Victorian Decor – Colors and Interiors
The Ornate Furniture, Drapes and Fabrics of the Victorian Era
Jun 19, 2009
The Victorian era is generally marked by Queen Victoria's reign (1837-1901). Victorian design was representative of the spread of wealth and opulence experienced in Britain and other parts of the world during this time.
Victorian Home Color Scheme
Interior colors in Victorian homes were typically the traditional tones of deep hues of red, amber, emerald, and dark brown. Victorians loved a dramatic effect and used different shades of these deep, rich and sultry colors so each room felt lavish.
In the main rooms of the home such as the Victorian drawing room, dining room parlor and library, colors such as sage green, light Brunswick green, shades of dark green were very popular as well as crimson and red or mauve were popular for interior walls. Blues and bright yellows were not typically used in Victorian color schemes.
Woodwork was typically painted in dark colors such as hunter's green or purple browns. Woodgraining was often used in Victorian times to imitate more expensive and exotic woods. Timber floorboards were never left bare as they are in today's world, as it was considered cheap and unfashionable.
During the late 1880s to 1890s, painting wooden windows, skirting boards, doors and stair balustrades were painted white to give a bright clean effect, this was enhanced by the introduction of electric lighting into Victorian homes.
Victorian Furniture and Accessories
The clean Grecian lines of the Regency period were out of favor by 1835 and Victorians wanted furniture that was showier with plenty of ornate curves. This demand for a showy display eventually led to factory processed furniture that was poorly constructed. The workmanship was often hidden by veneer and applied ornament.
Upholstery fabrics and draperies in Victorian times would have been heavy, warm velvets, silk or damask which would also have come in deep, rich reds, greens, browns, mauves and purples.
Rooms were filled with side-boards, small lamp tables and display cabinets specially arranged to display household treasures.
Achieving the Victorian Decor Look
- Start by painting the room to bring the Victorian era to life. Do not have too many contrasting colors but stick to dark colors such as ruby, hunter green and deep mauve.
- Fill the room with big pieces of Victorian style furniture in dark mahogany, teak or oak if possible. Add a few dark leather chairs or richly upholstered wing back chairs.
- Add small lamp tables, side boards or cabinets to display silver and porcelain. Decorate by placing ornaments, candle holders, lamps and porcelain figurines on the tables and cabinets to achieve the cluttered Victorian look.
- Paintings in gold painted frames or heavily ornate frames can then be placed on the walls, old family photos in black and white or sepia work well.
- Decorate windows with elaborate drapes in velvet and add swags and tiebacks, typical of the Victorian era.
Sources;
Period Pastimes, Felice Hodges 1989 Edition Pages 32 - 35
Other articles on Victorian Times:
Victorian Indoor and Outdoor Activities
Victorian Arts, Crafts and Leisure Activities
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