The Victorians used more colors in their decorating than is fashionable now, often pairing them with wallpaper and painted wood and plaster work. A traditional Victorian look would often use three or more colors within one scheme, using plasterwork rails to define the boundaries of each tone. The right colors will complement a Victorian home and show off a vintage bathroom suite.
Popular Colors in Victorian Times
Specialist paint companies have paints that relate specifically to the Victorian period, and are matched to existing Victorian interior schemes. Use colors such as Brunswick Green, Salmon, Picture Gallery Red and Yellow Ochre for an authentically Victorian look.
Combine Paint and Wallpaper
It was fashionable in the Victorian era to wallpaper below the dado rail, a plaster rail that runs around the room about 3 feet from the floor, and paint above it. Pick a wallpaper designed by a Victorian designer -- many are still available today -- or source flocks and damask patterns for an authentic style. Paint any space between the picture rail, a plaster rail that runs around the room, a couple of feet below the ceiling and the cornicing the same color as the ceiling.
Highlight Archtectural Features
Use a different paint color to highlight architectural features like picture and dado rails, cornicing and skirting boards. Use a strong, rich color to pick out the skirting board and a different but tonal color to pick out the cornicing. The dado rail should be a shade in between the skirting and cornicing.
The Ceiling
Early Victorian ceilings were painted with white distemper, a kind of whitewash made from powdered chalk or lime. Emulate this with an off-white paint shade. Later Victorian style dictated a colored ceiling and often elements of plasterwork were picked out in a different color.
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