Walls were seen to be horizontally divided into three after Georgian style right from the year 1860. A greater coordination was being noticed among the finish of the three sections. It is said that the Victorians were quite aware of the association of patterns and colors along with their proportions that exist within the room.
Using wallpapers
It is during this time that wallpapers in huge numbers were produced and its popularity increased with time. Flock papers in red colors for the dining rooms were used and so were the Gothic inspired papers, which have been made famous by Pugin.
Moreover, papers having trailing botanical themes had been noticed to be common. The ceilings and walls were also painted. Often this is also brushed onto textured papers while stenciled patterns got applied to dados and friezes.
Rarely the color white was used for ceilings, with drab and cream colors being the most favored choice. Woodwork (baseboards/deep skirting, doors, etc) was usually grained or strained for giving that mahogany appearance.
Flooring
During the Victorian times, hardwood floors were still used. Although there were intricate designs exhibited, the less elaborate ones had been covered by either carpet that depicted bold floral patterns and oriental rugs. Bordered carpets were used, laid in rectangle or square having some floor margin visible surrounding the room. The remaining portion of the floor that is not covered by the carpet was either dark stained or covered with oil or felt cloth.
While marble was the most popular choice among the Victorian interior design, linoleum and tiles (earthenware and ceramic) were among the preferred choice when it came to using for utilitarian areas. For hallways, encaustic tiles of geometric patterns were favored upon. Most of the floorings are said to exist still today, while the old designs are provided with replacement tiles as and when necessary.
Furnishings
These were characterized by elaborate multiple layered treatments. Often, curtains were hung from wooden or brass poles and pelmets and were softly draped. Still pelmets became quite popular and at times extended down of the frame’s outside in forming a lambrequin. For more privacy and to have dust and dirt filtered out, roller blinds and lace curtains were used.
The doorways, upholstery and mantel- pieces were provided with draperies. Trimming details in every case had been featured strongly. The upholstery was used on a grand scale, deeply buttoned and overstuffed. The fabrics were plush equally – satin, Chintz, damask, lace and velvet added to that lushness feeling. For furniture, the favorite wood was Mahogany that is currently noticed among suites.
Accessories and lighting
Oil lamps and candles had been superseded by gas lamps during the 19th century’s second half and in 1880’s, electricity was introduced. For shades and several reproduction models still available today, glass is a popular material used.
Crystal fittings, especially those which were suspended from the central ceiling rose had featured in the formal areas like copper, bronze and brass fittings.
There are many homeowners who may still want that Victorian design for their home and hence can make use of the Victorian interior design to be praised by the others.