Victorian Style at a Glance
Victorian period (1837-1901) is characterized by the revival of many decorative styles – Gothic, Elizabethan, Louis XIV and Rococo. The main event that affected the development of arts and design was the invention of the machine. Middle class due to the industrial progress started to get richer and they wanted to show off their wealth in the form of possessions in the newly built houses. That’s the reason why Victorian style interiors often look cluttered and overloaded with furniture and various decorative objects. Here are the main features of Victorian style which will help you to recognize it at a glance:
- Wallpaper replaces plain paint and starts to be mass produced. William Morris was one of the most influential designers and designs invented by him remain popular until today.
- Dark rich colors are in fashion as from the middle of the 19th century – reds, greens, browns and blues:
- Floors were covered with large patterned rugs:
- Window treatments were usually made of heavily decorated textiles – damasks, velvets, chenilles, cretonnes, and chintzes, enhanced by swags and tails. Windows are sash, casement or French.
- Furniture is made of rich expensive woods – mahogany, rosewood, walnut, and oak.
- Popular furniture pieces include button-back chairs and sofas, balloon-back chairs for dining rooms and Davenport desks.
- Patterns were influenced by exotic fabrics imported from China and India.
Lighting. Gasoliers and oil lamps appear and start to replace candles:
- Encaustic floor tiles and stained or etched glass
- Decorative pottery on display:
- Fireplaces made of cast iron or slate:
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