Interior Features of Historic Buildings

Doors have been discussed separately at E19 above. Equally important to the special interest of many historic buildings are other internal features such as original floorboards, stairways, dadoes, balustrades, panelling, skirting, chimneypieces, chimneybreasts, decorative plasterwork and in some of the more important interiors the paintwork, gilding, gesso etc. Very often important early features may be brought to light during refurbishment works. Fittings too are often of considerable historic and/or architectural importance; for example curtain fittings, early light fittings, sanitary and kitchen fittings, mirrors and built in paintings. While it is more difficult to generalise about interiors than the external elements of an historic building, all internal features and fittings of interest should be respected and left unaltered as far as possible.