Victorian House Interiors

There’s a lot to love about Victorian house interiors. With their ornate architecture, elegant proportions and intricate detailing, they were built to be admired, and they’ve stood the test of time, too. One third of the houses in Britain were built before the First World War, and most of these are Victorian. Under Queen Victoria’s rule, Britain saw a boom in new builds – in a period of less than 75 years, over 6m houses were built, and the majority still stand today.

Victorian House Interiors

Victorian House Interiors

Victorian House Interiors

Victorian House Interiors

Gothic Revival – The epitome of high Victorian taste, especially popular after Pugin designed the Houses of Parliament in Gothic style in the late 1830s. Look for pointed roofs and arches, stained glass windows, embellishments such as gargoyles and ecclesiastical touches such as turrets.

Jacobethan – In contrast to the architectural excesses of the mid-Victorian period, this style, also known as ‘Tudorbeathan’, revived the style of Tudor or Stuart England. Look for castle-like fortifications, steep roof gables, intricate brickwork, high chimneys and half timbering.

Arts & Crafts – The late 1860s movement that was a reaction to the Industrial Revolution, Arts & Crafts valued craftsmanship above all. Look for small cottage-style wooden casement windows, sloping roofs, and bare stone and brick work.

Art Noveau – The most distinctive design style of the turn of the century, some late Victorian homes would feature Art Noveau details such as curving, plant forms, usually in detailing such as stained glass, tiles and fire surrounds.