Another suggestion is to consult the proscriptive literature of the
period- much ink was spilled over such issues as interior decorating,
setting a proper table, clothing and adornment, etc, during the arts and
crafts and aesthetic movements.  Sometimes you have to ferret out
information from these sources, I think it could be very helpful in
interpreting assemblages of artifacts.
 
I will try to dig up some references when I get home!
 
Tim Scarlett