ABSTRACT
The nineteenth-century interior had numerous surfaces that could be decorated with paint and other liquid finishes. Throughout the century, the issue of painting interiors was closely linked to advice about two particular aspects. One was the practical application of paint and other finishes, whilst the other was issues around the use of painted decoration and colour. Discussion of the use of oil paints, water-based distemper (calcimine), whitewash varnish and varnishes, as well as processes such as staining, marbling and graining were written up in numerous manuals published through the century. For painted decoration and colour, the intended use of the space was one of the guiding considerations of the nineteenth century interior. Popular authors of 'how to decorate' books and articles also offered guidance on paint colour choice throughout the century.
