If you're restoring a Victorian home, using the proper colors and designs on the walls and woodwork of each room will go a long way toward restoring the building to its former beauty. Modern decorating will look out of place in a historic home, while the deep, rich hues so popular in Victorian times will seem right at home. Paired with rich upholstery and antique pieces, this style of decorating will create a truly luxurious space.
Warm Colors
Varying shades of red were the warm hues of choice used in Victorian decor. Paired with darkly tinted woods, shades of brick, burgundy and crimson can seem a bit stifling to modern eyes but are entirely appropriate to the era. Painted woodwork was also popular in Victorian times, so red walls can be lightened up a bit with salmon or buff paint on the trim, windowsills and door frames in the room. Red walls work best when other features in the room are lighter and less imposing.
Cool Colors
Green was a very popular shade in Victorian homes. This hue was considered especially appropriate for rooms such as the library and private study. Pair a deep hunter green on the walls with a lighter sage on the woodwork, or vice versa. A medium-toned olive can be used throughout the room without making it seem overly dark. Shades of gray also pair well with these Victorian greens.
Neutrals
White walls were thought to be in very poor taste in Victorian times. To use neutrals in this type of room, you should stick with slightly darker colors such as bronze, fawn and buff. Paint woodwork and other details in the room with darker browns that include a tint of crimson or purple. Neutrals are best used in a room that incorporates darker shades in the furniture, artwork and other details of the room.
Wallpaper
Wallpaper was so in vogue during the Victorian era that it could be spotted on trim and ceilings as well as walls. Richly patterned papers with intricate designs are best with this theme. Red, green and shades of brown are still the best colors to work with. Shades such as yellow and blue were rarely used in Victorian decorating. While papering the ceiling may be a bit much, you can achieve an authentic Victorian look by painting the ceiling instead. Use a tinted white or pastel shade that complements the palette of the wallpaper.
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