Decorating Your Master Bedroom in Victorian Style

Your master bedroom is the place where you get the complete relaxation and comfort and share the intimate moments with your beloved. The master bedroom is one of the private rooms in your home and it really becomes important for the couples to make it a romantic one. Some people engage in giving their master bedroom a Victorian style which has the feminine feel with the antique and vintage looks. The Victorian style has wide variations with awesome innovations and creativity.

Here are some tips on how to decorate your master bedroom in Victorian Style.

  1. The most important part of the master bedroom is the bed. So you should indulge in having the showy wooden or cast iron, brass or combination-metal bedsteads of double size. You can purchase the modern beds of Victorian style or hire a carpenter to adapt an antique full bed to queen size or merge twin beds into a king size.
  2. Then you need to dress the bed richly with coverings and draperies, pillows, flounces, ribbon and other trims. Victorian period quilts, lace, eyelet and floral are appropriate selections.
  3. You can also use the marble topped tables or cabinets; even wicker tables or bamboo tables or round skirted table as a nightstand is also the prettiest option for styling your master bedroom in Victorian style. Apart from all these you can also use the turned or carved wooden tables made during that era that give the antique look.
  4. The top night tables are also very appealing and attractive which have traditional lamps, archetypal ginger-jar pottery and crystal; or brass and candlestick styles. You can place every lamp on the crocheted lacy mats or doily to give the unique authentic feel.
  5. The dark stained drawers or dressers made of oak, mahogany or walnut are also likable. The most genuine Victorian touches will be felt if you ornate the dressers and drawers with carvings, pediments or ornate the case-brass or carved-wood drawer pulls. Some of the drawers should be decorated with candle stands, tilting mirrors and marble tops.
  6. The area rugs are also very important for the flooring in your master bedroom. There are various types of area rugs that cover wall to wall with that soft and supple feel such as Orientals, straw-type mats, hooked rugs and machine-loomed rugs with flowery or swirly nonfigurative patterns.
  7. When it comes to walls then accessories them with old paintings, portrait period pictures including subjects such as botanicals, children, maidens, animals, etc. Try to choose mirrors in gold polished or wood stained frames. To give the most sensational and lovely feeling, place fresh flowers in period-style vases, and seek out Victorian-style collectibles such as china dishes and figurines.
  8. Lastly, the windows in your master bedroom should be nicely dressed with the drapes or full curtains with the tantalizing fresh colors. They can be ruffles, valances, braid, lace, bows and tassels. Fabrics can include velvet, brocade, delicate floral and eyelet, possibly layered atop lace sheers.

Thus with these interesting tips you can easily and nicely decorate your master bedroom in the Victorian style to make it a most lovable room.

Decorating Your Living Room in Victorian Style

The living room is the ceremonial as well as a busy room or a living space where the family members put all the decorating items to give it a complete looks and finishes. The family members spend most of the time here with their daily entertainment facilities included. There are lots of traditional old styles nicely blended in the modern living rooms. One such style is the traditional Victorian style which is very dazzling in everybody’s eyes with the perfect color contrasts and classic handicraft items on the walls.

Here are some tips on how to decorate your living room in the Victorian style:

  • The walls form the integral part of the living rooms and it really becomes very important to use the dark and bright tones of colors. Try to mix up the colors in the rooms and try to select hues. The most favorite Victorian colors are mauve, purple, bottle-green and red, and a single room could use most or all of these colors.
  • If you are choosing the seating pieces then chose upholstered in velvet, brocade, wood-embroidered fabrics, and add toss pillows. Try to use the exposed wood on the upholstered furnishings, such as carved feet and legs, arm rests, and wood trim along the upper backs of chairs and sofas.
  • There are lots of occasional tables that can be used such as carved bamboo, faux bamboo, marble-topped, spindled near the seating. Try to set traditional-style lamps, especially ceramic ginger-jar types, atop the tables, with crocheted doilies underneath.
  • You should drape the windows with beautiful lacy curtains which can include swags, valances and tiebacks. To give it a more breathtaking look try to trim the draperies along with the pillows and upholstery in the room with borders, decorations, cords and plaits.
  • The vintage accessories are also must if you are decorating in the complete Victorian style. So hang the ancestral or old paintings or portraits, botanical pictures or mirrors on the walls. The old family photos, Victorian style plates or platters, candle sconces in the oval gold polished or carved wood frames should be hung on the walls.
  • The wallpapers or wallpaper borders should be used to adorn the rooms. You can use the tall baseboard moldings and stacked crown moldings. The other things that hold beauty are a wallpaper border with a scroll, casing or faux-relief pattern near the crown molding.
  • The antique clocks in the wooden case can be very attractive in the living room. You can also decorate your living room with a tiered shelf and a fern stand. The tabletops can be decorated with period-style collectibles such as silver or brass candleholders, china dishes and glass paperweights.
  • The flooring should be very comfortable with the soft and easy patterned area rugs spread on the whole floor from wall to wall. The patterned are rugs can be with a leaf or scroll design or an Oriental pattern.

Thus with these useful and exciting tips you can nicely decorate your home in the traditional Victorian style.

Victorian Window Treatment

Victorian window treatment is very complicated and specific. It is very important to choose the correct window treatments to increase the qualities and character of the windows. The Victorian window treatment consists of layered draperies, velvet curtains and heavy draped curtains using various colorful fabrics. Victorian window decor will also give a romantic touch to all your rooms.

So, now let us discuss the main components of Victorian window treatment.

1. Decoration
In the Victorian times people used to have windows which were decorated very beautifully and elegantly. Victorian window curtains often rely on lace to give you that elegant style, making it a very strong decorative element in any room. If you have access to a fabric outlet, you can create your own Victorian curtains quite inexpensively. Victorian window treatment also includes pleated and fringed valances; intricate swags and long window curtains. Always choose lace swag and jabots for the top and a lace panel or tiers for the bottom.

2. Window treatment should be appropriate for the room

Before considering Victorian window treatment, you should make sure that this treatment is appropriate for the room. While using Victorian styling, you should keep in mind that this method of decoration also includes wall coverings and accessories. Try to pay attention to the color scheme and mainly use dark colors on your walls. You can also use wall paper that gives an antique touch to the whole room.

3. Flooring
The Victorian style of window treatment was very unique. Not only the window but other aspects of the room should also be kept in mind while indulging in Victorian window treatment. To match the window treatments with the floor try to find Victorian design area rugs. You can also look for oriental and genuine rugs that would give a whole new appearance to your room.

4. Accessories to match the window treatment
To give the whole Victorian look to your room you have to find accessories which match your window treatment. Search in an antique shop for vintage pictures and painting that can be hung around the window. You can also look for antique clocks, flower vases and period ornaments. These things will add a majestic and classic touch to the room’s appearance.

5. Lighting and fixtures

Another thing that you have to keep in mind while indulging in Victorian window treatment is the lighting and fixtures. Buy old fashioned lights for the ceiling and lamps that have silk edging shades and that can be placed all around the house.

6. Furniture
To match your window treatment you do not have to buy old sofas because they would be very uncomfortable for you. You just need to purchase old end tables and knick knack cabinets to create the whole Victorian affect in your house.

These are some things that you need to keep in mind while styling your windows with Victorian treatment.

Victorian Fire Place Mantels-Make Your Home Beautiful

Victorian Era was a period of new inventions, innovations, explorations and industrialization. This Era experienced a new freedom to create and experiment with new things. These new innovations could clearly be seen in the fireplace design of the Victorian Era. These beautiful fireplace mantles gave a classy and majestic look to the whole appearance of the room.

The high class people in the Victorian era were very sophisticated, stylish and classy and they usually preferred everything that had style and grandeur.

Now let us talk about the different kinds of fireplace mantles which were popular during the Victorian era.

1. Slate fireplace mantles
Slate fireplace mantles were very popular at the end of the Victorian era. These mantles were almost always painted to look like more expensive marbles. Slate fireplace mantles were very stylish and gave ornate look to the fireplace during those times.

2. Stone mantles
Stone mantles were greatly used during the Victorian period. The fireplace surrounds were made up of lime stones, marbles and other stones. Limestone provided a more contemporary explanation of the traditional styles. And marble mantles gave a classy and elegant appearance to the fireplace.

3. Timber mantles
In Victorian times wooden mantels tended to be made from mahogany. If made from pine they would be painted to look like more expensive wood or commonly painted white with gilded detailing.

4. Cast iron mantles
Cast Iron mantels were used throughout the Victorian Era, especially around kitchen ranges. There were also plenty of ornate and elaborate fireplace mantles which were produced for other rooms as well.

Various kinds of fireplace inserts were also used during the Victorian Era.

1. Horseshoe inserts

Early Victorian fireplace inserts had broad arched fire openings but with much more ornate decoration around the fireplace.

2. Arched inserts
Mid Victorian fireplaces had narrower arched fire openings with more geometric than floral decoration.

3. Tiled inserts
At the end of the Victorian era fireplace inserts become squarer with more prominent hoods and tiles on tile sliders.

If you want to give a Victorian Era appearance to your fireplace mantles then search for some ancient candles and mirrors in an antique shop. These things will look very good on top of a Victorian style fireplace mantle. You can also purchase some antique photo frames to decorate on top of the mantle. Try blending elegant metal frames with an intricately carved Victorian mantel.

While styling your Victorian fireplace mantle, try to make sure you use your imagination and creativeness to give it a very magnificent and grand look.

Several Beautiful Victorian Style Homes

Victorian architecture can be referred to the architectural styles and designs used during the Victorian Era. The Victorian Era was a period in history from 1840 to 1900. During this time, industrialization brought many innovations in architecture. There are a variety of Victorian styles, each with its own distinctive features.

Victorian style homes include beautiful home furniture and accessories, amazing wall decor, breathtaking designs in bedrooms, bathrooms, living rooms and outdoor decors, elegant railings, bed posts and bathroom vanities.

Most of the houses built during the Victorian period especially in England were made of stone, and enhanced with decorative “stone tracery”. The Victorian decorations and designs were extremely popular during the Victorian period. People who were very rich and wealthy preferred their houses to be built and designed using the Victorian styles.

The Victorian architecture has many alluring features which are still used mainly by the higher class of people in the society. A large number of variety including wall art, lighting, chairs, beds, lounges, tables are available in the Victorian designs.

Simple drawers, night stands, desks, rolling serving charts and fireplace designs are the most prominent in the Victorian style. Available in old-fashioned wooden designs, hand-carved Victorian furniture is some of the classiest furniture that you can ever come across.

Buildings constructed during the Victorian times usually have characteristics of one or more these styles:

1. Gothic revival architecture
Victorian gothic architecture usually had buildings feature arches, pointed windows, and other details borrowed from the middle ages. Masonry Gothic Revival buildings resembled cathedrals.

2. Second Empire or Mansard style
These styles of buildings have boxy mansard roofs and rectangular tower. This style was well known for public buildings and state institutions.

3. Victorian Queen Anne architecture
Queen Anne is the most elaborate of the Victorian styles. Buildings are ornamented with towers, turrets, and wrap around porches, large bay windows, multiple balconies and other fanciful details.

4. Victorian Italianate architecture
Rebelling against formal, classical architecture, Italianate became the one of the most popular styles in the United States. This style is characterized by bay windows in front; tall, narrow windows and towers, small chimneys, low roofs, wide eaves, and ornamental brackets.

5. Victorian stick-Eastlake architecture
Trusses and stick work suggest medieval building techniques on these relatively plain Victorian buildings. Found in the Northeast, Stick homes are decorative but not very ornate. They generally include steeply pitched roofs with overhangs, wooden shingles covering the exterior walls and roof, and squared bay windows.

6. Folk Victorian style
This style was mainly there for the less privileged class of people using trim work made possible by mass production.

7. Richardsonian Romanesque Architecture
These style of buildings were constructed of stone, they resemble small castles. Romanesque was used more often for large public buildings, but some private homes were also built in the imposing Romanesque style.

These are some of the most famous styles prevalent during the Victorian Era.

Planning a Victorian Era Bathroom

Victorian Era was known as the period between 1837 and 1901. During this period Victoria was the Queen of England. This Era saw rapid industrialization, inventions and a number of great innovations. The beautiful essence of Victorian style bathrooms was very much in demand in the nineteenth and early 20th century homes. But this style is still very much popular and can never go out of fashion.

If you are also interested in having a Victorian style bathroom, complete with a claw-foot tub then here we will provide you some excellent tips on how to plan one for your home.

1. Be acquainted with the style
If you want to have a Victorian style bathroom then try to get acquainted with the style of the Victorian house. Look up Victorian houses in reference materials and books at your local public library.  There are many specific decorating publications devoted to the Victorian Home. Search through these books and periodicals and become familiar with Victorian style.

2. Keep in mind all the important details
Try to keep in mind all the important details of this style. Take a special note of the bathroom fittings. If you want to recreate that Era in your bathroom style then try using Victorian curtain styles, install decorative moldings and wainscot a half paneled wall. Materials can easily be purchased at most lumberyards and home centers.

3. Look at antique stores
Once you have become familiar with the fixtures used during the Victorian Era you may look at antique stores for items you may use for your project. This can include soap dishes, an old mirror, pictures, etc. A regular antique store is the best place to shop for Victorian era related items.

4. Look for antique porcelain sink
Antique porcelain sink and porcelain toilets were used in the Victorian Era so you can also use them in you bathroom. To get the best results only buy fixtures that are in good repair. The fixture must be completely intact. There should not be any cracks. If there are associated plumbing parts, it may be possible to reuse them.

5. Search in architectural salvage shops
If you really want to give your bathroom a Victorian Era touch then you need to search flea markets and architectural reclaim shops for fixtures and Victorian items. If you find a used porcelain fixture; the porcelain can be cleaned smoothly with household detergent.

6. Claw foot tubs
Claw foot tubs can really give your bathroom the Victorian era touch. They may be purchased from companies that provide reproductions. Search through the advertising section of your Victorian decorating publications to find ready sources for Victorian accessories and fixtures.

These are some wonderful tips that you must use in order to decorate your bathroom in the Victorian style.

History of Victorian furniture

Victorian Era is known to be the period between 1840 and 1900. During this period Queen Victoria was the Queen of England. In this period a distinguish style of home designing and decorating were in use. During the Victorian era, Britain ushered in industrialization and mechanization, which fueled the economy and prompted consumerism.

So, here we will tell you all about the history of Victorian furniture:

1. Important Features
Features of antique Victorian furniture include imposing structures, curving silhouettes, dark woods, glossy glazes, rounded corners and lots of flourishes and ornamentation. In the Victorian Era the regency style of furniture were replaced by more durable, strong and heavy furniture of the prosperous Victorian home. The furniture was made up of dark shining woods of mahogany and rosewood.

2. Types of furniture
No one style was prominent in the Victorian Era because designers and interior decorators wanted to be as imaginative as possible. They liked experimenting with different styles and types. There are various types of furniture that can be classified as Victorian. In general, feminine and delicate designs reigned, and comfort was prioritized with cushions on armchairs and dining room chairs. In the late nineteen century the Victorian period designers thought about repeating the Sheraton, Chippendale and Tudor styles with dark finishes and high quality construction.

3. Time frame
The Victorian style furniture had some dominant characters of the Regency furniture styles, with curves, scrolls and woven elements.  In the middle of the nineteenth century the styles changed again with more rounded elements, shiny finishes, carved ornamentation and upholstery. In the later part of this century the furniture making experienced two unique styles, Arts and Crafts and Art Nouveau.

4. Effects throughout the period
The effects of Victorian furniture designs where experienced through out the nineteenth century. Carving and adornments remained, but became Gothic and medieval in theme. The style included decoration in favor of simplicity, favored the handmade look and celebrated farmhouse style. Instead of using the dark mahogany of Art Nouveau, Arts and Crafts furniture designers left pieces unvarnished and lighter in tone. The style also has hand painted panels and elements.

5. Misconceptions of the styles
The Victorian era did not have a singular style of furniture. The types kept on changing through out the century. The designers experimented with styles from around the world and throughout history, particularly borrowing from Gothic, Tudor, Rococo, Elizabethan and neoclassical traditions. In the Victorian Era the designs and styles that were used were extremely unique and creative. Designers mixed the designs from history, the Middle East, Asia and more in the creation of furniture, wallpaper, art, fittings and interior decoration.

These are some very important facts about the furniture styling and designing in the Victorian Era.

Beautiful Victorian Porch Railings

Victorian Era was a golden Era in the history f England. This period lasted from 1840 to 1900. During this period Victoria was the Queen of England. This period was considered to be a very peaceful and pleasant period. The Victorian Era experienced rapid industrialization, inventions, many explorations and innovation. A different style of architecture and home designing was also experience during this Era.

Victorian home styling was very unique and alluring. Here we will mainly discuss about Victorian styled porch railings.

The beauty of Victorian railings
The Victorian railings are constructed very beautifully and they add sophistication, elegance and grace to your house. The railings add to the classiness of the decor of your home whether they are inside or outside. Victorian porch railings resemble the style and creativeness that was used during the Victorian Era. The porch railings show the royal architecture and the majestic style used during those times. The Victorian style of decorating house is still very popular among the rich and high class people of the society.

Sense of style and grandeur
Victorian houses were built very magnificently, in sumptuousness and splendor.  The porch railings used during the Victorian era show world class creations and unique styles. These railings were used to show the extravagance and luxuriousness of the people who lived in such houses. The elegance of this style can be seen in the doors, windows, foyers, staircases and in the royal Victorian porch railings. Victorian railings give a very majestic appeal and show the marvelous designs. Victorian railings give a sense of style and grandeur.

Materials for constructions
Victorian railings would look good only on those houses which are constructed using the Victorian architecture.  If you want to recreate the magic of Victorian railings at your house then be very careful of each little detail. They would only look good if you have them constructed correctly. Right type of materials should always be used while constructing a Victorian style porch railing.

Materials that are used to construct the railings are:

  • You can use wood, but it has a low resistance to moisture.
  • The best choice of material to construct Victorian style railings would be iron. Iron should be used with a strong protective covering of lacquer to prevent corrosion and rusting. Iron is a strong material and can be designed into elaborate shapes and styles of the Victorian era.
  • Vinyl is another material that can be used to construct these railings because it is very suitable for high moisture.

At the time of renovating or construing your house with the Victorian style, it is very essential for you to have a building permit and it is also necessary for you to meet certain codes.

These are some things that you must keep in mind while decorating your house with Victorian porch railings.

Victorian Decor for Every Room

Decorating your homes in the Victorian style hen you really need to have the elegant accessories, antique pieces to beautify and rejuvenate your rooms. It is the combination of modern architecture with the Victorian theme of antiques and vintage accessories. They give a new look and feel and have a great impact on the interior decoration of your home. This Victorian decor is basically made exclusive by infusing it with hand-crafted items and personal charm.

Let us discuss the Victorian Decor for rooms in a detailed way:

1. Walls
The main thing that is seen in the Victorian Décor is the color tomes of the walls. The color gives ultimate importance to your wall accessories and thus adds magical charm in your rooms. Victorian era décor demands dark tones; using neutral walls and wallpapers which instantly clash with the furniture you will need. Your walls should be covered in lush colors such as dark greens, red, purples, browns, etc. the classic wallpapers or borders are an excellent way to add a fantastic touch to your rooms.

2. Floors
If you are really thinking of Victorian style of flooring then try the Victorian style area rug. This area rug is fashioned in an oriental style to complete the genuineness of the Victorian decorating look. The floors of the living room can either be hardwood floors or wall-to-wall carpeting.

3. Accessories
The wall accessories form the major part of the Victorian style home décor. Old photographs, classic paintings or old wall clocks are the dazzling way to add a beautiful touch to your Victorian style housing. Other accessories that you can use are candles, flowers; pictures, mirrors, etc. which add to the charm of the room and continue with the loving themes of the time. Decorations that are placed on the tables, such as candle holders, crystal lamps, porcelain figurines, or a vase of dried flowers, should be set on embroidered lacy mats to add beauty to it.

4. Furniture
The Victorian style decor needs specific type of furniture. It should be darkly stained and have elaborated craftsmanship. High-backed chairs with scroll detail, fainting sofas, marble tabletops, circular sofas and more complete the look. The furniture should be comfortable and durable. Choose the curio and side tables made of wood with rich patina to give the exotic Victorian look and style in your rooms.

5. Window Dressings
The dressing and beauty of windows also mean a lot in the Victorian style of home decor. The lightweight layered drapes of white or bright colors are very common complete with sheers, velvet curtains. Your chosen fabrics should match the design style and color tones of the walls and windows.

Thus in this way you can have your rooms beautifully decorated in the unique Victorian style.

Types of Four Seasons Sunrooms

There are many options when it comes to planning and designing your house. Nowadays many homeowners are busy in enlightening their houses with the natural sunlight and this is achieved by the Four Season Sunrooms. With the four season sunrooms you can add that extra space in your portico to comfortably enjoy the weather and air with proper sunlight. These sunrooms enhance the beauty and add value to your home property by making it more elegant.

Sunrooms are significantly more cost effective, easier to install and less messy in construction than the ordinary rooms.

What is Four Season Sunroom?
All the four season sunrooms are made of completely insulated walls and ceilings with well insulated glass windows. You can easily extend the home cooling and heating system to keep the sunroom’s temperature at ease during hot sizzling summer days and frosty winter nights.

Types of Four Season Sunrooms:

1. Cathedral Sunroom
It is the perfect style of sunroom and it is blend with the old fashioned look of the Victorian homes. The basic characteristics of these rooms are high ceilings mirrored the interior rooms of the house. But the design and structure is best fitted with the old Victorian look. They provide ample airy space with sliding doors, insect screens and sliding windows. Thus they add a new dimension to our homes and lifestyles.

2. Straight Sunroom
It is just a plain design of the sunroom with no additional features. They are simply finished with aluminum interiors and exteriors and even natural wood interior beams in some styles. The basic theme is the simplicity and subtlety thus giving it a look of classic style sunroom. They beautifully add the natural sunlight with elegance into your rooms. The Straight features have heavy duty rafters with adjustable roof slopes insulated panels for roof. They are available in bronze, sandstone and white.

3. Curved Sunroom
It is a refined sunroom with portico enclosure with a curved look. They are perfectly suitable for the housing purposes and contain sliding doors, thermally broken framework, insulated panels for roof filled with foams, and accurate flooring system. In this sunroom you will find the graceful lines and elegant symmetry with the polished and finished look of existing roofline. They provide the natural sunlight thus enhancing the decoration of your homes.

4. Conservatory Sunroom
It is treated as the absolute and stunning four season sunroom. It is a versatile sunroom with proper glazing from solar control and insulation. You will see the masterpieces in architectural designs in these conservatory sunrooms. They easily blend with the old fashioned look of your home. They are provided with French doors, carved glass, dentil molding and ridge cresting.  You can even select wood interiors of oak or pine. Apart from that the other means to make it look dazzling is you can place beamed ceilings, fans, glass trapezoids and skylarks. It is for both residential as well as commercial purposes.

Thus these are the various types of four season sunrooms which are brighter and more conventional creating more habitable living rooms, wonderful sun-drenched dining rooms, or bigger kitchens to bring light into the heart of the home. It literally combines the old fashioned look for the Victorian homes with modern construction techniques bring out excellence and quality.