The Victorian era covers the period 1837-1901. During this time, Queen Victoria ruled England from her throne in London’s celebrated Buckingham Palace. She was not known as an interior designer herself, but during her reign there was a revival of all sorts of design ideas from the past. Interior design companies of the time brought together an impressive collection of styles to create what came to be known as the Victorian aesthetic. These interior design companies borrowed ideas from Goth, Rococo, Baroque, and Neoclassic contexts. The Victorian style was the first to really bring the work of interior design companies into the mainstream. No longer just the domain of wealthy Londoners, the reach of the profession began to stretch throughout the empire – allowing even people with more modest incomes to get the elaborate interior decorations that they really craved.

It was the Victorian era that ushered in the age of mirrors and beautifully ornamented mahogany, oakwood and metal furniture. Many of London’s best interior design companies during that time were asked to focus on design that was sturdy in appearance but high in comfort. Brass lamps were very fashionable, and homeowners craved the latest in etched glass window blinds. Dark colors were everywhere, and interior design companies would often respond to requests for rich royal reds and heavy greens.

London’s most famous interior design companies in the Victorian era tended to focus on living rooms and front parlours. These needed to be very formal, with opulent fabric-ensconced sofas (see my article on the Chesterfield for more) and chaise longues with ridgebacked recliners. Luxurious velvets, silks and tapestry-style textiles featured intricate beadwork and knotted cords with tufted heads.

Victorian interior design companies often fielded requests for pretty and frilly lace curtains to serve as windowblinds. The Victorians prized modesty and, especially in London, it was necessary to cover windows completely to make sure that people on the streets outside could never look in.

Formal dining rooms in the Victorian era featured oversized dining tables and upright chairs. Interior design companies of those decades would often receive requests from clients who had huge collections of artwork, books or ornaments. Upper-class London gentlemen would crave fabulous display shelving in rich mahogany to show off their treasured possessions. Bedrooms would be replete with dense, ornamented beds in subdued varnished wood, together with weighty chests of drawers. For London ladies, powder rooms and cloakrooms were essential as the Victorians loved to spend time beautifying their appearances.

Pretty mirrors with decorative edges and pictures were common features seen in the bathroom. Black and white family portraits are a great way to imitate the united front families resembled in that period. Portraits should be placed in the main focus of the room for guests and family to view clearly.

Fixed shower heads with wide projections are a must have with traditional fixed arms it creates a classic replica. Manufactures such as Hudson Reed specialise in traditional showers to create the ultimate classic look. Clutter is not a disadvantage in a Victorian styled bathroom design as it creates a more lived in feel. Miniature trinkets and detailed objects will only add to the character and warmth. Modern blinds will be too 21st century so instead opt for sweeping curtains with tassled tie backs to create a lavish finish.

Vintage radiators and towel warmers will create a charming bathroom addition whilst being practical. High heat outputs will definitely keep you feeling warm in the winter months. Deep toned pinks and purples are the colours enhance the enduring bathroom ambience. A distinctive line of tiles on a blank canvas offer a unique focal point to distract the eye. Small square tiles in dark colours such as black or dark brown are the best option if a lighter tone such as pink is going to be used as a background color.

To add drama into the design a distinguished idea is to add a chandelier right in the centre of your bathroom to illuminate the whole room, remember the more dramatic the better!