Another tastemaker, George Smith, published popularized versions of Hope's work and drew upon his examples, adding neo-Gothic and chinoiserie elements to the mix. Eventually, an enlightened cosmopolitanism prevailed, with interiors and furnishings borrowing forms and motifs from cultures that lay beyond the shores of the island kingdom.

Most Regency furniture was distinguished by clean lines and restraint. Mahogany, the wood of choice, was embellished with delicate brass inlays. Tables of every type, especially those with pedestal bases, "took off," notes Stephen Fitzpenn of Duke & Fitzpenn, Ltd., in Staunton, Virginia. "Pedestal dining tables continue to be very popular today because you can seat so many people around them without bumping into legs." Japanning also returned to favor, "especially as a way of decorating chairs," Fitzpenn says. Frequently, black paint emulating lacquer bore chinoiserie-style designs in gold.

Strictly speaking, the Regency period lasted from 1811 until 1820 when George IV assumed the throne as king. (Prior to 1820, he was still Prince Regent.) Some design historians extend the period to his death in 1830. By this time, the industrial revolution had irrevocably changed the nature of furniture manufacturing, and mass production of furniture for the sake of comfort rather than style had become the norm.