What is a Victorian Morning Room and How to Create One Today?

Victorian morning room is a quintessential space in a Victorian era-inspired home. The room is a perfect reflection of the era’s decor style, exuding elegance, and showcasing the Victorian lady’s sophistication. The room was designed to be a private and versatile area solely for the lady of the house to use. Here are some essential features of a Victorian morning room:

Location: The morning room was typically located on the east side of the house to allow for sunlight to hit the room in the morning hours.

Decor: The room would be decorated with luxurious fabrics and furnishings, including a chaise lounge, a small fireplace, and intricately designed wallpaper.

Functionality: The morning room would serve multiple purposes such as a reading room, a place to entertain close friends, or a room to relax and drink tea.

Activities: Victorian women often spent their morning hours writing letters, reading, or sipping tea. Therefore, it wasn’t uncommon to have writing desks, bookshelves, and tea sets inside the room.

In summary, a Victorian morning room was a space dedicated to the lady of the house to relax and prepare for the day ahead. Its design aimed to create an elegant atmosphere and showcase the status and style of the Victorian era.

The Origins of the Morning Room Concept

The morning room as we know it today is a concept that originated in the 19th century. It was a space designed to greet the first rays of morning light and to serve as a private space for the lady of the house to prepare for the day ahead. In most households, it was located on the east-facing side of the house to allow for optimal natural light. The morning room was typically a smaller, more intimate space than other rooms in the house. Its size and location allowed for a cozy atmosphere that was perfect for one-on-one conversations or quiet contemplation. It was also a space where the lady of the house could entertain close friends and family without the formality of a larger gathering space.

Victorian Era Interiors and Their Influence on Modern Living

The Victorian era was a time of elaborate interior design and decoration. The morning room was just one of the many spaces in the home that was designed to be functional as well as aesthetically pleasing. Victorian style incorporated elements of various styles, including Gothic and Rococo, and placed a heavy emphasis on rich fabrics, ornate wallpaper, and intricate woodwork. Many of the design principles of the Victorian era have remained popular into modern times, and you can easily find examples of Victorian influence in modern homes. From the use of wallpaper to the incorporation of ornate crown molding, Victorian design elements have stood the test of time.

Design Elements of a Victorian Morning Room

Design elements of a Victorian morning room often included:

• Ornate woodwork, including crown molding, wainscoting, and carved banisters
• Elaborate wallpaper and window treatments
• Flooring made of hardwood or patterned carpets
• Rich fabrics, including velvet and brocade
• Antique or reproduction furniture, such as chaise lounges and wingback chairs
• Decorative accessories such as candelabras, cut glass or silver pieces, and flowers

The overall effect was one of elegance and sophistication. The goal was to create a space that was comfortable enough to spend time in but impressive enough to entertain guests.

The Function of a Morning Room in the 19th Century

In the 19th century, the morning room was primarily used as a space for the lady of the house to prepare for the day ahead. This often included dressing, doing hair and makeup, and attending to correspondence. The room was also used for more social activities, such as receiving guests for tea or having intimate conversations with friends and family. The morning room was intended to be a private space for the lady of the house, one that was separate from other common areas of the house. It was a place where she could retreat and focus on her own needs and the needs of her family.

Modern Interpretations of the Morning Room

While the morning room is not as common in modern homes, its concept has been adapted and interpreted in a variety of ways. Many modern homes feature spaces that are designed for relaxation and solitude, such as meditation rooms or reading nooks. These spaces may be influenced by the Victorian era but are often designed with a more contemporary aesthetic. Others may choose to incorporate Victorian elements into their homes in a more subtle way, such as with the use of wallpaper or antique furniture pieces. The goal is to create a space that is elegant and comfortable, but also reflective of personal style and taste.

Incorporating Victorian Elegance into Your Home with a Morning Room

If you are interested in incorporating Victorian elements into your home, consider creating your own morning room or a similar space. Start by selecting a room or area that receives ample natural light and is relatively private. Consider adding ornate wallpaper, intricate woodwork, and rich fabrics to create a feeling of elegance and sophistication. Antique or reproduction furniture pieces can be added to finish the look. Accessorize with decorative items such as candelabras, silver pieces, and fresh flowers to complete the space. Remember, the goal of a morning room is to create a space that is functional as well as aesthetically pleasing. Whether you use it for personal reflection or entertaining guests, the morning room can be a comfortable and elegant addition to any home.