Time Frame

• The Victorian Era encompassed the entire length of Queen Victoria's reign, which was 1837 to 1901. This period that began what we know as modern times was an age of wealth and prosperity. Because of this, the Victorian style of home decorating and design is a display of apparent affluence. Furnishings and accessories are often cluttered, and always interesting flaunting privileged circumstances and an appreciation for culture.
  
  

Features

• Victorian design literally starts from the ground up. Flooring can be luxurious carpeting, rich wood, or geometrically patterned tile. If you have wooden flooring in your home, stain it a deeper, darker color. Rosewood, mahogany, or walnut stains are good choices. Scatter woven tapestry rugs sporting peacocks, gardens, or other bird or floral motifs across the floor to add appeal. If you prefer tile, a combination of black and white in a striking pattern will provide a lovely setting for your furnishings.
  
  

Identification

• Victorian home decorating can be identified throughout the home and from ceilings to floors. Walls were covered in dark colors and laden with dark, heavy items to make rooms appear smaller and therefore more intimate. Whether you choose wallpaper or paint, stick with rich colors such as emerald green, burgundy, plum and mauve. Hang intricately designed picture frames and mirrors. Large frames that cover a wide area of a wall or groupings of similar frames are characteristic of a Victorian living room.
  
  

Effects

• The furniture you choose will have the greatest effect on your Victorian-inspired design. Choose large, masculine pieces composed mostly of wood in dark, rich colors. The wooden features of the furniture pieces should have intricately carved designs such as flowers, scrolls and animals. Choose lavish woven tapestry for the fabric covering the cushioned areas of the furniture. Pieces with claw feet or embellishments such as metal drawer pulls in the shape of a lion's head add further effect to the room.
  
  

Considerations

• Accents such as elaborate crown molding, crystal lighting fixtures, gilded picture frames or vases, and ornate window coverings will top off your room. Because this design style is so lavish, be certain that it suits your taste before you commit to decorating your entire home in this manner. Begin by incorporating one or two pieces. If you love those pieces and find yourself drawn to them, look for more ways to decorate that room in Victorian design.