What Makes a House Look Victorian: Key Design Features and Tips

When it comes to identifying a Victorian-style house, various design elements come into play. Here are some key characteristics that make a house look Victorian:

Elaborate woodwork: Victorian homes are known for their ornate woodwork, featuring intricate patterns and details. Look for decorative brackets, gables, and spindles to identify this characteristic.

Pitched roofs: Victorian homes have steep, pitched roofs that typically feature dormer windows. The pitch of the roof is often steeper on one side than the other, adding to the asymmetrical appearance of the home.

Wraparound porches: A hallmark of Victorian architecture is the wraparound porch, where the porch extends along one or more sides of the house. These porches often feature intricate railings and decorative brackets.

Towers and turrets: Another distinctive feature of Victorian homes is the presence of cylindrical turrets and tower-like structures, adding height and verticality to the home.

Gothic influence: Victorian architecture was greatly influenced by the Gothic Revival movement, so you’ll often see pointed arches, steep gables, and ornate tracery on windows and doors.

Overall, Victorian homes are characterized by an emphasis on elaborate ornamentation, asymmetrical design, and verticality. Keep an eye out for these features to spot a Victorian-style house in your neighborhood.

What Makes a House Look Victorian?

Victorian-style homes were popular during the reign of Queen Victoria from 1837 to 1901. They are known for their Gothic influence, elaborate woodwork, pitched roofs, wraparound porches, cylindrical turrets, and roof towers. In this article, we will delve deeper into each of these features and explore what makes a house look Victorian.

The Gothic Influence in Victorian Style Homes

The Gothic influence in Victorian homes can be traced back to the Romanticism movement of the 18th century. Gothic architecture was characterized by pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and flying buttresses. This style was revived during the Victorian era and incorporated into the design of homes. Gothic windows, which are tall and narrow with pointed arches, are a characteristic feature of Victorian homes. They let in plenty of natural light and provide a dramatic effect. Additionally, Victorian homes often feature gingerbread trim, which is ornate woodwork that resembles lace. This gothic-inspired trim is found along the roofline, porches, and eaves of Victorian homes. It is usually comprised of elaborate patterns with intricate shapes and cutouts. Key Takeaway: The Gothic influence in Victorian homes is described by the incorporation of gothic-inspired windows, gingerbread trim, and ornate patterns.

Elaborate Woodwork of Victorian Homes

Elaborate woodwork is another characteristic feature of Victorian homes. Carpenters during the Victorian era were skilled in creating intricate designs that featured flowing lines and ornate details. They used a variety of woods for the woodwork, including oak, mahogany, and walnut. Victorian homes feature woodwork in the form of brackets, balusters, and spindles. Brackets are ornate supports that project from the surface of a wall and are used to support shelves or overhangs. Balusters are typically used for staircases and porches and are comprised of a series of small posts with ornate cutouts. Spindles are slender, vertical supports used for railings and balustrades. Key Takeaway: Elaborate woodwork, which includes brackets, balusters, and spindles, is a key characteristic of Victorian homes.

Pitched Roofs and Wraparound Porches in Victorian Homes

Victorian homes feature pitched roofs, which are steeply sloped and provide more headroom in upper levels of the home. Simply put, these types of roofs add more height and create a grander and more spacious appearance in Victorian homes. Additionally, pitched roofs also help to shed rainwater and snow more efficiently than flat roofs. Another feature that is often seen in Victorian homes is the wraparound porch. This porch usually extends around two or more sides of the home to create a welcoming and inviting atmosphere. They provide plenty of outdoor space for relaxing and entertaining while also providing access to the outdoors from multiple areas in the home. The wraparound porch is also typically covered, which provides shade and shelter from the elements. Key Takeaway: Pitched roofs and wraparound porches are key characteristics of Victorian homes, providing grandeur and ample outdoor living space.

The Significance of Cylindrical Turrets in Victorian Homes

Cylindrical turrets, which are round, tower-like extensions on the side of a home, are another characteristic feature of Victorian homes. These turrets can be found on different parts of the home, including the corners, sides, or front, and provide depth and visual interest to the home’s exterior. Cylindrical turrets were popular during the Victorian era because they allowed for a greater amount of light to enter the home. They were often used for reading rooms, home offices, and sitting areas, providing ample natural light and beautiful views of the surrounding landscape. Key Takeaway: Cylindrical turrets were popular in Victorian homes because of their contribution to the amount of light that enters a space and for the beauty and visual interest they add to the home’s exterior.

Victorian Roof Towers: A Symbol of Architectural Beauty

Victorian roof towers are another example of the intricate and ornate design used in Victorian homes. These towers, which are found on the rooftop of the home, can be small or large, round or square, and can be adorned with a variety of decorative features, such as gingerbread trim, finials, and cresting. Victorian roof towers were primarily used as decorative features and were symbolic of the owner’s wealth and status. They were often constructed with the finest quality materials and were crafted with the utmost attention to detail. Key Takeaway: Victorian roof towers were symbolic of wealth and status and were crafted with exquisite attention to detail.

Victorian Home Colors: Choosing the Right Palette for a Timeless Look

Choosing the right color palette is important for achieving a timeless look in a Victorian home. Typically, Victorian homes are painted in soft, muted colors that are inspired by nature. These colors include off-white, beige, cream, and pale yellow. Exterior trim is often painted in complementary colors, such as sage, terra-cotta, or burgundy. If you want to add a pop of color, consider painting the front door a distinctive hue, such as dark blue or forest green. These colors provide a striking contrast to the more muted tones and help create a focal point for the home’s exterior. Key Takeaway: Soft, muted colors that are inspired by nature are best for achieving a timeless look in Victorian homes. Adding a pop of color, such as a brightly-colored front door, can also create visual interest. In conclusion, Victorian-style homes are distinguished by Gothic influence, elaborate woodwork, pitched roofs, wraparound porches, cylindrical turrets, and roof towers. The intricate design and fine craftsmanship of these homes are representative of a time when skilled craftsmen were highly valued for their work. The variety of features in each Victorian home made them a unique expression of the owner’s personality and taste.