The living room is arguably the heart of the home for many people, but how did it come to be? Advocates of the Arts and Crafts movement saw no need for there to be the formal entertaining spaces that the Victorians had favoured.

Instead, they abandoned the concept of the parlour and introduced the living room, which was a much more multi-purpose space furnished with items that were comfortable and practical rather than ornate and formal. The built-in bookcase became a must-have item and furniture began to be placed against the walls to create a larger useable space inside the room.

But how can you bring a touch of Victorian style to your living room? Read on for 10 tips that can easily transform your space into a Victorian-style living room.

1. Add ornaments from antique shops and auctions

It’s easy to add a touch of Victorian flair with ornaments which can be cheaply picked up at charity or antique shops and internet auction sites. Look for bell jars, taxidermy, needlepoint pictures and cushion covers, glass vases, mirrors, clocks and art that reflects the period. Victorians were enthusiastic collectors and would often have entire shelves crammed with curiosities.

2. Paint your living room in a rich colour

Rich paint and wallpaper colours were standard: think ruby red, forest green, midnight blue and brown. If you don’t feel brave enough to have an entire room in a dark shade, choose one feature wall to accentuate.

3. Include opulent elements without it becoming excessive

While the Victorians’ decoration watchword was “excess”, it’s easy to incorporate elements of opulence without succumbing to the crowded interiors that were favoured in the era. Think daybeds or velvet curtains, a button-back chair in a bathroom or a Victorian chandelier as a feature light fitting in a modern room.

4. Light your room with fire in the evening

Look for Victorian candlesticks (glass ones that were once part of a dressing table set are particularly easy to find and cheap to buy) and illuminate your room by candle and firelight in the evenings.

5. Create your own needlepoint cushion

Make yourself a Victorian needlepoint cushion – one of the most popular designs of the era was of Queen Victoria’s dog, a black and tan spaniel. You can find free patterns on the internet.

6. Restore your fireplace to its former glory

Fireplaces were key to the Victorians as they not only heated rooms, but were a focal point and an area which could house collections on mantelpieces. If you have an old fireplace that is in need of restoration, there are plenty of online guides to follow to ensure that you don’t damage the iron, marble or tiles. Many fireplaces were boarded up in the 1960s when electric fires became available, so it’s worth checking whether one is hidden behind a board. Visit Salvo for reclaimed fireplaces and surrounds.

7. Add a Persian-style rug

Add a Persian-style rug in rich shades, leaving a border of dark floorboards. Often, Victorians would only paint the part of the floor that would be seen, and the removal of the rug would reveal the less-fashionable, lighter floorboards. Thankfully, typical wood paint is available in large enough containers to cover most living rooms if you’re looking to stain the wooden floor.

8. Layer textures

The Victorians were huge fans of using lots of different textures. Try layering cushions with lace, velvet and brocade covers, trimming curtains or blinds with lace, adding sumptuous window treatments or festoon blinds, and using lace or delicately crocheted table and tray cloths.

9. Accentuate original Victorian features

If you have original features such as ceiling roses and mouldings, accentuate them. If they have been removed, consider reinstating them. While replacements are relatively cheap, they are often difficult to fit properly and you may need the help of an expert.

10. Consider painting the ceiling the same colour as the walls

If you’re in a house with a high ceiling, consider painting it the same shade as your walls. It may seem extreme, but it can make a large room look opulent and dramatic.

To find out more about interior design in the Victorian style, download the Adrian Flux Victorian Homes ebook for free. It is full of tips on how to create a Victorian style house — even if you live in a new-build home — and advice on where to source original Victorian and reproduction fixtures, fittings, furniture, accessories and art.

Looking to insure your Victorian Home?

Adrian Flux is a specialist insurance compnay offering bespoke cover for all period and Victorian homes. Call 0800 369 8590 got a fast and hassle-free quote.

Our home insurance customers saved an average of 31% in 2021 when taking out a policy with us. See how much you could save by giving us a call.