5 Ways to Go Vintage with Victorian Home Decor this Winter

January 2017

While modern and minimalist seems to rule the roost when it comes to the latest trends both in fashion and interiors, the rich and elegant appeal of the Victorian era is truly timeless. Ornate fixtures, rich fabrics, impeccably polished wood and wrought iron furniture and delicate drapery—all hark back to an era synonymous with not just a highly evolved lifestyle but also a sophisticated aesthetic and design vocabulary. By adding a few Victorian touches here and there, you can transform your home into one that exudes old-world charm with a touch of opulence. Wondering how you can do so without compromising on functionality and without going over the top These 5 expert tips are just what you need.

Victorian Style Décor

Let the fabrics flow

From curtains to rugs and carpets to upholstery, using the right kind of fabric is half the job done when it comes to Victorian style decor. Fabrics in rich colours like dark green, crimson, midnight blue and chocolate brown are perfect for imbuing your space with the Victorian-era flair. For your upholstery, pick rich fabrics like woven jacquard with large floral designs and intricate golden embroidery or solid velvets to enhance the sophistication of your wooden furniture.

Victorian Style Living

A four-poster bed complete with drapes and a canopy is not only reminiscent of Victorian-style living but also adds to the romantic vibe of the bedroom. However, if that is hard to come by, an elegant wooden bed dressed up in fine fabric—think bed covers and sheets with intricate prints and embroidery and pillowcases in solid colours and with rich borders—would do just fine. It is easy to go overboard when it comes to this particular decor style, so if you’re opting for rich upholstery and bed linen, balance things out by using sheer curtains or those in other light materials like cotton and linen, and pastel colours.

Rich Curtains

Dress up the windows

Large windows with wooden panels ensconced by rich curtains is an imagery that immediately evokes the plush life and times of the Victorian era. While the paneling may not be in your control, a great way to emulate Victorian style home decor is by developing your windows into focal points with curtains in heavy fabrics like silk, satin and brocade. Dress them up further with embellishments like tassels, trimmings, braids and cords. The way your curtains are draped can also make a world of difference to your interiors. So for that extra dash of flair, opt for unique curtain styles using swags, Victorian valances, tiebacks and window scarves. Deck the walls For magnificence that’s truly Victorian, use good-quality plaster to create decorative arches and moulding on the walls of your home. Remember: Victorian style decor is all about rich colours and ornamentations channelled in the right doses. A good alternative to remodeling your walls is to use Wallpapers in colours like red, midnight blue or rich brown. However, dark colours may make your space look smaller, so for smaller room sizes, use wallpapers in light colours like off-white and cream with ornate metallic gold and silver prints. Not only will they create the illusion of your room being more spacious, but also lend some subtle grandeur to your space.

Vintage Accessories

Pepper with vintage accessories

The easiest way to imbue your interiors with Victorian elegance is to intersperse your room with a mélange of vintage accessories while keeping the rest of the decor elements simple. Are your walls too basic? Deck them up with ornate artwork like classic paintings, photographs and tapestries, even mirrors, in heavy wooden or metal frames for that extra punch. Mantels or shelves showcasing wooden mantel clocks, exquisite bowls or vases, a rustic telephone and even small frames are perfect to lift the look of a simple space. For a bolder statement, install ornate lighting fixtures, such as a grand chandelier or brass candle/bulb holders, and antique chests or trunks, to work as accents. Simple wooden doors can be made to look more regal by opting for intricately carved metal doorknobs. Flooring that floors! Parquet flooring (made by arranging wooden blocks) is not only truly Victorian at heart, but also makes your interiors look warmer and more sophisticated. If a wooden floor is not an option, a good-quality marble or faux wood flooring can work just as well. While homes during the Victorian era were often carpeted from wall to wall, refrain from doing so as these are highly difficult to maintain. Instead, accentuate your well-polished flooring with an interesting rug or an ornately patterned carpet, such as one with an Oriental or rich floral print.