this study describes the development of the material culture of the household in the Dutch countryside in the nineteenth century in three regions: the Zaanstreek, Eastern Groningen, Eastern Brabant. During the century a trend towards greater domesticity could be observed as demonstrated by the growing ownership of articles like stoves, bedsteads, carpets, mirrors, clocks, table-cloths, vases, pianos and from the process of room-differentiation: kitchen, bedroom, living room. The changes in material culture over time and the differences between the social classes within a region were more striking as those between regions.