Tips For Decorating With A Victorian Style

Mar 1
09:54

2013

Diana Spencer

Diana Spencer

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Victorian home decor uses a mix of textures and colors to create a space that offers opulent comfort. The designs might be considered cluttered yet ar...

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Victorian home decor uses a mix of textures and colors to create a space that offers opulent comfort. The designs might be considered cluttered yet are strangely harmonious in their arrangement of curio displays,Tips For Decorating With A Victorian Style Articles soft furnishings and lacy frills. While the original antiques from the era can be very expensive, many contemporary products are available in similar style, allowing one to create the illusion without the price.

The term Victorian refers to trends that became popular during Queen Victoria's reign in England between 1837 and 1901. During this time there was a rise of manufactured goods that were mass produced. Styles from the past were combined to celebrate the available furnishings while clinging to past styles. Dark colors were used to offset the rise of air pollution, especially in the city.

The homes included craftsmanship throughout its construction. Attention was paid to every detail down to the pull to switch on the new electric lights. Woods were featured in floors and walls. The windows may have included beveled or stained glass.

The colors used were often determined by the home's location. Most paints used naturally available sources for pigments. During the early years, the walls were lightly colored except in the library and dining room. Toward the end of the era, vivid colors were mixed with natural tones. Wallpaper brought even more color.

Floors were often covered in hand-painted floor cloths instead of more expensive colorful rugs. Many runners are available today to imitate these bright colors. In the drawing room, the floor may have been covered with an Oriental rug with a floral pattern. In kitchens and dining rooms, geometric styles were more common.

In Victorian England wallpaper was a craze. Selections were varied, but some of the most popular include gilded borders and velvet inlays. Curlicues and scrolls decorated window sills, mantelpieces and corners. Walls often included many hanging accessories in each room. Today, old photographs, mirrors, and artwork can be hung at varying heights to mimic the eclectic look of the time.

Rooms were often topped with tin ceiling tiles. While such detail can be expensive, many find that imitation ceilings using materials formed from lighter weight and less expensive Styrofoam offer a great option to create the look in any home. This option adds to the insulation of the room and helps to reduce noise transfer and echo as well as the cost to heat or cool the room.