Victorian Style

On Monday, we discussed Colonial style, a classic, understated formal style common in Washington homes. Today, we go another direction and explore the frilly, feminine Victorian style, popular during the reign of Queen Victoria, 1837-1901. Most women have a weakness for Victorian style. Left to our own devices, we might cover our entire homes in ruffles, lace, floral prints and decadent embellishments. Most men, however, find little appeal in Victorian style and either tolerate it for the sake of the women in their lives or banish it from their homes.

First of all, who was Queen Victoria? She was Queen of the United Kingdom during the nineteenth century and is most well-known for a couple of reasons. First, she ascended the throne at the age of 18 and lived to age 81. Her reign lasted 63 years and 7 months, the longest of any British monarch before or since. (Queen Elizabeth II’s reign is currently at 58 years 60 days). Secondly, she had nine children and 42 grandchildren, and her descendants are associated with royal families throughout Europe. Third, she had a famous romance with her husband (and first cousin!) Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha. Victoria and Albert married when Victoria was just 20. Albert died 21 years later and for the rest of her life, Victoria was his mourning widow and always wore black (although a later romance with a servant named John Brown is rumored). The romance between Victoria and Albert is legendary and is the subject of a current exhibition at Buckingham Palace called “Victoria & Albert: Art & Love.” Jonathan Marsden explains below for The Royal Channel.

Victorian style is based on the preferences of Queen Victoria. Victoria was raised in a very strict environment where she was not allowed to interact with other children and had to share a bedroom with her mother every night until she became queen at 18! Victoria also reigned during a period of great prosperity and power for the United Kingdom. The video below is a great overview of the British empire during Victoria’s reign.

What does Victorian style look like? As an English style, it has a lot in common with Colonial style and wooden embellishments and paneling are a definite characteristic. But Victorian style goes much further, adding layer upon layer of embellishments and a hint of romance. Ornate carving, detailed laces, ruffles, doilies on the furniture, houseplants, lush carpeting, flowers, ribbons, jewelry. It’s the stuff of dollhouses and princesses. The video below is a delightful compilation of photographs of original Victorian interiors with Chopin.

Victorian style had great influence around the world but especially in the United States. During the Civil War era, Victorian style was in abundance. Many of us may also recognize Victorian style in the homes of our grandparents and great-grandparents.

Victorian style is wonderfully fun to use but it is also a difficult style. It is very easy to go wrong and create a design that just says “old lady” rather than “romantic elegance.” Victorian done right has some whimsy and fun to it. In the historical photos above, you can also see that often the delicacy of Victorian elements were counterbalanced by darker wood tones and heavy, more masculine features. It is as though you are matchmaking between design elements in your room. Think of the dark wood paneling dating the lace curtains.

If you decide to use Victorian style in your decorating, here are some tips to keep in mind:

1. Less is more. One or two large decorative Victorian pieces is a lot for one room and a few well-placed accessories are better than glass cabinets filled with knickknacks. If men live in your home, you will hear griping when the feminine elements are getting out of control.
2. Mix in contrasting elements. Remember to add some less decorative, simpler elements to your design and/or heavier, masculine pieces as well. The eye needs a chance to rest after looking at a lot of detail and it helps the viewer to better appreciate the detailed pieces. A frilly item like a fringed tablecloth, for example, contrasts nicely on a thick-legged table or an upright piano.
3. Mind the florals. Bad floral patterns uglify a Victorian design quickly. Be careful with your floral choices. Often it is better to go to the artistic extremes–either super-realistic or graphic and modern–for a floral pattern with timeless elegance.
4. Dark tones help. The darker tones add a masculine element (and a romantic tone) to balance the design. Black, dark brown, deep purple, dark red, forest green and other similar shades add drama.
5. Don’t be cheap. Using cheap-looking materials won’t work in Victorian style. Your pieces don’t have to be truly expensive but they should at least look like they are. Cheap brass accessories, orange-toned woods and boring floral patterns will give the wrong impression. The Victorian Trading Company is a great source for affordable yet elegant accessories, clothing, stationery and other fun things.

Are you a Victorian at heart? What do you like best/least about Victorian style? Please share in the comments.