The Victorian era lasted from about 1837 to 1901, during Queen Victoria’s reign. The style of the day became extremely popular in 19th-century America, particularly for homes and art, after older styles, such as those of the Greek Revival, fell out of fashion.
Architectural Styles of Victorian Homes
Victorian houses were bold, attractive, and finely detailed. They often had features like:
- Asymmetrical shapes (different shapes on each side).
- Steep roofs with dormer windows.
- Bay windows, towers, and balconies.
- Mixed materials and textures (wood, shingles, etc), which made them look dramatic and lively on the exterior.
Style of Victorian Interiors
On the inside, Victorian design was rich, busy, and decorative, with interiors often packed with details like:
- Wallpaper with bold patterns.
- Heavy curtains and layered fabrics as window treatments.
- Rich, dark, jewel-tone colours, such as deep red, emerald, and navy blue.
- Carved wood panelling, mouldings, and ornate trims.
- Stained glass and patterned floors
Victorians didn’t shy away from mixing textures and elements; more was seen as better.
Furniture and Decor
Victorian furniture pieces were oversized, ornate, and plush, and consisted of:
- Deep upholstery with velvet, damask, or brocade.
- Mahogany, walnut, and rosewood furniture and furnishings.
Pieces often had historic motifs from the Gothic, Rococo, and Renaissance periods.
Industrialisation Made Products Affordable
Industrialisation made production cheaper, and more people could afford to buy decorated pieces and textiles. The style of Victorian interiors became a way to show wealth, taste, and personality as rooms were often filled with numerous elements, features, objects, accessories, and display items.
Victorian Era vs. Today
Victorian interiors are almost the opposite of today’s modern minimalist design. Where modern rooms are open and simple, Victorian rooms were full, layered, dark, and richly detailed.
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