What are the three Victorian styles? A guide for home decor inspiration.

When it comes to Victorian architecture, there were various styles that emerged during its reign. Among those are the classical Victorian designs which have left an enduring legacy. Here are the three Victorian styles:

Gothic Revival – With its pointed arches, intricate detailing, and distinctive steep gabled roofs, the Gothic Revival style was a nod to medieval architecture. This style was popularized by architects like Augustus Pugin and John Ruskin, and was characterized by its romantic and ornate features.

Italianate – Taking inspiration from Italian Renaissance architecture, the Italianate style is known for its tall, narrow windows, and grand balconies with wrought iron railings. This style was often used for large mansions and city buildings in the US, and was favored for its elegance and sophistication.

Second Empire – Also known as the French Second Empire style, this was characterized by its mansard roofs, which provided extra living space on the upper levels of the home. This style was popularized by Napoleon III in France, and often includes decorative iron cresting, ornate cornices, and tall windows.

While these are only a few of the many Victorian styles, they represent the intricate attention to detail and beauty that marked this era of architecture.

Victorian Architecture: An Overview

Victorian architecture is an architectural style that originated during the reign of Queen Victoria in the mid-1800s. Victorian architecture is known for its ornate and elaborate designs, as well as its eclectic combination of various architectural styles from different eras. During the Victorian period, architecture became a symbol of status and wealth, and many wealthy Americans commissioned the construction or renovation of their homes in a Victorian style. The classical Victorian designs included the Gothic Revival, Italianate, Second Empire, Stick Style, Romanesque Revival, and Shingle Style. These styles were created by professional architects, who were mostly commissioned by the wealthy to build or renovate their homes. These styles are characterized by intricate details, ornate ornamentation, and an overall grandeur that exudes sophistication and class.

Gothic Revival: The Quintessential Victorian Style

Gothic Revival architecture was one of the most popular styles during the Victorian era. This style drew inspiration from medieval Gothic architecture, and was characterized by intricate details, pointed arches, and ornate carvings. Gothic Revival buildings often featured steeply pitched roofs, towers, and ornamental gables. Key Point: The quintessential Victorian style is the Gothic Revival, which features intricate details, pointed arches, and ornate carvings.

Italianate: A Touch of Mediterranean Flair

Italianate architecture was another popular Victorian style, and was inspired by Italian Renaissance architecture. This style was characterized by tall, narrow windows, and elaborate cornices that emphasized the verticality of the building. Italianate buildings often featured decorative brackets, balustrades, and arcades. Key Point: Italianate Victorian architecture drew inspiration from Italian Renaissance architecture, and emphasized verticality through tall, narrow windows and elaborate cornices.

Second Empire: From Paris to the United States

Second Empire architecture was named after the reign of Napoleon III in France, and was characterized by mansard roofs with dormer windows. This style was influenced by French architecture and often featured ornamental ironwork, colorful brickwork, and decorative window surrounds. Key Point: Second Empire Victorian architecture was influenced by French architecture and featured mansard roofs, dormer windows, and ornamental ironwork.

Stick Style: Simplicity and Elegance Combined

Stick Style architecture was a departure from the ornate and elaborate styles that dominated Victorian architecture. This style was characterized by a simpler, more geometric design, with an emphasis on exposed wood elements. Stick Style buildings often featured decorative trusses, brackets, and bargeboards.

• Characterized by a simpler, more geometric design
• Emphasis on exposed wood elements
• Decorative trusses, brackets, and bargeboards

Key Point: Stick Style Victorian architecture emphasized simplicity and elegance through a geometric design and exposed wood elements.

Romanesque Revival: Embracing the Past

Romanesque Revival architecture was inspired by Romanesque architecture, which was prevalent throughout Europe from the 9th to the 12th century. This style was characterized by rounded arches, massive walls, and strong pillars. Romanesque Revival buildings often featured decorative moldings, intricate carvings, and elaborate stonework. Key Point: Romanesque Revival Victorian architecture drew inspiration from Romanesque architecture, and was characterized by rounded arches, massive walls, and intricate stonework.

Shingle Style: A Beachy Twist on Victorian Design

Shingle Style architecture was a departure from the ornate and elaborate styles that dominated Victorian architecture. This style was characterized by a more relaxed and informal design, inspired by the coastal areas of New England. Shingle Style buildings often featured shingled walls, asymmetrical rooflines, and expansive porches.

• A more relaxed and informal design inspired by the coastal areas of New England
• Shingled walls, asymmetrical rooflines, and expansive porches

Key Point: Shingle Style Victorian architecture was influenced by the coastal areas of New England, and featured shingled walls, asymmetrical rooflines, and expansive porches.

Victorian Homes: A Symbol of Wealth and Prestige

Victorian homes were a symbol of wealth and prestige during the Victorian era. These homes were often commissioned by the wealthy and built by professional architects, and were characterized by intricate details, ornate ornamentation, and an overall grandeur that exuded sophistication and class. Today, Victorian homes are still highly sought-after, and many have been preserved as historic landmarks. Key Point: Victorian homes were a symbol of wealth and prestige, and were characterized by intricate details, ornate ornamentation, and overall grandeur that exuded sophistication and class.