Although far shorter than the other periods, the housing boom continued during Edwardian times and it developed its own particular style often influenced by the Arts & Crafts movement. The boom would have continued if WW1 had not intervened. The movement promoted simple design which can be seen in the houses of the time. As a result of the social reforms of the previous 50 years, life was much improved for the average person. For example, further technological developments had improved sanitary arrangements, including trapped and ventilated house drains and the inclusion of bathrooms at first-floor level.
Following the Victorian construction wave, better quality terraced housing emerged. Edwardian developers were forced to move out into the suburbs where they created wider properties with bigger gardens in areas. These Villas provided homes for the upwardly mobile, built by small builders employing local construction methods and materials. As such there is regional variety between these houses. The houses have fewer but larger rooms. After the heaviness, clutter and dark colours of Victorian interiors, people wanted something new and cheerful. Edwardian style was a breath of fresh air.
FAQs
Although the Edwardian period lasted just nine years from 1901 to 1910, the architectural style is considered to have continued to around 1920, ten years after Edward VII's death.
What is an Edwardian style home? ›
Edwardian houses refer to homes built during King Edward's reign, which was from 1901 to 1910. Edwardian houses are similar to Victorian homes—which came slightly before—in some ways but are overall less ornate and more airy in design.
Where in the United States do you find Edwardian houses? ›
Edwardian houses originated in the UK, where they are still quite popular today, but also came about in San Francisco, where they are also still present. However, this style of home can be found all over the world, which we will explore in further detail below.
Is a 1930s house Edwardian? ›
The majority of house design in the UK within the 1930's continued the Edwardian principles as the Modernist movement failed to take mainstream force. At the end of the war, slums remained a problem in many large towns and almost 500,000 houses had been destroyed or made uninhabitable.
What time period was the Edwardian period? ›
The Edwardian era (1901-1914) is the last period in British history to be named after the monarch who reigned over it. Although Edward VII reigned from 1901 to 1910 to be succeeded by George V, the Edwardian period is generally considered to have ended at the outbreak of the First World War in 1914.
What defines edwardian architecture? ›
Edwardian architecture usually means a Neo-Baroque architectural style that was popular for public buildings in the British Empire during the Edwardian era (1901–1910). Architecture up to 1914 is commonly included in this style.
How do I identify an Edwardian house? ›
Edwardian home key features
- Houses built in a straight line.
- Red brickwork.
- Porch with wooden frames.
- Mock-Tudor cladding and timbers at the top of the house.
- Wide hallway.
- Parquet wood floors.
- Wider, brighter rooms.
- Simple internal decorative features.
The Edwardian era was a pivotal time in design history and while taking inspiration from the Victoria period, Edwardian's favoured simpler styling. Classic bathroom designs of the time (1901-1910) valued light and open spaces, simple patterns and colours, as well as the necessary luxury finishing touches.
What rooms were in an Edwardian house? ›
This 'Ideal Home' had eight rooms: a hall, living room, four bedrooms, a bathroom and a kitchen. Health and hygiene became hugely important and houses now had to be lighter, airier and more comfortable than before.
What is the American equivalent to the Edwardian era? ›
The British Edwardian Era corresponds with the United States's Progressive Era. They are also culturally similar in that they are times of great change and progress in both countries.
Edwardian-style homes are associated with the first two decades of the 20th century, reaching the height of popularity during King Edward VII's reign. They are known for being spacious and well-suited to families.
Do Edwardian houses have high ceilings? ›
The interiors of Edwardian properties typically feature high ceilings that create a sense of spaciousness. This design element contrasted with the lower ceilings often found in Victorian houses. Edwardian houses aimed to create brighter and more open interior spaces.
Do Edwardian houses have sash windows? ›
Most Edwardian (or Edwardian-style) homes feature the sash windows that were popular at the time. However, some have casem*nt windows fitted, with either small upper casem*nts that open vertically or large side-hinged casem*nts on either side of the bay.
Do Edwardian houses have cellars? ›
Many Victorian/Edwardian homes have partial full cellars, with a crawlspace beneath part of the house. The reason why some houses were given basem*nts and others weren't isn't to do with personal preferences or differences in the technical ability of their builders.
What does a typical Edwardian house look like? ›
Therefore, many Edwardian homes are set back from the street and benefit from beautiful front gardens. Unlike the smaller, darker Victorian homes, Edwardian houses were more squat, wider and larger, with bigger hallways and more windows to allow in plenty of natural light.
What's the difference between Victorian and Edwardian homes? ›
So, unlike the smaller, darker Victorian homes, Edwardian houses were more squat, wider and roomy, with bigger hallways and more windows. It's common for an Edwardian property to have a front garden and be set back from the pavement, as there was an ever-increasing desire for privacy at that time.
How do I know if my house is Victorian or Edwardian? ›
Edwardian homes tend to be shorter than Victorian residences, partly because the middle classes who lived in these homes had less of a need for servants, unlike the Georgian the Victorian generations before them. Gone were the cellars and the second floors, but in came larger halls and spacious gardens.
Are Edwardian houses older than Victorian? ›
After the 67-year Victorian period, the Edwardian period was very short, lasting only 9 years between 1901-1910.
What is the difference between Edwardian and Victorian age? ›
So the difference between the Victorian Era and the Edwardian Era in its strictest meaning, is that the Victorian Era was the time in which Victoria was on the throne (1837-1901) and the Edwardian Era was the time in which her son, Edward VII was on the throne (1901-1910).
