Victorian Home

The Victorian Era brought on fancy, beautiful, yet cozy interior designs. The creativity of things was unbelievable. Decor was exceedingly fanciful and household items were transformed into pieces of art. Not all homes were large but all were decorated carefully.

Furniture showed the wealth of a family and was extravagantly decorated. Victorian furniture brought back old classic styles. It looked like buildings with tall arches, ornate curves, large stuffing, and carved heads. Victorian furniture gave an impression of richness. Surviving American furniture has become very valuable because less was produced in the United States.

ROOMS IN THE VICTORIAN HOME

Parlor--The parlor was the most formal room in the home. It was used only for Sunday family gatherings and entertaining guests. Furniture crowded the parlor to show the wealth of the family and to present good manners because a fresh seat would always be available. Fire places warmed the parlor in the winter.

During the Victorian era lighting was primarily from gas. But with Edison's improved design of the incandescent light bulb in 1879, electric lighting began replacing gas lighting in Victorian homes. This change became the catalyst for a variety of lamp shades made to shield glaring light bulbs. Elegant shades graced table and floor lamps as well as crystal chandeliers imported from Europe. And the electric light bulb enabled fine work to be sewn at night usually under a parlor bridge lamp.

Kitchen--In early Victorian times the kitchen was located in the basement until it was moved to the first floor. Everything was stored in wooden or tin closets. This way they were free of dust and kept away from bugs and other pests.

Dining Room--Most dining rooms were located near the kitchen and was only used for dinner. Other meals were served in the kitchen. The furniture was made dark and heavy and usually large enough to seat several people. If the kitchen and dining room were located on separate floors a dumbwaiter, a shelf that moves vertically in a chute, transported meals quickly.

Bed chambers--Although bedrooms were kept very private they were still kept very proper. These were located on the second floor and used for reading, sewing, relaxing, and sleeping. Bureaus and wardrobes were used in place of closets. Popular four-poster beds contained mattresses stuffed with goose feathers or horse hair. These sometimes had canopies to add warmth and privacy.

Nurseries--Some houses contained a separate nursery for children. This is where they slept and played. Most nurseries were plain and had simple furniture. Strollers were a common item in these nurseries.
Some of the more wealthy families also had ballrooms, smoking rooms, water closets, music rooms, and conservatories.