7 Ways to Give Your Study a Victorian Touch
Modern needs and Victorian styling can work beautifully together in a study, even if the space is a family affair
The Victorian study in its day was very much the domain of the man of the house — think dark oak- and leather-clad rooms filled with solid furniture, fitted bookshelves, trophies, certificates and personal memorabilia. In middle-class Victorian homes, the study often doubled as a library — a status symbol, as books were relatively expensive until the 19th century.
Today the study takes on a whole new meaning, as so many of us work from home or have multiple uses for this room. It needs to reflect not only the tastes of those who use it, but also their modern requirements. If you love Victorian style, here are some ways to include some of its elements while putting functionality first.
Today the study takes on a whole new meaning, as so many of us work from home or have multiple uses for this room. It needs to reflect not only the tastes of those who use it, but also their modern requirements. If you love Victorian style, here are some ways to include some of its elements while putting functionality first.
1. Go dark. Going dark doesn't need to mean walls of oak paneling or bookshelves. This room feels like a Victorian study without all the wood. The gorgeous black wallpaper gives a masculine edge, along with a solid desk and leather chair. This look may be best reserved for naturally lit rooms, unless you are happy working with good task lighting or use the room only in the evening.
2. Display trophies and certificates. The Victorian man would have used his study to display trophies and certificates, which is a great idea today, too. Surrounding yourself with evidence of your and your family's achievements can be motivational and lends itself to a stunning and personal display — for everyone in the house.
3. Integrate floor-to-ceiling shelves. If your study will house plenty of books, try practical, built-in, floor-to-ceiling shelving, which feels true to the Victorian era. A library ladder also looks authentic and hints at a well-used book collection.
4. Use an antique table. Your study or library might not be in use all day, but rather might be the place where several family members read, do homework or work quietly. If so, you don't need to stick with the traditional rectangular desk — opt for a round antique library table. Here, the large Victorian windows, fitted bookshelves and lovely table give a very traditional feel, but the light, bright colors add a modern edge.
5. Mix modern function with Victorian details. With our reliance on modern technology and equipment, the traditional freestanding desk in the middle of the room may be a little impractical. Cables trailing across the floor are unsightly and dangerous, so situating desks around the room's perimeter has become more popular.
Here, fitted units and the use of dark wood and leather loosely imply Victorian style in a very modern aesthetic.
Here, fitted units and the use of dark wood and leather loosely imply Victorian style in a very modern aesthetic.
6. Get comfy. The Victorian study was a quiet, secure place where one could lock oneself away undisturbed. If you have similar requirements, then make it cozy with a comfy chair or sofa for catching up on paperwork or reading.
7. Let it feel feminine. Don't feel you have to stick with masculine styling. The heather tones in this room are pretty and feminine, and the fitted bookshelves provide space for arranging much-loved collections. The mismatched furniture hints at a more feminine boudoir where a Victorian lady would have done her paperwork.