How do I Decorate a House in a Victorian Style?

Victorian Style Interior Decor

Victorian decor reflects the tastes and styles of this era. According to Creative Home Decorating Room by Room, the Victorian period "was an era of ornate and excessive decoration in all things," which was preceded and followed by simpler times.

In addition to the ornate, lighter Victorian decor often favored by bed and breakfasts, the Victorian era also had a more masculine side, and often used dark furniture and animal trophy accessories throughout the home.

If you own a Victorian home and are selling your property, adding a bit of Victorian flair may enhance and accentuate the historic value of your home. San Francisco in particular is home to several thriving Victorian home districts, such as Pacific Heights and the Western Addition.

1

Purchase antiques from the Victorian era. Search local antique shops, particularly any stores that may specialize in Victorian antiques. Antique shops can be pricey, so also look at thrift stores, which may offer additional antiques for lower prices.

2

Replace plain light fixtures with ornate Victorian pieces. Look for chandeliers, beaded lampshades, and cast iron lanterns. For a truly authentic feel, use Victorian candle holders and candleabras to provide dim lighting in your formal dining or living room.

3

Replace drapes and blinds with Victorian window treatments. The Victorian era tended to use lush, ornate fabrics such as velvet and silk, with rich color tones. As noted at From Times Past, one telltale sign of a Victorian era home is stained glass windows, which can be purchased at home improvement stores or found in antique shops. (See Reference 4)

4

Accessorize with decorative vases and bold floral arrangements, animal trophies, needlepoint pillowcases, Grecian busts and vases, and a wide variety of knick-knacks and miniatures. As noted at The New Homemaker, you may also want to invest in display cases and box-style frames to prevent breaking and minimize dusting.

5

Hang Victorian wall art, such as antique mirrors, needlework, portraits and nature pieces. Use ornate frames to accentuate artwork and portraits.