Up to the Second World War, people in working-class neighbourhoods in particular lived in rather modest accommodation, usually with the kitchen and living room in the same space.
The larder cupboard can be seen at the right next to the Leuven stove, which not only heated the room but was also used for cooking. The large copper kettles provided hot water, e.g. to do the washing. Boiling water was needed for the wooden washing machine and a zinc washtub with washboard, because the pump only provided cold water. Wooden sticks were used to stir the boiling suds when washing so as not to scald your hands.
Once washed, linen was put through the mangle, which was positioned behind the wooden washing machine. It was used to squeeze out excess water, but in some cases also for ironing purposes. Mangles disappeared from households following the invention of the centrifuge.
The table is set for breakfast. The coffee in the pot was kept warm on a matching little stove. You will also notice a milk jug, a yellow pottery cheese dish and a glass fly trap.
Children used to eat sitting in a highchair and learnt to walk with a walking frame on wheels. Mum kept the tiny ones warm in their crib by the fire.
Homework was quite popular between 1870 and 1945, for both men and women, with lace making a significant source of income for the latter. Not surprisingly, therefore, that this living room includes a bobbin pillow.