The gentleman's study was an integral part of many elegant Victorian homes. Yet it is a space that fell into decline in post-war Britain as homeowners traded them out for family rooms. If you appreciate the finer things in life and are looking to bring some old-fashioned elegance back into your home, this opulent retreat could be the just the thing. Providing a sanctuary for the modern gentleman or lady, the Victorian study is a place for you to take some time for yourself, whether to get work done, indulge in a good book or enjoy a hobby.

Traditionally, the gentleman's study would be a multifunctional space in which a man could relax or host social gatherings, so why not bring back this flexible room and inject a touch of luxury into your own home? To achieve the look for yourself, here are 8 key items you'll need to invest in:

The Desk

The most important feature of this traditional study is the desk – which must be classic in design. The desk is the centrepiece, so while it should remain functional, it is important that it immediately catches the eye. When looking for high quality antique desks, opt for a traditional Victorian piece crafted from mahogany, which will provide the perfect starting point and inspire the rest of your design. An authentic Victorian desk will likely have an inlaid design, plenty of drawers and feature a leather top for a luxurious finish.

The Chair

Second only to the desk is the chair, which should be a comfortable, elegant and robust piece of furniture to sink into. Shun the modern plastic swivel chair in favour of a piece of furniture that is commanding, crafted from solid woods, metal or leather. The executive chair is a good choice and will be in keeping with the overall design.

The Reading Material

No gentleman's study would be complete without reading material, so make sure you stock up on the classics. If you have the space, invest in some high quality wooden bookshelves to line one of the walls for an authentic Victorian aesthetic. You can fill these with the reading material of your choice, but leather bound, hardback and antique books will certainly give the impression of grandeur.

The Artwork

Let your personality shine through within the artwork that decorates the walls of your study. A gentleman would never have bare walls, so adorn them with photographs or pieces of art that speak to you and let them inspire you as you work. Black and white photography hung in simplistic black frames will provide a classic and cohesive finish, or you could opt to hang one or two pieces of artwork in gilded frames for a dignified look.

The Lamp

Invest in a few well-placed lamps to give your study the ideal ambience. Sturdy metal table lamps are a good choice to contrast against wooden furniture, with nickel or gunmetal finishes providing a classic masculine aesthetic.

The Globe

Adding decorative pieces to your gentleman's study is essential to complete the look, and a globe is the perfect ornament to give off that classic scholarly feel. You can pick up inexpensive vintage style globes on the high street, or invest in a genuine hand painted antique piece with a chestnut or mahogany base.

The Pen

No gentleman's desk would be complete without the appropriate vintage accessories, the most important of which is perhaps a classic fountain pen. Treat yourself to a finely crafted pen so you can write in style within your sumptuous study space.

The Tipple Of Choice

When you need to unwind, a glass of your favourite beverage won't disappoint. A mini bar would look great in any gentleman's study, but if you don't have the space, just a bottle of your favourite and some antique tumblers will do the trick.