Dining Room Decorating Victorian Style
Bringing to mind the more elegant and formal years of the Victorian era, a dining room in this style has several important elements. Color, furniture and lighting are the three keys to creating a Victorian themed dining room.
Divide the Walls for Depth and Color
When dining room decorating Victorian style, one of the prominent features is the use of chair rails to divide the walls. Traditionally speaking, the area above the chair rails has been papered in a heavy, patterned paper, while the area below it has been painted a complimentary darker color.
In keeping with tradition, choosing a paper with a flowered print in greens, browns and umbers and painting the lower portion a rich chocolate or other complimentary color will work well. For a more updated look when dining room decorating Victorian style, consider using one of the many faux painting techniques on the upper half of the walls while keeping the lower half solid.
For example, using three shades of green, a mixing medium and water, you can create interesting walls by sponging the paint onto the walls in succession from dark to light, allowing each coat to dry. Painting the lower half of the walls in the darkest shade will tie everything together neatly. Don't be afraid to use darker shades of gold or umber as your color palette. They work lovely with the heavier, darker wood of Victorian aged furniture.
The Victorian Age: Famous for its Furniture
When you consider dining room decorating Victorian style, you should know that Victorian aged furniture is renowned. Heavily embellished with carvings and made of heavy, dark woods like rosewood and mahogany, this furniture cannot be mistaken. Choose a dining table, chairs and sideboard by keeping this in mind. Chairs with intricately carved backs are elegant and attention grabbing.
The sideboard, recently gaining in popularity is both functional and a key Victorian element. Used as a serving table and for storage of china, linens, crystal and silver, a heavy, richly decorated piece can be a focal point for the room.
Additionally, by using the rich colors of the furniture to coordinate linens and heavy velvet drapery, creating the warmth and romance of the Victorian age is important when dining room decorating Victorian style. Use the richness of the wood to choose your fabrics and textures as a unifying element.
Lighting, Reminiscent of the Romantic Victorian Age
The romance and chivalry of the Victorian age are combined in elegant lighting fixtures when dining room decorating Victorian style. A heavy chandelier, dripping with crystal is a perfect choice for the main lighting fixtures. Wall sconces, candelabra and tapers will bring softness to your lighting plan. Don't be afraid to splurge a little here, the effect will be well worth the additional money.
The romance of the Victorian Age is ideal for creating an intimate dining space. A Victorian themed dining room will be a gathering place for family and friend to eat, talk and relax in. Create this wonderful space through the careful use of color, lighting and furniture when dining room decorating Victorian style.
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