Furniture and furnishings of the Regency reflected a taste for formal classicism. (The era is strictly defined as 1811-1820, but the term generally refers to the years from 1800-1837, the year Queen Victoria ascended to the throne.)

Roman and Greek themes were quite popular, and for a time Egyptian motifs were all the rage. Winged griffins, lions, classical dieties, fluted columns,:mythical beasts—inspiration was drawn from the ancient world. Fabrics and colors were opulent, with gilding much in evidence. Here's a quick glimpse at some settings: