How to create a Victorian-style home and interior

The Victorian era spans the years 1830 to 1900 and is named after Queen Victoria. It was a time of innovation, booming technology and creativity. Designers of the day had their hands full creating Victorian conservatories, which were intended mainly to suit the wealthier classes. It is no wonder, then, that you have taken a liking to the Victorian style too. If you have decided to redesign your flat in this impressive style, the following information will certainly come in handy.

Colours of a Victorian interior

The first step you should definitely take is to paint your interior. The most typical colours of the Victorian style are:

• Emerald
• Dark brown
• Navy blue
• Burgundy

Don’t be afraid to play with shades of these colours, as they dominate the whole interior. Also use various ornaments or a textured surface that can look more like fabric. Consider wood panelling on the walls as well. If you decide to wallpaper, focus on traditional motifs such as large florals and small or dense patterns.

What will I walk on?

Floor coverings are essentially the most important element. A Victorian-style home should be full of Wilton carpets with floral patterns. This is a woven loop-pile technique, which is why this type of carpet is used mainly in luxury hotels. The ideal choice is a carpet with a dark border and a faded patterned centre.

One should not complain about one’s times. Yes, the times are bad, but we are here to make them better. –

Thomas Carlyle.

You can also try mosaic or patterned tiles. As a last resort, you could even buy PVC flooring.

Furniture and textiles

Remember that in the Victorian era it was customary to buy furniture that would above all show off the owner’s wealth. That is why original pieces were gilded with gold of several carats, or at least plated with platinum. Look around antique shops or junk shops, where you will find plenty of pieces that will suit you. However, you should definitely get the following for your interior:

• Victorian chairs, armchairs and side tables – Chairs and armchairs had to provide the owner with the necessary comfort as well as a distinctive style, which means they had to be comfortable. Moreover, they were usually upholstered in floral patterns.
• Tiffany lamps – They come from the USA but spread throughout Europe. According to the latest information, they were not created by the artist Tiffany but by Clara Driscolle, a talented designer. They are made of decorative coloured glass that is worked and finished by hand. The mosaic infill of the glass panels, known as stained glass, is assembled from coloured glass into patterns.
• Heavy curtains – choose mainly materials such as velvet, or floral patterns
• Bookcase
• Embroidered tablecloths
• Mirrors
• Faux fireplace

Marble and the Victorian style

Marble was also very popular in homes during the Victorian era. So you can use it in your own house or flat too. For example, add an extravagant marble feature to the living room in the form of a fireplace, table or floor. With an interesting sculpture or other feature, your home will feel like good old England. Marble brings high-quality aesthetics to any home, which is also why the Victorians loved to show it off.

Recycle and recycle again

In recent years, recycling has become very popular and fashionable. When transforming your home into the Victorian style, upcycling is the right way to go. You can look around junk shops, flea markets or online. You might find, for example, an interesting upholstered armchair whose features will fit perfectly into your Victorian interior.

So, whatever you decide, create a home where you will feel good and won’t get too frustrated. And, on top of that, one that is in harmony with the Victorian era.