Victorian Interior Design | Overview & Architecture - Lesson | Study.com (2024)

Victorian-era design traces its origins to the influence and aesthetic of Queen Victoria who reigned as monarch of the UK from the 1830s through the early 1900s. The age of the Victorian design style began with the end of the Industrial Revolution and lasted roughly during the aforementioned time period. The era was heavily influenced by the effects of the Industrial Revolution and increasing globalization, as well as the Neo-Gothic and Rococo styles. Technological innovations during the Industrial Revolution allowed for mass production of items for the household; the items were also cheaper and more available to families of the growing middle class. In addition, new methods for dyeing fabrics allowed for brighter colors, which became characteristic of the early Victorian period.

Victorian interiors were designed to demonstrate high status and good taste for guests in the home. People took pride in their homes at the time, especially since they were making more money in general and items were cheaper. The interiors of Victorian rooms have often been described as cluttered or busy because people would attempt to fill as much space as possible with some kind of decor. The style was known to blend several historical periods together, like Medieval, Gothic, and Rococo, which allowed for great variety and uniqueness between homes. Many people would also blend trendy styles and fabrics, as well as trinkets and art, from other parts of the world together.

Victorian Interior Architecture and Home Interiors

Victorian architecture interior rooms were heavily decorated with various wallpapers, designs, tapestries, art, flowers, trinkets, shelving, and more. Patterns that were especially popular at the time included plaids, stripes, florals, leaves, vines, etc. with unique patterns and vibrant color combinations. The early Victorian period featured mainly dark, rich, colors while the latter half of the age featured lighter shades and pastels. Interior rooms were not in style if they were bare or plain, as that was considered poor taste.

Furniture of the Victorian age was heavily ornamented and generally large with vibrant colors and curved shapes. Popular pieces included ottomans, buttoned and draped pieces, and intricate wood-carved works. Floors were most commonly wood with various elaborately decorated patterned rugs. Other room decor included potted plants and lamps with decorative glass coverings, as well as portraits and paintings. New photography technology allowed for family and individual portrait wall hangings to adorn rooms.

Victorian-era rooms were designed for particular functions and separateness. Men and women usually separated into different rooms after dinner parties or social gatherings. The most important room of the house was called the parlor, which was only used on Sundays and/or special social occasions. Social gatherings in the parlor may have involved the playing of instruments and games. The parlor was considered "maximalist" as it had the newest, most vibrant, and best decor in the entire house. When the room was not in use, the curtains were drawn over the windows in order to help preserve the items in the room. Parlors were typically located in the front of the house and were supposed to be the main display area of a family's wealth and taste.

Victorian people were great at recycling items within their homes. The decor and furnishings from parlors or guest-area rooms would be moved up to the bedrooms, and personal areas when the family wanted to freshen up the guest areas. When it came to etiquette, the people of the Victorian age had many rules for how to conduct themselves, especially in the parlor room. Young men who wanted to court a lady met in the parlor, with a chaperone, and could only speak of polite and appropriate subject matter. Guests in the parlor had social rules when it came to small talk, game playing, sitting, speaking, etc.

Victorian parlor room, early 1900s

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Victorian Bedroom Decor

The Victorian bedroom was traditionally much simpler in decor when compared with the parlor. Bedrooms typically had much older items and furnishings. They featured fireplaces for warmth, decorative rugs, and cast iron or brass beds. Common characteristics of master bedrooms included full-size beds, marble-topped furniture, wooden shelving, rich bedding, pillows, and tapestries. Hand-painted floral decor, canopy-style beds, and multitudes of pillows were common in girls' rooms with wooden desks and darker coloring more common in the boy's rooms. Overall, Victorian bedrooms were designed to be more comfortable when compared with other rooms in the house.

Victorian rooms were known for featuring tripartite style walls for their three distinctive sections. One key design element of the wall were interior friezes, which were decorative borders between the ceiling and the wallpaper. These friezes could vary greatly in design and measurement. The colors on the wall were usually the lightest under the frieze, then gradually got darker towards the floor. The lowest part of the wall was called the dado, which was darker in order to cover any scuff marks. Wooden panels could even be used for parts of the wall space. The space between the frieze and dado usually consisted of wallpaper or decorative painted designs.

Ideas and discoveries about disease transmission changed throughout the Victorian era, which led to developments within Victorian homes. Studies were released during the mid to later half of the era which advocated for fresh air, more space between people (especially when sleeping), fresh water, regulated climates, and better hygiene practices. These developments led to greater space and separation in Victorian homes, as well as better temperature regulation within rooms.

A Scottish Victorian bedroom

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Victorian Interior Design | Overview & Architecture - Lesson | Study.com (2024)

FAQs

What was the interior architecture of the Victorian era? ›

Victorian architecture interior rooms were heavily decorated with various wallpapers, designs, tapestries, art, flowers, trinkets, shelving, and more. Patterns that were especially popular at the time included plaids, stripes, florals, leaves, vines, etc. with unique patterns and vibrant color combinations.

What is Victorian architecture summary? ›

What are the characteristics of Victorian architecture? Victorian architecture consists of many different styles. However, certain features were often present across many styles, such as steep roofs, painted brick, bay windows, and asymmetrical design.

What is the theme of Victorian interior design? ›

Rich fabric, voluminous drapes, lush upholstery, detailed woodwork, and inspiring rugs are all essential elements of Victorian design. When you're putting your room or home together, remember that adding a variety of textures creates just as much depth as adding different colors and patterns.

What were some characteristics of Victorian art, architecture, and interior design? ›

Interior design in the Victorian period was layered, cluttered, ornate, and eccentric. Interiors of Victorian-era houses often included: Grand staircases. Complicated layouts with multiple rooms including formal dining rooms, libraries, and parlors.

What is unique about Victorian architecture? ›

Unlike the boxy Greek revival style, Victorian homes have wings and bays in many directions. Decorative trim. Commonly called "gingerbread," Victorian homes are usually decorated with elaborate wood or metal trim. Textured wall surfaces.

What is the Victorian architecture style? ›

The houses usually have two to three stories with steep, gabled roofs and round towers. On the exterior, there are towers, turrets, and dormers, forming complex roof lines as architects sought to create designs that would pull the eye to the top of the house.

What does Victorian architecture symbolize? ›

Named after one of the longest-reigning monarchs in history, the Victorian style has outlived its origins to become a truly international style. This design style remains quite popular and symbolizes wealth, abundance, and industrialization.

Where was Victorian architecture mostly used? ›

In Great Britain and former British colonies, a Victorian house generally means any house built during the reign of Queen Victoria. During the Industrial Revolution, successive housing booms resulted in the building of many millions of Victorian houses which are now a defining feature of most British towns and cities.

What are five characteristics of the Victorian era? ›

The five characteristics of the Victorian Era​ are- social and political reform, economic progress, poverty, and exploitation were also equally present, The gap between the rich and poor increased, and material and commercial success was there.

What influenced Victorian interior design? ›

Victorian (1837 to 1901)

Travel to Japan and India influenced design elements in the home. Mass production and affordable products allowed homeowners to fill their rooms with textiles and furniture.

Why were Victorian interiors so dark? ›

At first they did use dark colors on the walls imitating the castles and palaces from centuries earlier. They compensated for this using brighter colored tapestries and many candled sconces and candelabras'.

What is the history of Victorian interior design? ›

Victorian design is widely viewed as having indulged in a grand excess of ornament. The Victorian era is known for its interpretation and eclectic revival of historic styles mixed with the introduction of Asian and Middle Eastern influences in furniture, fittings, and interior decoration.

What did Victorian rooms look like? ›

The interior of Victorian homes favoured rich dark colours. Ornate and detailed decoration was prevalent and included patterned wallpaper, velvets and texture. Interior walls were painted with deep shades of burgundy, red and maroon. Brown, green and blue hues were also present.

What does Victorian decor look like? ›

Victorian style is recognizable by its rich color palette, bold patterns, ornate furnishings, layered textiles and intricate accents. Used correctly, Victorian-style decor can create a cozy and sophisticated atmosphere, but it's easy to go wrong.

What is modern Victorian interior? ›

Creating a Modern, Updated Victorian Style

Be sure to mix different period styles together. Match traditional printed fabrics and wallpapers with contemporary plain weaves and texture to create a balance. Avoid having too many antique pieces - mix it up with some modern furniture or rugs.

When was Victorian interior design popular? ›

Victorian (1837 to 1901)

The era saw a passion for using and combining many earlier styles in a greater diversity than ever before.

What is Victorian Gothic interior design? ›

Victorian Gothic is a unique style that combines the elegance and architectural intricacies of the Victorian era with the dark and dramatic elements of Gothic design. Embracing this fusion of Victorian-inspired interior with a Gothic twist can bring an enchanting and captivating atmosphere to your home.

What architects used Victorian architecture? ›

8 famous Victorian interior designers and architects
  • Charles Rennie Macintosh (7th Jun 1868-10th Dec 1928) ...
  • Louis Comfort TIiffany (Feb 18th 1848-Jan 17th 1933) ...
  • William Morris (24th Mar 1834-3rd Oct 1896) ...
  • John Dando Sedding (13th Apr 1838-7th Apr 1891) ...
  • Joseph Bazalgette (28th Mar 1819-15th Mar 1891)

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