Victorian Dining Room
Much time has elapsed since the Victorian age. However, the elegance of a Victorian dining room décor is still admired. Dining rooms often become the epicenter of family festivities where all the members and guest gather and savor the best of delicacies and spend some quality time together. And a Victorian dining room décor, with its ostentatious display of the china, crystal, floral arrangements and subtle lighting, exudes charm and elegance through every inch in that room that adds a great sparkle to any gathering. However, this particular design underwent a metamorphosis through the entire 19th century. During the reign of Queen Victoria, in its primitive stage, the décor was more solemn and restrained. However, by the end of the nineteenth century, owing to the inclusion of playfully brighter colors and other lighter elements, the styles assumed a delicate femininity. The most prominent feature of Victorian dining room is that it adds a royal, classy touch to the entire decor. If you are looking for tips to decorate your dining room in the Victorian style, go through the following article.
Victorian Dining Room Décor Ideas
Color For Walls
Victorian décor extensively used ornate dado rails to divide the wall into two halves, horizontally. Use some simple patterned wallpaper in tasteful prints to cover the area above the dado rail. Doing so won’t just add elegance to your decor, but also give your dining space more sophisticated and aristocratic look. For the section of the wall lying below the dado rail, opt for a dark color in the shades of brown, green, or even dark pastel shades. You may opt for wood paneling for the corners of the walls. This is, however, best suitable for large dining rooms, as they tend to make a room appear smaller. As far as the curtains and drapes are concerned, go for heavy fabric with a velvety look in rich contrasting colors like rust, copper or even light golden.
The Lights
Until the advent of electric lights, candlelight was used for most ordinary activities. However, since the 19th century, chandeliers, wall-scones and big candleholders had come into vogue. Chandelier offer abundant light and can be used when there are guests at your home. Otherwise, for mild and balmy ambience, hidden lights and wall-scones are better options. To add some magnificence to your dining room décor, you can place a candle stand in iron or silver on the center of the table. During the Victorian period, candles had shades, some with frills and tassels, others plain, perhaps made of paper. Place the candles on candle stand and watch the room glow when lit!
Furniture
Victorian style décor, which was heavily influenced by the Imperial, Gothic and Renaissance styles, is marked for its typical use of huge, robust furniture. Mahogany, walnut and rosewood were the most preferred choices in wood during that era. From tables to sideboards, every piece of furniture was tastefully varnished to create a regal look. As flamboyance was an important feature of this décor, therefore the table just accommodated a few important dishes like condiments, leaving an ample space for embellishments.
Flowers
Floral display was an indispensible part of a Victorian dining room decor. Though flowers were perhaps the principal embellishing element for the entire home, the very best display was saved for the dining room. Rare and exotic flowers were grown in greenhouses. The more expensive and exotic they appeared, the more likely they were to be put on display in the dining room for all to see. Poinsettia, bouvardia, scarlet plume euphorbia, eucharis lily and cattleya orchid were some of the all-time Victorian favorites. Often, a tiny bouquet was placed at each setting with the intention of the guest taking it home with them at the end of the evening. To bring in the same flamboyance, place the flowers on a large ornamental silver tray or a mirror with an ornamental rim or galley. An epergne can be used as an alternative centerpiece for larger tables.
Follow the above-mentioned tips and get ready to bowl your guests over with an elegant Victorian dining room.