Victorian style interior.

Victorian style - (eng. "Victorian style") - the code name for a long period in the history of art in England in the second half of the 1819th century, associated with the years of the reign of Queen Victoria (1901-1819) and Prince Consort (English, consort - husband) Albert ( 1861-XNUMX).


There are three stages: early (1835-1855) is called romantic or neostyle period; middle (1855-1870), or great - the heyday, when the most recognizable features of the style were determined; late (1870-1910 or aesthetic) - the lightest, lightest, most elegant, it serves as the threshold of modernity.


The beginning of the Victorian era was filled with unbridled optimism. At this time, England experienced a period of industrial growth and became the "workshop of the world." Accordingly, the arrogant psychology of the representatives of the new “middle class” (middle class) developed, striving to surround themselves with the attributes of a “luxurious life”. The concept of “fear of emptiness” came into use again, but, unlike the traditional interpretation, for example, in Baroque art, it became a reflection of a different, eclectic thinking, this is noticeable in the design of residential interiors. Against the background of a stylistically indefinite decor, a lot of unnecessary items were placed without any order and analysis.

“This 'fear of the void' was taken by the Victorians for comfort, taste and social tone,” C. McCorquodale wrote in his book on the history of interior design.

Despite numerous accusations of eclecticism and oversaturation with details, this style still remains the personification of a truly English interior. However, the British do not sympathize with this style. It is generally considered to be simply a long period of eclecticism, mixing features of Gothic, Chinoir, Italian Renaissance and the Parisian market.

The Victorian interior is an image that is both collective and integral. It cannot be created with a few strokes and details; it requires maximum reliability. As a result, classicism and baroque, gothic and rococo, empire and oriental exoticism, simplicity and luxury, cozy solidity and aristocracy peacefully exist in the house. Despite the richness of the Victorian interior, harmony reigns in it, each detail echoes the others in texture, shape or color. Modern Victorian style does not quite reflect the historical truth, it only takes the basics. This style is rightly considered one of the most difficult to implement.

Victorian style requires expensive and high-quality finishes. Dark wood of valuable species (mahogany, walnut, bog oak, yew). Stucco, stained-glass windows, parquet. Terracotta or black and white tiles laid in a checkerboard pattern in the hall, kitchen, bathrooms.

Ceilings are either whitewashed and decorated with austere stucco, or sheathed with wood paneling. Massive doors and windows are often decorated with stained glass diamonds. The floors are laid out with oak boards or parquet with a geometric pattern made of different types of wood. Several materials are often combined in wall decoration - in this way the surface is divided into two or three horizontal fragments. The upper part of the walls is painted or covered with decorative plaster with a stencil pattern, covered with wallpaper or covered with fabric. The plinth belt is sheathed with wood panels. Patterns on wallpapers and fabrics: from classic vertical stripes and heraldic motifs to geometric patterns with complex weaves, as well as floral motifs, with larger and more contrasting images of leaves, flowers, etc.

This style is far from minimalist, an abundance of accessories, many of which bear a touch of colonial style. Indian, Chinese and Japanese screens, hookahs, Chinese and English porcelain, oriental boxes; lamps made of bronze, porcelain, glass in the style of Chinese vases on high legs; porcelain and cast figurines and vases; Grandfather Clock; mirrors framed with carved wood; ceramic pots with indoor plants; paintings on the walls in voluminous carved frames: portraits, watercolor landscapes, images of flowers and animals, as well as fabulous and mystical scenes; the furniture is massive with pilasters, capitals, cornices, as well as figured table legs and high carved chair backs. Polishing, varnishing, gilding are NOT APPLIED! Springs in the seats and backs of lush armchairs and sofas (innovation); leather "grandfather's" chairs with "ears"; in the bedroom, along with high wooden beds under canopies, beds without a canopy on a brass or iron frame. Curtains with lush lambrequins and tails consists of at least two types of curtains: heavy ones with braid with pompoms, fringe, massive tassels, and light ones - made of tulle or lace fabric, bedspreads and canopies - a single ensemble with curtains on the windows. Carpets on the floor, sofas. Plaids, oriental shawls, pillows with tassels on the furniture.

Fabrics mainly: velvet, brocade, damask, taffeta, chintz, fine linen, silk; upholstered in printed velvet, tweed, wool and floral silk. Leather, tapestries, floral carpets.

Lighting is subdued.

Color spectrum.

Early period - light shades: pale pink, lilac, beige-ocher, warm white.

The middle period - warm saturated colors: red, burgundy, brown, green, terracotta, yellow. They became the hallmark of the Victorian style.

Late period - light colors: white, dusty green, gray-beige.


Bath in Victorian style.

Classic elegant furniture, with carvings and other decor, will fit into the interior of such a room. Washbasin in the form of a dressing table. A comfortable armchair or chair is installed next to the table. Bath on carved legs. Faucets, faucets, showers are antique-styled, preferably gilded or bronze.

For wall decoration it is better to use ceramic tiles. The lower part of the wall is often sheathed with wooden panels coated with water-repellent compounds.

Paintings and mirrors on the walls. Vases, sconces, candlesticks will serve as an ideal decoration for the bathroom.


Victorian style in the interior is a discreet luxury and beauty.

Victorian style gives a person a feeling of comfort, stability. This style corresponds to the notions of prosperity, it conveys a kind of confidence in the future of the person who gave preference to him.


Continuation of the review of interior styles follows ...