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Victorian style decorating continues to be imitated to this dayRomantic, ornate, excessive, are terms used to describe Victorian style
Victorian Architecture
Whatever Victorian style brings to mind, Victorian homes are favored by Bed and Breakfast owners and clientele. A Victorian home brings feelings and images of splendor, elegance and romance which are all conducive to a romantic and relaxing vacation. The Bathroom was the Jewel of the Victorian Style The Victorian era ushered in two of the most important lifestyle improvements, electricity and running water. Although not every home in that period had the convenience of running water, those that were fortunate enough to enjoy this privilage placed the bathroom in the highest priority. In the first Victorian bathrooms the tubs and sinks were enclosed in wooden surrounds to resemble furniture. Some fixtures in the Victorian bathroom were incredibly beautiful. Sinks and toilets were hand painted with all manner of scrolls, florals, and sea figures. As time went on bathtubs had claw feet that were often gilded with gold. Pedestal sinks were often used but many sinks were attached to the wall and had exposed plumbing as Victorians learned through experience that the enclosed fixtures created a perfect breeding ground for mold, mildew and vermin. Brass fixtures, heavy wood paneling or mableized walls, and gas lights on the side of huge gilded mirrors rounded out the decoration of the Victorian bathroom. Characteristics of Victorian Style Furniture Heavy, flamboyant, excessive are words often used to describe Victorian style decorating. Furniture was usually made of dark wood with ornate carving and tables with marble tops were the norm. Dining room tables were large and round with pedestals. The Victorian parlor was furnished with overstuffed chairs often made of leather. Much of the furniture was heavily upholstered and sported uniquely shaped and curved backs. Heavy mirrored hat stands were found in the entry halls. Oriental rugs were the most used coverings on flooring. Bedrooms were furnished with huge pieces of furniture. Beds had elaborate canopies or huge head and foot boards. Chests and bureaus were large and ornately carved. Washstands and washbowls were part of every Victorian bedroom. Many had free standing screens hiding the washstand and/or chamber pots. Colors and Fabrics used in Victorian Style Decorating Elegant fabrics were the favorites in the Victorian era. Damasks, silks, velvets covered every flat surface available. Needlepoint pillows and wall hangings were used extensively. Chair seats were also covered in needlepoint. Lace was also layered with heavier fabrics in the Victorian home. Tassels, fringe, and cording adorned everything. Windows were often made of stained glass. They were dressed with heavy fabrics and sometimes had lace underlinings. The draperies were held back with heavy cording and tassels. Along with dark furniture, Victorians also favored dark rich colors. Deep reds and greens, golds, and rich browns were used in Victorian style decorating.
Accessories used in Victorian Style Decorating Accessories were scattered about extravagently. Big game hunting was in vogue and animal trophies were hung around the home. Large vases with huge floral arrangements were in the living areas and plant stands with potted palms were always in evidence. Needlepoint pillows were a standard. Grecian busts and statues were favored at that time. Pictures were large, dark, and framed with heavy gilded frames. Knickknacks were placed everywhere an empty space could be found. Large glass domes covered prized possessions or items that were difficult to keep clean. Can you imagine the amount of housework created by this Victorian style of decorating? It's a good thing that Victorians with this type of household could afford help!
If you love the roamnce and ambiance of Victorian style but dread the housework and clutter, don't despair. It is possible to get the look you love. Because Victorian furniture is so ornate and distinctive, you can achieve the look with just a few pieces of furniture. Victorians also used classic pieces of furniture used in traditional home decorating and by mixing these styles you will have the same period furniture. By using oriental rugs, rich fabrics and colors and a few Victorian accessories, you can have the romance and opulance of the Victorian era without the heaviness and constant housework. If this is a look you love and you live in a traditional home, go for it!
For more information on Victorian decorating, visit the website of the Victorian Society of America
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When you hear the words "Victorian house", an image that immediately springs to mind is a fanciful, ornately ornamented, gaily painted house with gables, round towers and huge porches. This is the predominant style that symbolized the Victorian era. However, many of the Victorian homes were in the Greek Revival style, such as the Southern plantations, while many Victorian homes on the East Coast were done in Gothic Revival with tall peaks, pointed arches reminding one of church windows, and narrow windows.
