Victorian era was an age of industrial advancement where machine made things became a part of every household. These things were affordable even by middle class people so it became a style of masses. The Victorian era as a whole is characterized by romanticism in all areas of the art.
Though a Victorian style was a popular one, it was not unique. It was a result of many styles such as neoclassical, English, Gothic, Italian renaissance and French inspirations. The essence of genius of Victorian is the eclectic and imaginative blending of all these historical elements.
Victorian styles are loosely based on medieval prototypes. Multi-textured or multi-colored walls, asymmetrical facades & steeply pitched roofs are common features of Victorian style.
Due to railways, wide circulation of mass-produced items at a lower cost became possible. People also benefited from inexpensive imports from colonies. As a result, an extravagant use of complex shapes, elaborate details, furniture and fabric no longer solely remained the privilege of aristocrats. Middle class houses were stuffed with all kinds of furniture, fabric, and a variety of decorative items. Bareness in the room was considered bad taste.
For this reason the Aesthetic movement criticized the Victorian style. The followers of this movement strongly objected the machine made items and their main inspiration remained classical handmade furniture and fabrics.
The Victorians brought together the most unlikely but pleasing combination of wood paneling, floral wallpapers, stained glass, pottery tiles, and parquet and marble flooring. Among these stained glass became so popular that no Victorian-style house was complete without it. Etched and creative glass designs also were used during this era.
Wood ornamentation became popular. Posts, pillars, balusters and wainscoting became prominent features of this style. Among aristocrats no house could be without those spiral, mysterious staircase. Ornamental plasterwork in the form of vaulted ceilings was very costly so most common people satisfied themselves using cornices or brackets at the base of graceful arch.
Victorian always admired everything from renaissance period. They tried to reproduce almost every bronze masterpiece during that period in the form of hardware such as doorknobs, locks, hinges & drawer pulls.
Color played an important role in Victorian design. During the first half of the period only dining room and library walls were dark in color. During the later part the general feeling was that deep, rich colors enhance the importance of the room.
Go To Page: 1 2
