If you like the Victorian style, but do not live in a home that was built during that era, please read on. Below, we explain how you can turn a relatively modern room into one that looks like it was constructed in a different century.
The trick to pulling off this transformation is to pay attention to the details. You need to get the little things right to be able to pull off the overall look. It is not enough to simply buy Victorian style items of furniture. You need to change the very fabric of the room to truly transform it.
Change the skirting board
You will need to install some Victorian style skirting board. Fortunately, this is no longer hard to come by. There are several firms who make this style of baseboard out of MDF. This means that no matter where you live in the world you can usually get hold of it. Because it is made from a composite material it is environmentally friendly, lightweight and extremely to install. Once it is in place and has been painted it is all but impossible to tell that it is not original Victorian skirting board.
Wallpaper your walls
Most large Victorian family homes were wallpapered. So, you will need to paper at least some of your walls. Or, use stencils to create the impression that you are using wallpaper. You can find out how to make and use your own stencils by watching this You Tube video.
Consider installing a picture rail or paneling
A lot of Victorian homes had dado or picture rails in their main family rooms. It was also not uncommon to see the bottom of walls covered in paneling that was then painted. Again, you will not have to pay a fortune to achieve the same. It is easy to buy good quality MDF dados or picture rails. They are lightweight, so are easy to install. It is a little harder to find wood-paneling, but it is not essential.
Add ceiling details
In most Victorian houses, there was a decorative ceiling rose and moldings, so for an authentic look, you will need to install these in your room. The cheapest versions are made of polystyrene. Once they are painted, they look fine. You really cannot tell that they are not made from plaster. When buying these make sure that they are fire safe. Polystyrene that has not been treated or coated with a fire retardant can easily catch alight and burn quickly.
Change fixtures and fittings
You cannot pull off the Victorian look properly unless the fixtures and fittings you use are also from the right era. That means going out and buying yourself some Victorian style lights. Remember to change your light switches and electrical sockets as well.
You will also need to install the correct type of door. This may seem like a little detail, but it is actually very important. A door is something that is hard to avoid looking at when you enter and leave a room.
Provided you follow the above advice, all you will need to do is to install the right flooring and dress your room with Victorian style items to achieve the look you want. It is far easier to do than many people think.
Post by: Mary Lewis
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