Victorian Decorating

by Giorgina Devereaux

You may also use antique style wallpaper with floral prints and fruit designs and border sets on the walls or stenciling.

It’s not necessary to get overly fancy or invest a lot of money.

If you are somewhat frightened by color, just paint the walls a neutral color and rely on the accessories to do the decorating.

The furniture you decide on should be Victorian in style, but don’t feel compelled to run out and buy genuine antiques. Instead, consider reproductions because it is a more affordable way to furnish the space and actually looks quite exquisite.

For example, for the sofa, consider a reproduction because vintage Victorian sofas are very uncomfortable, and as I previously stated, the difference in price is like night and day.

However, wooden pieces like side tables and curio cabinets look amazing if you can buy real antiques because of the rich patina finish. Furthermore, Victorian decorating and furniture are intended to be the focal point in a room because of the large proportions, sturdiness, darkly stained and radiant woods.

Since Victorian decorating and furniture are influenced by Rococo and Gothic styles, the look can be more eclectic than traditional styles. Yet, some common approaches do occur, such as the cabriole leg, fluted leg, intrinsically elaborate carved floral ornamentation, and heavily upholstered furniture.

You can achieve this upholstered effect by designing a lovely slip cover for your sofa. The beauty about doing this is that you can change the slip cover as desired.

The Victorian bedroom is furnished with beds that are ornate and made of wood or cast iron with bolsters.

The bedding consists of a long pillow, two pillows, sheets and blankets covered by an eiderdown quilt for extra warmth.

 For chairs, most have upright backs, with ornately carved legs.

Another favorite in this style of decorating is the grandfather clock. This antique clock has a striking air of sophistication and is an heirloom piece that can be passed on from generation to generation. Its gentle tick tock is comforting and adds grace and elegance to a room.

For the windows, consider heavy drapes because it is reminiscent of this era.

You can work with layered drapery, velvet curtains, or heavy draped curtains that come in a variation of fabrics.

To fully dress your windows, use at least three distinct, flowing layers of curtains and shades.

The optimal color choice is white fabric because the white layers will enable the sunshine to filter through even with completely covered windows.

Also, shades that were dark and rich were the most popular color designs in the Victorian period. Generally, the most important rooms displayed the richest colors and these colors were usually applied to two walls at most.

On the other hand, stained glass windows were also a popular feature in the Victorian period. However, in this day, it is very expensive to have a stained glass window custom made.

For floor coverings, you may use area rugs such as oriental rugs, genuine antique rugs, or reproductions to add warmth to the room.

Adding accessories helps tie your Victorian decorating together. Incorporate old photos, artwork, mantle clocks, vases filled with flowers, and vintage fabrics to bring out the charm of your Victorian interior, while giving it an interesting appeal.

It is common to display lots of books and ornaments, with a side table that is completely covered in framed photographs.

To brighten traditionally dark Victorian rooms, choose table and floor lamps with metal bases that are finished in iron, brass, copper, or silver.

You may use silk lamp shades as well linen and parchment as alternatives.

Also, crystal accented chandeliers add a sense of lavishness to your dining room.

If your room has a fireplace, decorate the corners of it with brackets that are curved in some sort of shape and have motifs. A white marble mantel would be ideal, but expensive.

Bringing together the perfect Victorian look in your home requires time and much effort because of the great attention to detail involved in coordinating your furniture and choosing the right decorative accessories to help you achieve this fabulous new look.

However, when you are finished, it is gratifying to know that you created something that is truly sensational.