What Did Victorians Use to Dress Up their Walls?

Victorians decorated their walls with wallpaper that was intricate and lavish, often featuring a combination of floral designs in primary colours such as red, blue, and yellow. This extravagant style was then covered with colours like tan and cream to create a warmer and more inviting atmosphere in the room. As the Victorian era progressed, Gothic art-inspired papers became more popular, featuring earthy tones and stylized floral and leaf patterns. These papers brought a sense of sophistication and elegance to any room they were placed in. In summary, Victorians placed a great emphasis on their walls as they saw it as a reflection of their wealth and status, and their use of wallpaper was a clear indication of this. Some additional points to note about Victorian wallpaper designs are:

Wallpapers with prints of landscapes, exotic locales, and cityscapes were also in vogue

The use of flock wallpaper, which was embossed with velvet or wool to create a 3D effect, was popular towards the end of the era

Victorian wallpaper often featured intricate patterns with a lot of details, including images of birds, insects, and nature

The paper was applied in panels and often bordered with a decorative trim

Wallpapers were sometimes treated with arsenic and lead, which created bright colours but also posed health risks

Overall, Victorian wallpaper was an important element of interior design and was used to create a grand and opulent aesthetic that reflected the wealth and status of the homeowner.

Victorian Era Home Decor

The Victorian era, named after Queen Victoria of England, was a period of time between 1837 and 1901. During this era, there was a focus on elegance, luxury, and the refinement of taste. This was evident in the way people decorated their homes, which were often extravagant and ornate. Victorian homes were typically decorated to be visually striking, with bold colors and intricate designs. The furniture was often made from rich, dark woods and featured a lot of carving and detailing. In addition to furniture, wallpaper was an essential component of Victorian home decor.

The Rise of Wallpaper

During the Victorian era, wallpaper became increasingly popular. In the past, walls were usually painted or covered in tapestries. However, with the advancement of printing technology, wallpaper became a cost-effective option for people to decorate their homes. Wallpaper could be mass-produced and came in a variety of designs, making it a popular choice for Victorian homes. In addition, wallpaper was an excellent way to add color and pattern to a room, allowing people to create a unique and visually striking space.

Floral Wallpapers in Primary Colors

One of the most common types of wallpaper during the Victorian era was floral wallpaper. This wallpaper was usually made up of intricate floral designs with the primary colors (red, blue, and yellow) on the backgrounds. These wallpapers were often covered with colors of tan and cream to add a sense of elegance and refinement to the room. Key point: Victorian homes often featured floral wallpapers in bold primary colors, complemented by tan and cream shades.

Elegant Wallpapers in Tan and Cream Colors

For those who preferred a more understated look, elegant wallpapers in tan and cream colors were a popular choice. These wallpapers often featured subtle floral patterns, adding a touch of femininity and sophistication to the room. In addition to floral patterns, Victorian homes also featured wallpapers with damask and stripe patterns. These patterns could be used in combination with floral patterns to add depth and texture to a room. Key point: Elegant wallpapers with subtle floral patterns were commonly used in Victorian home decor.

Gothic Art-Inspired Wallpapers

While floral wallpapers were popular, some Victorian homeowners preferred a more Gothic-inspired look. Gothic art-inspired wallpapers featured dark colors and bold patterns, often with religious or mystic motifs. These wallpapers were often used in formal dining rooms and parlors to create a sense of drama and grandeur. Many of these wallpapers featured intricate scrollwork and geometric patterns, creating a mesmerizing effect on the walls.

Earth Tone Wallpapers with Floral and Leaf Patterns

As the Victorian era progressed, the popularity of bright primary colors waned, and earth tones became more fashionable. Earth tone wallpapers featured floral and leaf patterns but in more muted colors, creating a sense of subtlety and sophistication. Victorian homeowners often combined these earth tone wallpapers with textured fabrics and furniture to create a sense of warmth and comfort in the home. These wallpapers were also popular in bedrooms and bathrooms, creating a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere. Key point: Earth tone wallpapers with floral and leaf patterns were popular in the later years of the Victorian era, creating a sense of warmth and sophistication.

The Importance of Pattern and Design on Victorian Walls

In Victorian home decor, pattern and design were essential elements of the overall look of the room. Wallpaper was not just a way to cover the walls; it was a way to express oneself and create a unique space. Victorian homeowners would often use various wallpapers in one room, combining patterns and colors to create a harmonious and visually striking effect. In addition, wallpaper was often used to complement the furniture and other decor in the room, creating a cohesive and beautiful space. Key point: Design and pattern were critical elements of Victorian home decor, allowing homeowners to express themselves and create a visually striking space. In conclusion, wallpaper played a significant role in Victorian home decor. Floral wallpapers in primary colors, elegant wallpapers in tan and cream colors, Gothic art-inspired wallpapers, and earth tone wallpapers with floral and leaf patterns were all popular during the Victorian era. Pattern and design were essential elements of the overall look of the room, allowing homeowners to create unique and visually striking spaces.