Victorian Style

Ello there mate! How's your week been? Care for some biscuits and tea?

The historic city of London

A few years ago, I visited London, England. I had the opportunity to see many original Victorian houses and row-houses, and I fell in love with them. The Victorian houses’ symmetrical and often asymmetrical exteriors, ornate trims, textured walls, wooden shingles, and grand chimneys were unforgettable. 

Victorian Interior design commenced after the Industrial Revolution in Great Britain (1837 - 1901 Queen Victoria's era). The invention and progression of machinery made it possible for the middle class to purchase objects that had once belonged to a higher class. Victorian style design originated in this time period, as people became wealthier and began building larger houses. Having a Billiard room, smoking room, or English drawing room for afternoon teas was considered trendy. The dining room was usually the largest room in the house, and there was often a parlor (a more formal room with the best furniture for entertaining). With larger houses came bulkier furniture, and plenty of accessories. People had begun to travel further and more frequently, bringing souvenirs and keepsakes back home from different cultures. 

A Victorian living room in a London flat

Victorian style is eclectic, and is influenced by the style of different eras, such as Greek art, Gothic, French Rococo (curvy and gilded), and Eastern design (large and stuffed exotic furniture). The influence of more than one style could also be found in one piece of furniture.

In the beginning, the Victorian colour palette was restricted. Victorian colours were warm and subdued, and a mix of primary and secondary colours was the popular palette. In the city, darker shades of green, red, and grey were often chosen for the walls (due to pollution and the use of gas lamps). Then the industrial revolution paved way for new techniques, and the production of new materials. A new colour palette was introduced, and included softer and more complex colours, such as pink, mauve and blue. Faux marble finishes, tapestries, patterned wall paper (animals, flowers, landscapes, etc.), and luxurious fabrics were found in the interior of Victorian houses. Ceilings often had stencil work or wood panelling, and some walls were even wood panelled (such as dining rooms or libraries). Wood floors and parquet were ornate with rugs. Velvet, damask, brocades, and large tassels were often used on furniture or curtains for extra glamour. 

My mother's collection of Victorian and Aubusson needlepoint pillows

Victorian interiors were filled, but not cluttered. Decorative pillows, china and glass wear, paintings, ornate picture frames, busts and statues, angels, lace, stained glass, table lamps (especially from Tiffany), fire places, china cabinets, sideboards, and poufs were all abundant indoors. 

Victorian Cranberry and Satin glass in a London flat

All furniture was handcrafted at the start of the 19^th century, but by end of the Victorian era, mass reproduction and imitation became the main furniture industry of the time. Furniture was generally large, detailed, and curvy, with carved motives on it. The preferred wood was mahogany, oak, ebony, and (later on) bamboo. Towards the end of this period, iron garden furniture was also designed. 

Many new furniture pieces were created during this time period, such as a Borne (an oval shaped island bench with back-to-back seats), a Pouf (an upholstered round bench), an Ottoman, a Slipper chair (with low legs), a Vis-à-Vis (S-shaped double chair), a Victorian Balloon-back chair, and a Sleigh- bed.

From top left: a Victorian chair. Top right: a pouf in Opera Garnier, Paris. Bottom left: half of a Vis-à-vis. Bottom right: a Monsieur chair. 

Victorian Interior design is not so popular nowadays, as city living demands a calm, multifunctional space with minimal furniture and accessories. Some Victorian pieces might be incorporated with other furniture in homes, but a house decorated completely in Victorian style is very rare. Nevertheless, it is one of the most romantic, nostalgic and interesting styles of design, as it narrates the social and financial uprising of a specific class after the Industrial Revolution.

Chip chip cheerio! xoxo