The Victorian era was an extravagant period in time – one of grandeur and opulence. It celebrated excessive ornamentation, decorating in layers, Renaissance revival, intricate ironwork, as well as floral designs and jewel tones all over.
To have an interior space that was bare or minimal was considered a lack of taste and wealth. This resulted in an intense need to add artifacts and paintings, which in a way was essentially done to cover every flat surface with decorative and classic pieces.
While some love this very same Victorian-inspired flair, there are ways to inculcate the Victorian style without necessarily crowding your space.
The Modern Victorian style has grown popular off lately and I’ve selected just the right amount of Victorian-inspired ideas that cater to both minimalists as well maximalist lovers, providing you with great concepts to choose from and embark on your next quest to create your very own royal victorian bedroom!
A Bed Fit For A Queen
When you’re planning on creating a Victorian Bedroom, all the more reason to grab the attention of everyone who comes in by installing a bed frame that is as unique as you are!
Pick your headboards in shades and tints that conform with the rest of your color scheme, but look out to avoid stark whites. Go for (shades of) beige or off-white tones instead. Alternatively, you could go for rich floral designs or even velvet headboards with colored stone detailing.
Intricately carved dull gold-colored bed frames with cushioned headboards were favored most during this era. And for those looking to create an extravagant space, this is a perfect pick for you!
Bring In The Antique Mirror And Dresser Set
What’s a Victorian bedroom without an elaborately decorated setting for one to deck themselves up in? An antique mirror does just the trick for adding a Victorian feel to your bedroom.
Pair your mirror with a dresser, besides an antique mirror. Tall wooden units work perfectly when you’re looking to create an authentic royal vibe within your bedrooms. If you’re lucky enough to find one with elegant carvings and brass handles, grab it!
Four Poster Bed Is A Must!
Four poster beds were a necessity during this time mainly due to the need for hanging drapes to cover all sides of your bed in order to keep the occupants warm and cozy.
But fast forward to now, and these beds are ideal for bringing in a Victorian aesthetic to your bedrooms. They look absolutely charming and historical and are bound to bring in quite a few compliments your way.
Try A Cozy Fireplace
Who could deny the warmth and cozy feel that a fireplace emanates within their bedrooms? A well-done fireplace is surely a bonus to have when you’re looking to assemble a beautiful Victorian bedroom for yourself!
You don’t have to limit your fireplace to a simple wooden frame. Instead, you could look out for carved designs and fire-safe marble cladding in color schemes that match the rest of your Victorian décor.
Don’t Forget The Printed Sheets
If you’re looking to create a simple Victorian bedroom, all you need is to add simplistic and clean designs and décor elements that go well with the aesthetic.
Printed sheets in rich colors like deep blues, greens, and shades of red that are also full of patterns are a great way to tune into this aesthetic in a less permanent and more prominent fashion, without losing the Victorian bedroom colors.
Layers, Layers And Layers!
Victorian homes take great pride in having a surprising yet sizable amount of furnishings all over. These are usually visualized as such in order to depict wealth, status, and taste.
So if you’re looking to create a Victorian-inspired bedroom, make sure to bring in extra furnishings such as a small coffee table set, elaborate bedside tables, benches, etc. to make a sort of base layer, and then you can go on to add another layer of décor with examples like throw pillows, plush cushions, night lamps, and so on.
When designing a Victorian space, remember to work in layers so as to create a sort of aesthetically cluttered space where nothing seems to look out of place when placed alongside the rest.
What’s Not To Love About Antique Mirrors?
Some of the best mirrors have beautiful carvings or brass work that simply makes them better to have in comparison to any other mirror you might have set your eyes on.
We all know how important it is to have a full-length mirror within a bedroom – for all your fit pics, of course! So when you’re aiming to exude the feeling and sensation the same as or similar to a modern Victorian bedroom, a big antique mirror is all you need to really tie the place together.
Can’t Leave Mauve
The color Mauve was highly popular and sought after during this era. It was closely associated with royalty and luxury within Victorian society. Everything from the world of fashion to home décor was influenced by the charming elegance and beauty of this incredible shade of purple.
If you are looking to create a modern Victorian-style bedroom, the mauve color palette is an ideal place to start. It is a highly versatile hue and it can be used in various shades within the mauve spectrum to create a monochrome bedroom that hits the spot.
RELATED: 19 Mauve Bedroom Ideas That Are Serene, Calm & Cozy!
For The Li’l Princess Victoria
If you’re looking to create a Victorian bedroom for your little ones, don’t hesitate to use bright and bold colors paired with heavily printed wallpapers. Colored wall paneling and doors that are far from your usual shades of brown are bound to make them happy.
Add in some thick satin drapes for the bed to create a royal bedroom fit for the little princess in your life.
No More Boring Bedside Lights
Time to swap out your modern minimalist table lamps for these intricate sconces that are highly likely (note – definitely!) to steal the spotlight in your Victorian bedrooms.
The scones can be found in a variety of designs and patterns that fit perfectly into your list of Victorian bedroom ideas. Bringing in these light fixtures is an easy and budget-friendly method to celebrate this wonderful era without diving into your savings account!
Chandeliers Are Important
A statement ceiling light fixture was a frequent highlight in many Victorian homes. As expected, this feature extended into the bedrooms as well.
Chandeliers are a great way to present your Victorian elements to an already existing space and old-timey antique shops are some of the best places to hunt for these gorgeous yet alluring eye-catching pieces that are rarely made or found these days.
Bed Hangings For A Truly Victorian Touch
Simple bed hangings made from contemporary fabrics are the way to go for a fresh take on this décor element, and when I came across this particular one from @Rosehyll Studio, I was truly captivated!
It exudes an elegant Victorian feel without sticking to a heavy traditional approach. Even the colors used work together in a perfect and harmonious manner. I am head over heels for this aesthetic!
Antique Portraits Scream ‘Victorian!’
You can’t call it a Victorian bedroom without bringing in a few old paintings and portraits of elegant women and athletically gifted men, proudly on display as they adorn your walls.
Searching for old paintings has become a lot easier and budget friendly now over hiring someone to paint a customized piece of your own – however, if you have the means for it, then by all means, GO FOR IT!
Portraits were admired as highly popular collectibles during the Victorian era and during the course of one’s lifetime, there were several of these in circulation, commissioned by aristocrats and upper class groups to be displayed in their homes.
Floral Accent Walls
Floral wallpapers were first introduced as a way to break up the monotony of monochromatic designs which were used on interior walls. This was in the year 1868 and by 1880, it was a standard feature in many Victorian homes.
This design trend has taken over the walls of bedrooms, changing closets, and many other areas across a living space as well.
A single wall with wallpaper that matches your chosen paint scheme is all you will need for completing your Victorian bedroom. Most choose to make the walls behind their beds an accent feature so as to really highlight the space, but you could go for any wall or even parts of walls to cover up.
Go For Victorian Iron Framed Beds
If you’re looking for small Victorian bedroom ideas, you can start off with the most crucial part of your room – the bed.
In the late 1800s, iron-framed beds rose to fame rapidly as bed manufacturers urged people to use a more clean and hygienic sleeping environment. Why? Iron bed frames were considered as more hygienic and simpler to maintain to prevent dust and germs from accumulating on these surfaces. These iron frames were classy and eventually went on to feature further intricate and exquisite designs.
For your present day Victorian bedroom, finding iron framed beds that sit with your design tastes are easy, and if you manage to find authentic ones from the olden days in those antique stores – LUCKY YOU. These bed frames go along with any interior color schemes and give off a classy, elegant, and minimalistic sensation within your personal space.
Go For Plush Floor Rugs
The Victorian era was all about elaborate design and décor, and considering how cold it got during the winters, Persian rugs rich with patterns, vibrance, and dashing colors were especially prevalent.
When you’re looking to create a Victorian bedroom that doesn’t require permanent alteration, rugs are the perfect addition to this space. You could layer large Persian rugs on your floors and witness the monumental change your bedroom undergoes with just one cozy piece.
Houseplants Are A No-Brainer
Greenhouses, open and airy parlors, conservatories, and solariums were common features of larger Victorian residences. With certain Victorian era houseplants dominating the interior design, the right foliage played a significant role in producing a look and feel that still attracts people to this day.
Many popular Victorian houseplants like palms and ferns are still widely used and can give your bedroom a touch of classic and timeless beauty. Place them on the top of your fireplace, cabinets, and other table top surfaces whilst ensuring that they receive enough sunlight.
Pretty In Pink
A pink themed bedroom is undoubtedly one of the more favorite concepts off the top of my head. The light airy and predominantly feminine energy that it offers is bound to soothe everyone who enters. Pastel pink is also a great compliment for neutral tones and classic wooden furnishings.
Highlight your pink Victorian bedroom with off-white and brown accents. I’m immensely fascinated with the way the fireplace has been used in this gorgeous bedroom by @elle_the_home_bird and you should definitely check out her page for more inspiration!
Consider Wall Paneling With Motifs
Wall paneling was particularly utilized during this era to protect the walls from being scraped against by furniture.
As we all know the importance of ornamentation in Victorian architecture, the wall panels often consisted of detailed motifs that resembled frames. The Plaster of Paris panels are readily available in the market and are great for an effortless refurbishment of your bedrooms to bring in that much needed royal feel.
The Bedroom Bench
No such thing as too much furniture in Victorian bedrooms – and of course, a bedside bench is the perfect acquisition which is useful and classy at the same time.
Adding benches that match the aesthetic and color scheme of your bedrooms makes your bedroom appear more luxurious and expensive AKA Victorian.
Some Heavy Curtains To Top!
Drapes that match a bedroom are so important, especially if you’re aiming for a typical Victorian feel within your space. Heavy curtains with thick tiebacks add an almost “old money” charm. You could go for single colors or even heavily patterned ones based on your preferences.
A cornice, a drapery or valance, and one or more curtains made up the three levels of light protection that were present alongside Victorian windows. The more layers, the better the insulation as it keeps out the cold and sets in a rather cozy environment for you, without having to step out.
Throw in a set of sheer drapes for use during the daytime to bring in natural light without having to compromise on your privacy!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What colors were victorian bedrooms?
The typical Victorian colors were dark-tones like dark green, dark blue, maroon, mustard, brown and burgundy.
These colors were definitely associated with royalty and charm but sometimes made Victorian spaces look dark and dingy.
What are the 3 characteristics of victorian design?
The 3 main features of Victorian design were:
1) Decorative and intricately detailed woodwork.
2) A dark color palette.
3) Steep and dramatic roofs.
