By Allison E. Beatty
The Victorian era was a time of elaborate fuss and detail in American homes. Dark stained woodwork, large ornate fireplaces and carved wainscoting set the tone for many of the homes built during this time. If you are planning to renovate a Victorian era home – or are simply interested in following historic renovations – here's a look at the nuances of this unique time period.
During the Victorian era, mass production brought a wide array of products to the hands of the rising middle class. These building materials were readily accepted by home owners and contractors looking to customize homes and create a grand environment for entertaining. The popular home improvement projects of that time included adding ornamental detailing to a stone fireplace, painting a Queen Anne Victorian in a rainbow of colors, and staining tall oak baseboards in a dark mahogany finish.
Defining Victorian Style
While it is common to call a house built from 1830 to 1900 a "Victorian house," the term "Victorian" actually represents a period in history. During this period, there were several common architectural styles, each with unique characteristics. While early Victorian dwellings were simple in style, those built after the Civil War took on more elaborate designs. Today, many of those dwellings receive attention for their distinct old house renovations.
Among the popular Victorian styles are:
- Gothic (1830 – 1890): Has pointed windows, steep gables, arches and other medieval details.
- Italianate (1860 – 1890): A simpler design defined by a rectangular shape, flat or low rooflines, ornamental eaves and angled bay windows.
- Second Empire (1860 – 1890): Has a boxy mansard roof and heavy dormers, inspired by Parisian architecture during the reign of Napoleon III.
- Romanesque (1870 – 1900): Features an imposing stone façade with castle-like qualities. Many public buildings were built in this style.
- Queen Anne (1880 – 1900): The most elaborate style, with a gabled roof, angled bay windows, heavy exterior ornamentation and often a turret or tower and a wrap around porch. Contractors often added decorative banisters and spindles and stained glass. This is the style many people associate with a Victorian home.
Renovating Victorian Floor Plans
Many Victorian era homes were defined by their cozy sitting rooms filled with ornate furniture. These houses were built with many rooms, but they were small in scale compared to many of today's homes. Chairs often had delicate framing with carved detailing and were covered with richly patterned fabrics. It was nearly impossible to fit too much furniture in a Victorian sitting room.
Keep Proportions During Old House Renovation
When renovating old houses, it is wise to keep similar proportions. This makes home improvement a challenge, as many families prefer larger rooms that fit with today's lifestyle. The secret to a successful historic renovation is to expand rooms without losing the classic details. A contractor who specializes in old house renovations can be a great resource in planning such a project.
Renovate With Paint
The styles and colors of paint used during the Victorian era were also distinct. Rooms were painted with dark, rich colors such as ruby reds and forest greens. This was in part a stylistic choice, but was also due to limitations in paint chemical processing. Wallpaper also became a popular choice as mass production made it readily available. When renovating old houses, many people chose to stay true to the bold paint colors or the floral patterned wallpaper found in classic Victorians.
Combining Styles
In the Victorian era, contractors and architects often combined details from two or more Victorian styles, creating unique houses that can both excite and frustrate today's renovators. A house might have the simple, rectangular facade of an Italianate and some fussy interior detailing from the Queen Anne style. When trying to stay true to a home's history, does the contractor renovate with the Italianate style or lean more toward the home's Queen Anne influences?
Renovate By Blending The Old With The New
When you choose to renovate a Victorian era house, there are many ways to effectively blend the old with the new. Architects and contractors often look to the lines and scale of the original structure for guidance. Elements such as windows, crown and door molding, and the scale of rooms can help carry Victorian style through a room addition, expansion or major historic renovation.
Details. Details. Details.
Details are important when renovating a Victorian era home. While it can be difficult to match a 10-inch high baseboard built in three sections, there are ways to come close. You'll want to look for a contractor who understands and is enthusiastic about historic renovations.
The Victorian era was a unique and exciting period in our history. By paying attention to the details you can assemble all the elaborate pieces and complete an historic renovation that retains your home's original grandeur while blending it with your lifestyle.
About the Author
Allison E. Beatty is an avid old house enthusiast who has been renovating houses and writing about them for more than 10 years. She contributes regularly to national newspapers, magazines and web sites. She lives in an 1888 Victorian era home.
