How to Decorate a Victorian Master Bedroom

Victorian bedrooms are ornate.

Bedrooms are personal spaces, decorated solely for the comfort of the occupant. The occupant of a Victorian bedroom finds comfort in excess, rich colors, a profusion of pattern, and romantic overtones. Dark wood antique furniture, lots of fabric, floral wallpaper and delicate collectibles will set a Victorian tone in the bedroom.

Things You'll Need

• Four-poster bed
• Dark wood furniture
• Gilded frames
• Porcelain, jeweled or silver-plated accessories
• Heavy fabric drapes
• Lace sheers

Instructions

1. Make an ornately carved, canopied or curtained four-poster bed the room's focal point. Dress it with rich dark colors, such as navy, burgundy, or hunter green. Add throw pillows with opulent trims and tassels and a dust ruffle for extra decoration.

2. Hang wallpaper with a floral or exotic bird motif. Adorn the walls with realistic oil paintings or prints in ornate gilded frames, preferably with at least one in the shape of an oval.

3. Cover the floor with patterned, richly colored rugs, such as Aubusson or Savonnerie types. Use a large rug near the bed and smaller ones throughout the room. The busier the rugs, the better.

4. Decorate with ornately carved furniture in dark woods, especially mahogany, rosewood or walnut. Place a marble-topped night stand next to the bed. Position a large vanity with an oversized mirror against one wall. Include an ornate armoire for hanging clothing. Display an antique wash stand for an authentic Victorian look.

5. Display collectibles around the room. Ceramic figurines, framed photographs, jeweled boxes and silverplated hairbrushes and mirrors set a Victorian tone.

6. Dress the windows with heavy draperies in velvet or other rich fabrics. Use tie-backs or let them hang to the floor. Back the draperies with lacy sheers.

References

• ''The New Smart Approach to Home Decorating''; Creative Homeowner; 2003
• Victorian Station: Bedrooms