A lot of us dream of being able to decorate our homes in exactly the styles that may make us drool when we see them in magazines. But, when you factor in family, the style you like might just be a bit overwhelming for them to deal with, especially in every room. So, let your imagination fly, on a smaller scale, as we illustrate decorating in the Victorian Era style, room by room.
The Victorian Era celebrates the reign of England’s Queen Victoria, a time where the middle class was just beginning to develop and was making its presence known. It features rich decor, accentuated with dark woods, gold trim and some very feminine touches. Today it would feature antiques prominently, and if you are on a tight budget, you can use antique-looking pieces on a smaller scale, and still be able to pull the vision off successfully.
Prominent in Victorian Era homes was the parlor. This was the room that represented the owners at their best, and was the first room most visitors saw. The men would do business there, after socializing, and often the family would entertain the guests with various pursuits, like social games and performances by the talented members of the host family.
Pianos and other instruments were often the focal point, and furniture would be grouped about a piano or harp. Furniture was made of mahogany or oak with velvet coverings, surrounded by decorative art featuring the people or scenes of the times. Plant stands of scrolled wood and marble were also popular, as were floral rugs placed on polished wood.
The kitchen in a Victorian home was the work horse of the family, and was the source of the classic cast-iron kitchen. Stoves, ovens, pots and pans were all made of cast iron, durable and wonderful to cook with, if you knew what you were doing. Mahogany and dark cherry counters and shelves, replete with dark pewter knobs, china bowls and platters and delicate tea cups painted with eye-catching designs. A small table off to the side for work space and eating area for the help would often be resting upon a small oval rug that could be easily cleaned.
The classic bathroom of the Victorian Era was a place to relax, to rejuvenate. The most prominent feature was the claw-foot tub, backed by stained-glass windows for effect. There would be ornate glass perfume bottles showcased upon the sink and about the room, as well as glass jars filled with homemade bath salts and oils. More plants on a smaller scale mixed in with porcelain accents would do nicely for an overall look.
Lastly, the bedroom. Shadowboxes filled with romantic mementos adorn the walls, and lighting is always softened for that classic romantic appeal. Ceramic urns with English roses on a side table, next to a bed heaped with comfortable and cozy bed linens and pillows, topped with a lacy four-poster canopy with a vintage print, atop a beautiful and soft red area rug.
Sarah really enjoys writing about Victorian Era home decorating. And one of her favorite sites for floral rugs and oval rugs is http://www.HouseOfAreaRugs.com.
