Victorian Design Style Decorating

I am often ask about Victorian design style, this style was born during Queen Victoria’s reign and remained popular from 1837 up to the early 1900’s. The style was a mish mash of gothic, rococo and baroque and featured ornately carved furniture pieces made of dark woods such as mahogany. Mirrors were used in abundance and collectibles such as books and porcelain items were displayed in large curio cabinets.

Wing back chairs became popular during this time but other furniture pieces were straight backed and uncomfortable, for the most part.  Dark colors were favored, especially shades of red and green and fabrics were rich and luxurious.

Brass lamps often sported etched glass shades.  Louis Tiffany lamps became very popular during this time.  This is a stuffy, cluttered and very formal style that is difficult to incorporate into today’s modern life.  However, there are ways to add bits of Victorian design style to your home that will function for your and your family.

The heavy tufting and wooden legs and frame found on the Victorian Leather sofa by Coaster is a comfortable option for your living space.

Combine this with a comfortable wing chair like the Zacharie Victorian chair offered by Home Elegance and you have an old fashioned look with modern comfort.

The Serafin Victorian coffee and end table set offered by Stanley will be a nice complement and complete the room.

If romance is what you are seeking in your bedroom, choosing Victorian décor might be a good choice.

Heavily carved and embellished furniture similar to the Magnolia Victorian Design headboard by Orleans Furniture will make your bed the focal point of the room.

Combining it with the luxurious dark wood and carvings on the Edwardian Victorian Bedroom Vanity from Pulaski, some heavy velvet draperies and a colorful Tiffany lamp and you are on your way to the perfect Victorian space.

During the Victorian Era people loved to collect and showoff their possessions. These included books, porcelain figurines, brass items etc.  Large curio cabinets were necessary to house these items.  The impressive carvings and hand painting on the Bella Vista Victorian curio by Pulaski will certainly make a statement in any room.  The mirrored back and halogen lighting highlight your collectibles beautifully.

If space is an issue but you would still like to display your valuables try a corner curio cabinet like the one offered by Pulaski.  The dark wood, moldings and brass accents will brighten any corner.

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The dining room was a formal room during this period. Tables were large and chairs featured uncomfortable straight backs.  In today’s modern home we strive to provide comfortable seating at the dining table to promote good conversation and a pleasant dining experience.  Take, for example, Pulaski’s Cantabria Victorian Dining Room Chair.  The ornate design and dark wood are a perfect fit for any Victorian dining room.

As is the Golden Leaf Victorian side chair by Home Elegance.

While it might be difficult to live in a home decorated in a style that is as formal as Victorian, adding touches of Victorian Design elements such as beautifully carved wood and rich fabrics will allow you to enjoy this style in a comfortable and functional way.

Nicolette Interior Design Diva

This entry was posted on Tuesday, June 23rd, 2009 at 4:34 pm and is filed under Interior Design Styles. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.