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At the start of the period most houses were still made of wood and plaster. Very little planning had been done in cities and towns and houses tended to be packed together in narrow, smelly streets. Very few houses had toilets as we know them and people would just tip their waste out of an upstairs window. This was why many houses had been built with an over hanging first floor. It is sometimes said this was also the reason for men walking on the outside of women when strolling down a street. It would be the man who might then have unpleasant deposits on their heads. After the Great Fire of London people realised building homes of wood wasn’t a great idea, especially when they were all so close together. People began to build houses of brick or stone and streets became wider. Homes for the poor were now built of brick or stone, making them warmer and drier. By the end of this time, poor homes also had chimneys and glass windows. Poor people didn't need to have a fire in the middle of their room. The homes were still small with only two or three rooms for a whole family. Rich people would build lavish houses which were almost like a castle. It was mainly to show off their wealth. Furniture changed too and different wood started to be used. Oak had always been the most popular but it was very heavy. Walnut and mahogany started to be used. Chests of drawers became common. Toward the end of the period the bookcase appeared and so did Grandfather clocks. Padded chairs meant sitting was more comfortable.
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