Victorian Architecture

The Victorian era spanned the last three quarters of the nineteenth century and was greatly impacted by the Industrial Age, which made mass production possible. Interior design products and styles, which were previously only available to the rich and wealthy, soon became affordable to the middle classes. In many ways, Victorian architecture was considered to be a retrospective design style and drew heavily on previous architecture styles. 

Beautiful arched windows and dramatic features made Victorian architecture some of the most memorable of all time, but there are plenty of other classic Victorian features which will indicate if your property is Victorian or not. If you are trying to find out whether or not your house is Victorian, have a look around your property for some of these classic Victorian trademarks. 

Victorian Porches & Outdoor Lights

The Victorians were keen to show off their wealth and went to great lengths to make sure that their homes reflected their social status. Elegant porches and outdoor lights were added, to the front of their homes. Not only to provide shelter for visitors, but also to show  that they were of greater status to their neighbours. Dramatic wood trims were fitted to the porch and were often painted in dramatic, rich colours. 

Victorian Front Doors

Grand Victorian front doors with Gothic styling and carved panels are icons of the Victorian era and they usually opted for a classic green front door. Elegant hardware was also designed to impress and there was a whole industry dedicated to door knockers, knobs and letterboxes. 

Other original features such as skirting boards, fingerplates and window catches are also clear indications that your property is Victorian. The fireplace was typically the centre piece of Victorian living areas and great attention to detail was paid to its design. 

Victorian Insulation Techniques

Victorians were not all about image, however. They were also practically minded and installed glazed panels at the top of the door, allowing natural light into the hallway of the house. Although the Victorians did not benefit from the energy efficient doors we have today, insulation still featured in Victorian design. Their windows and doorways were built to house thick netting and curtains, keeping out the cold British winter draughts. This insulation was not something only the rich Victorians benefited from and was also implemented by the less wealthy. An archway in your hallway is also an indicator that your property is Victorian, and was originally used to hang curtains from, helping to contain the property’s heat. 

Victorian Colours

Dark colours were popular with the Victorians, perhaps not by choice, but more so because they had very little choice. Colours were restricted because the chemical processes we benefit from today, were not yet developed. Dark ruby reds and natural tone greens were common, as was the arrival of a new purple colour, which was created in the middle of the 19th Century. As well as a love for these bold colours, Victorians also implemented paint effects such as stencilling, stippling and faux marbling. All of which have drifted in and out of fashion up until present day. You may still find these dark colours as you strip paint off old wood and walls, which is another indication that your house is Victorian. 

We have an elegant range of Victorian front doors in a selection of 7 colours. You can also design and customise the finer details of your door by using our door designer tool.