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Interior Design

This guide provides an overview of tools and basic strategies for conducting research in Interior Design.

What is Interior Design?

   What Is Interior Design?

"Interior design, planning and design of man-made spaces, a part of environmental design and closely related to architecture.
Although the desire to create a pleasant environment is as old as civilization itself, the field of interior design is relatively new.

Excerpt from "Interior design." Britannica Academic, Encyclopædia Britannica .

Bloomsbury Design Library

Oxford Art Online


  Research Tip: Oxford Art Online is a great resource for architectural and interior design history

  • Browse by geographical region e.g. Japanese architecture or Islamic architecture
  • Browse by period style e.g. Art Deco architecture or Bauhaus architecture
  • Browse for architectural details e.g. Lighting or Wallpaper
  • Browse by period e.g. "19th century" interiors 

Modify/narrow search results further using filters e.g. information Type, Field, Medium, etc

Interior Design Reference Books

Resources Beyond VCU Libraries

If you can't find the book, article, or dissertation that you want at VCU, try these resources to find what you need.


Archival Interior Design Research

Use the resources below to find information on historical interior design topics,
including reference images and trade catalogs.

Please note: some content may not be digitized and would require an in-person visit to the institution that houses it.


Cite Your Sources - APA Style