Is Your House Victorian?

Victorian House

Is Your House Victorian?

Spanning the reign of Queen Victoria, the Victorian era (1837 to 1901) was a time of monumental change in many ways.

The Industrial Revolution meant that innovative techniques were being introduced, worldwide trade was opening up and the rapid economic growth then led to a big increase in building. And, with the creation of the railways and many new manufacturing processes, locally produced building materials - which were previously only used in the immediate area - soon became available all over the country.

Why Do Victorian Houses Look Like They Do?

People took a lot of pride in their properties and the more affluent classes saw their home as a big reflection of their status.

There was certainly an eclectic mix of styles throughout the Victorian era, with lots of adornment and trimmings, but it can also be said the Victorian age was very much a period of imitation and reproduction - many styles, which were previously popular, were revived.

Victorian Architectural Styles

Victorian Architectural Styles

Among other artistic achievements, the Victorians produced wonderful works of architecture. We will look into some of the styles that architects developed from the beginning of Queen Victoria's reign in 1839 to her death in 1901. 

From the early Victorian period until about the time of Civil War in America, the Western World saw relatively simple styles of architecture that reflected styles of the past. There was an abundant revival of styles: Greek Revival (1825 - 1850), Gothic Revival (1840 and 1880) and a return to Renaissance forms. 

After the Civil War and as a result of a growing trend towards industrialism, Victorian architecture tended toward more complicated and elaborate designs. Prominent styles during this later period included Italianate (1840 - 1890), Second Empire (1855 - 1885), Stick-Eastlake (1860 - 1890), and Queen Anne (1880 - 1910). 

Victorians also began to paint their homes in unique colors. Cheerful pastels in pink, blue and lavender hues began showing up on the exterior of homes beginning from around the 1870s. 

The "Painted Ladies" in San Francisco, California and "Rainbow Row" in Charleston, South Carolina are all wonderful examples of this movement. The following are some popular Victorian styles of architecture.

Victorian Interiors

Examples of Victorian interiors.

Victorian Interior

Victorian Interior 1