The 19th century was a time of great development in some areas of domestic technology.

The way in which houses were lit changed dramatically between 1837 and 1901. At the start of this period the candle was the most common form of lighting. Tallow made from animal fat, was the cheapest type of candle, used by those who could not afford the more expensive wax, or oil varieties. Tallow candles were dirty and gave off an unpleasant smell when they burned.

Oil lighting was developed, and eventually became the popular choice, as the better types of oil lamp, and oils to fuel those lamps that came onto the market made oil lighting much more effective, giving it a much brighter burning flame. It would be gas lighting however that would emerge as the predominant form of lighting at the end of the Victorian period, and had been so for around twenty years at that point. It was initially expensive, but gradually became much more affordable, and new houses built during, and after the 1880s were almost always fitted with gas piping.

The way in which people cooked was revolutionised by the introduction of the range. It had been around since the early 19th century, but was not in common use until the 1840s. It allowed a variety of goods to be cooked at home for the first time, and also provided a constant source of hot water.

Water technology too made major advances during the Victorian period, as interior plumbing gradually became much more widespread, and by the start of the 20th century, most new, and many old houses had fully plumbed in bathrooms. This was a huge leap forward in sanitation and hygiene, and brought along with it a much cleaner society.