The 19th Century Victorian Living Room

The Victorian era spanned many furniture and revival styles.

The Victorian era (1837-1901) included many furniture styles, including Gothic, Rococo and Neo-classical revivals. Early Victorian parlors included imposing furniture with curving lines and much ornamentation. Late Victoria parlors, by contrast, included solid wood furniture with clean, straight lines and few decorative effects to suggest simplicity.

Furniture

The invention of coil springs contributed to the imposing, overstuffed chairs and settees. Upholstery materials include brocade, chenille, chintz, damask, silk and velvet. Needlepoint and crewel-embroidered fabrics enhanced the decorative look. Popular upholstery colors include mauve, red, purple, and green. Porcelain ginger-jar lamps and ornaments topped end tables and occasional tables, often covered with linen, fringed shawls and crocheted doilies.

Window Treatments and Walls

Window treatments included drapes styled as valances that covered the upper window or as swags that cascaded across a top pole. Fringes, tassels, tiebacks and cords embellished the drapes.

Wallpaper of repeating patterns, such as designed by William Morris of the Arts and Crafts movement, often featured leaves, flowers and birds. Framed works included botanical illustrations, portraits of ancestors and mirrors. Decorative plates and platters also adorned parlor walls.

Cross-Cultural Details

Furnishings in the Victorian era also included cross-cultural influences with origins in Asia and the Middle East. For example, following the opening of trade with Japan in 1853, Japanese-inspired items included black furniture, panels and tableware in the late Victorian era. Rich colors, luxurious pile and intricate designs of Oriental rugs graced the homes of the wealthy.

References

• Home & Garden: Morris & Co. Living Room
• Furniture Styles: Late Victorian Era
• Wedgewood Museum: Prunus and Oriental Fan Teacup and Saucer - 1880