10 Ways to Update a Victorian Living Room
Bring your period living room sensitively into the 21st century with these simple yet effective design tricks
Lara Sargent
February 8, 2015
Houzz UK contributor. Freelance interiors journalist with over 20 years' experience writing for national magazines, newspapers and websites.
Houzz UK contributor. Freelance interiors journalist with over 20 years' experience... More
We love our Victorian homes, but that’s not to say we want our living rooms to be kitted out with museum-style pieces that painstakingly reflect an archaic way of life, down to every last historical fabric swatch and period paint color. So, while we adore the lofty ceilings, original plasterwork and beautiful sash windows, let’s not be afraid to put our own 21st-century stamp on these historical bare bones.
This doesn’t have to mean anything as dramatic as stripping away original picture rails and marble mantels. (Heaven forbid!) It’s more about adding well-chosen contemporary decorative touches here and there. Try a striking modern light fitting or a sleek, low-slung sofa in a neon pink velvet that will look fabulous against the period architecture. Be inspired by our 10 top tips and let the decorating commence.
This doesn’t have to mean anything as dramatic as stripping away original picture rails and marble mantels. (Heaven forbid!) It’s more about adding well-chosen contemporary decorative touches here and there. Try a striking modern light fitting or a sleek, low-slung sofa in a neon pink velvet that will look fabulous against the period architecture. Be inspired by our 10 top tips and let the decorating commence.
1. Consider contemporary lighting. There is no need to choose a vintage chandelier when lighting a Victorian living room with a modern-day alternative can put an altogether different slant on things. The room here had already been given a contemporary makeover, thanks to the deep teal feature wall and white shelving, but the contemporary lattice light contrasts effortlessly with the period ceiling rose, throwing playful shadows across the ceiling. And it’s just as beautiful as any twinkly glass chandelier in my book.
2. Layer modern patterns and colors. The Victorians were big on layering patterns, so tap into the spirit of the era — but with a modern selection. This room has a fabulously graphic rug, a bold retro-print sofa and an industrial-style coffee table crafted from salvaged wood, all working effortlessly with the ornate fireplace surround and plasterwork.
3. Install a wood-burning stove. This is a popular way to rocket a Victorian living room straight into the 21st century. While it’s considered sacrilegious to rip out an original fireplace, we might not all relish the idea of an open, roaring fire to tend to and clean up after day after day (and the heat wastage can be excessive). Instead, keep the traditional surround and call in the professionals to install a wood-burning stove. It requires easy maintenance and offers maximum heat efficiency, as well as adds a contemporary touch to a period space.
4. Streamline your windows. Do away with thick, heavy drapes in a Victorian room and opt instead for a neat, discreet solution, such as white slatted shutters. This smart window treatment is beautiful yet functional, and it will give you a blank canvas to play with. You won’t have to incorporate curtain colors when decorating the room. And it will leave more floor and wall space around the windows, creating a light, airy mood.
5. Max out on a white backdrop. While this Victorian living room is filled with well-worn vintage furniture, the all-over white surfaces offer a huge dose of slick and contrasting modernity. Because the walls, floors, paintwork and original features have been layered in nothing but white, white and more white, the beautiful velvet chaise longue and antique rug have been given a new lease on life. It’s a simple design trick that works wonders. You can vary the shades and textures if you want to soften the effect.
6. Accent with bold hues. Don’t be afraid to use vivid flashes of jewel colors in a Victorian living room. While citrus yellow and fuchsia might not appear on a historical color chart, they can add personality to your 21st-century abode. This space is full of pretty touches, including the multicolored chandelier, cute wallpaper and retro fringed lampshade, which give this vintage room a fresh update without taking away from its character.
7. Create clever contrasts. In my opinion, it would have been a shame if this architecturally grand room had been furnished just with period furniture and antiques — it would have served only to create an unlivable, “don’t touch me” museum piece. However, with a low-slung sofa and slick sideboard, the ornate cornicing, carved panels and decorative plasterwork really shine. What helps to hold together this juxtaposition of eras is the considered color scheme, in which shades for the modern pieces have been picked from the stained glass window panels, installed by the original owner in 1870.
8. Make an impact with modern art. Paint the walls in a deep, muted hue for an authentic touch that reflects the architectural heritage of your home (this gray is actually rather Georgian, but it works in this Victorian house). Then set a daring piece of modern art against it for a fabulous contrast. Period rooms can take all sorts of shades — partly due to their often grand proportions — from the darkest inky blue to stark, bright white. It’s time to get out the color charts and choose a shade to set off your art to best effect.
9. Add a neat storage wall. If you have the lofty proportions, sash windows and original cornices to start with, you can put almost anything into a period room and get away with it. Storage can be a problem in older houses, though, due to uneven walls, so building a custom wall of shelving for books and media can tackle clutter. Update the heavy Victorian bookcase with slim shelving incorporating different-size sections. Further lighten the look by stopping short of the ceiling. Stick to a simple black and white palette for the rest of the room, so the space doesn’t feel too overwhelming.
10. Make use of high ceilings. One of the great benefits of grander Victorian dwellings are the ceilings, which can be very lofty. Such proportions offer the perfect opportunity for building in a mezzanine level — a great architectural solution if you need to squeeze more rooms into an apartment. Go all-out with a striking, sleek glass version for a modern statement amid the decorative plasterwork.
Tell us: Have you updated your period living room? Share your design tips, tricks and photos in the Comments.
More:
How to Gently Bring a Victorian Home Into the 21st Century
Victorian Details Make Their Way in Modern Life
Tell us: Have you updated your period living room? Share your design tips, tricks and photos in the Comments.
More:
How to Gently Bring a Victorian Home Into the 21st Century
Victorian Details Make Their Way in Modern Life
Related Stories
Organizing
How to Create a Joyful, Clutter-Free Home Office
Follow these steps to get rid of the paper piles and make room for beauty and better organization
Full Story
Remodeling Guides
15 Ways to Create Separation in an Open Floor Plan
By tidgboutique
Use these pro tips to minimize noise, delineate space and establish personal boundaries in an open layout
Full Story
White
Design Pros Share 10 Favorite Creamy White Paints
By Becky Harris
These off-white color choices include versatile tones, warming hues and pleasingly soft shades
Full Story
Entryways
4 Designer Tips for a Fashionable Entry
By tidgboutique
A pro shows how adding color, statement pieces and more to a foyer can set the right tone for the rest of the home
Full Story
Most Popular
7 Major Decorating Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
By tidgboutique
Gain confidence to start your interior design project with this advice from a professional designer
Full Story
Living Rooms
4 Must-Have Features for a Small Living Room
By tidgboutique
A designer shares important ways to live large in a tight space and make it look stylish
Full Story
Most Popular
7 Common Decorating Mistakes to Avoid
Pros share solutions to design problems they often find in people’s living spaces
Full Story
Most Popular
How to Decorate a Living Room
By tidgboutique
A designer offers tips for creating a comfortable space that reflects your style
Full Story
Budget Decorating
Where to Splurge and Where to Save When Decorating
By tidgboutique
See where it makes sense to invest in durable essentials and focal pieces, and where to economize on other things
Full Story
Lighting
Pro Tips for Lighting 10 Rooms and Outdoor Areas
Get professional advice for lighting your kitchen, bathroom, living room, office, patio and more
Full Story
Perfect in a Victorian setting. Have you considered using false books from fauxbooks.co.uk to hide clutter, TV's etc. Not just antique style books but also vellum or paperbacks create a terrific impact hiding cupboard doors and are a bridge to contemporary design..