Book excerpt: For courses in the history of interiors, history of furniture, and furniture design and construction. This image-rich text introduces significant movements in the evolution of the decorative arts, including furniture, design motifs, and accessories related to interior design and architectural settings from the Neolithic Age to the 21st century. It augments the study of art and architectural history by discussing the function and aesthetic purpose of furniture, pottery, glassware, lighting, textiles, mirrors, metalworking, clocks, and wallcoverings; as well as their integration into interior design. The author presents crucial contextual information on political and social events and the technological advances that influenced each period's design trends, and compares objects from different periods, demonstrating how ideas and concepts progress through their stylistic development. Descriptions of period room settings show how the decorative arts complement architecture and interior design. Valuable websites and bibliographic information are provided for further exploration, and a glossary highlights key vocabulary.