Victorian interior design style

Table of contents

Definition of the era ………………………………………………………….. 1

History in architecture …………………………………………………………2-3-4
Victorian style in interior design …………………………………….........…...5-6-7-8
Victorian contemporary style example ……………...…………………………9
Victorian style in: furniture and textures…………………………………….....10-11
Victorian: color scheme ………………………………………………………..12-13
Summary …………………………………………………………………........14
 Victorian - Definition of the era:

• The Victorian era, lasting from 1832 to 1901, was a time of radical change throughout the world,
and particularly in England. With the rapid expansion of colonialism across large parts of Africa,
Asia and the west Indies, making England the largest and most influential center of world power
and relocating the supposed core of Western Culture from Paris to London.
• The early Victorian period (1832-48) can be characterized as a time of significant change with the
enhancement of the railways and the very first reform parliament in the nation, yet it was also a
time of economic distress.
• Even though the mid-Victorian period (1848-1870) was not free from the difficulties of the
previous period, it was an era of overall prosperity and social fulfillment with the expansion of the
empire, enhancing business and commerce circumstance.
• This was also an era in which company science and technology were embraced with great intensity.

By Joelle Maatouk 1
 Victorian - History in architecture:

• Victorian architecture is not restricted to a particular style. It’s a broad term used to describe the
several styles that appeared in the reign of the queen Victoria’s 63 years. Since there was no
uniform design, architects and contractors built structures that matched their patron’s desires and
wishes. However, the industrial revolution has contributed to changes in society that have affected
the design of Victorian buildings. In addition the extension of the railroads made it easier for
prefabricated products such as window glass, tiles and granite to be shipped and produced.
• Throughout this era, several styles appeared. Some of the most popular were Queen Anne,
classical, Gothic Revival, Arts and crafts, Italianate, and Romanesque revival.
• Victorian structures, however, share a variety of disguising characteristics. Frequently, most
Victorian architectures can be described as doll-like, curl shaped, bright colors, and asymmetrical
designs. Most of the Victorian structures were brick with large interior staircase and windows,
balconies, fireplaces in every room and porches.
By Joelle Maatouk 2
 Victorian – History in architecture:

Queen Anne architectural style Gothic revival architectural style

By Joelle Maatouk 3
 Victorian – History in architecture:

Italianate architectural style Romanesque revival architectural style

By Joelle Maatouk 4
 Victorian – Interior design:

• The Victorian theme is expressed in a very full atmosphere built to represent wealth, lavishness,
and romance. Victorian rooms were heavily decorated with rich furniture, patterned wallpapers,
colored tiles, pictorial tapestries, large potted plants and gold leaves. The interior surfaces were
decorated with roses, medallions, arches, ovals, garlands and wreaths. Dramatic pictures and
sketches of cats, puppies, fairies and flowers lined the passageways of the Victorian rooms.

• During the Victorian era, the full consequences of major technological advances were noticed and
everyday life changed. Decoration was added in the home to ceilings, floors, doorways and
windows frames. Empty rooms were deemed to have a bad taste. The decorative aim was to show
abundance. Ornate designs covered walls, windows and rugs. Elaborate gas lamp fixtures have
been added to the newer lamps.

By Joelle Maatouk 5
 Victorian – Interior design:

• The division of space is a distinctive characteristic of Victorian interior design. Victorian houses
had as many rooms as possible, so each space had a specific function. Public and private zones of
the home have been clearly identified and decorated accordingly.

• The ceilings were decorated with chandeliers that have covered wires and medallions. Engraved
and stained glass windows were put centrally in the entrances. Stylish wrought iron lined stair and
framed doorways. Decoration has become a symbol of social status. Large overfilled furniture was
made of expensive, highly carved woods and lined with rich velvets and damasks. The size and
scale of the settees were high. In addition tassels and tufting have been plentiful.

By Joelle Maatouk 6
 Victorian – Interior design:

By Joelle Maatouk 7
 Victorian – Interior design:

Chandeliers
Damasks wallpaper
Damasks wallpaper

Stained glass windows

Interior flower vase

Highly carved wood cabinet

Pictorial tapestries

By Joelle Maatouk 8
 Victorian – contemporary Victorian style :

By Joelle Maatouk 9
 Victorian – furniture and textures:
• The very first coiled spring was invented during the Victorian era, making the legs of the chair
shorter and the seats wider to fit the springs under the seat. This also had an impact on upholstery,
as it had to be stronger to stand up to the spring abuse. Popular woods used to make Victorian
furniture including oak, walnut, mahogany and rosewood; some tabletops or sideboards were lined
with marble iron.

Oak wood tripod table Cast iron hand sewed table lamp Bunk beds Embellished, heavy proportion
By Joelle Maatouk 10
 Victorian – furniture and textures:

• The upholstery on Victorian furniture represented

the newfound wealth of the upper-middle class; the
primary fabrics used included heavy brocades,
damasks, velvets and needlepoint in rich colors.
The backs of couches and chairs were often tufted Floral textured, buttoned upholstery
in diamond patters with buttons sewn at each point
of the diamond. Fabrics often depicted floral
patterns to coincide with the floral wallpaper used
in homes, unless they were solid colored.

Upholstered, highly curved and gilded settees curvaceous, sinewy lines with dark finishes
By Joelle Maatouk 11
 Victorian – color scheme:
• Contrast and diversity were the hallmarks of the Victorian era. The Victorian decoration put
together several vivid deep colors often from the opposite sides of the color wheel. The reds were
matched with the greens, the golds with purples and the gilded molding accent gave all the desire
of wealth. Further in this era, the Victorians started to prefer the line over the curve with more mute
colors. But the extreme constants and layered decorative styles remained constant.

vivid deep colors

By Joelle Maatouk Color wheel 12
 Victorian – color scheme:

By Joelle Maatouk 13
 Victorian – Summary:

• In summary, the Victorian rooms

were about prestige, culture and
perfectionism. This was a common
concept of the days that home
management was supposed to
reflect social norms and people felt
obliged to decorate and embellish
their homes in the light of social
expectations. This justifies the
heavily lavished interior of this
historical lavished era.

By Joelle Maatouk 14