The main aim of a living space is to be comfortable and enticing. It should be the centrepiece of every modern home. As well as serving as the main gathering place for a family, it should also be the ideal place to entertain guests and visitors on those cold winter evenings.
Floor
Exposed wood is always warm and inviting. Whether it’s floorboards, exposed beams, or even panelling. The natural shades and texture of the timber holds warmth and is very tactile. Well-sanded and varnished floor boards can add an accent of warmth to most rooms.
Alternatively, stone floors can help to bring the outside in. They can be a little cold, but when combined with under-floor heating can make a perfect flooring solution. Granite and marble are a nice heavyweight natural touch, although they can be costly.
Furniture
A Victorian living room is characterised by ornate and filled cushions, overstuffed and plump chairs and sofas dominated living and drawing rooms across the country. Wood was dark; the days of pine furniture were still a long way off. Rooms were cluttered and filled to bursting with furniture that often served no practical purpose other than display.
If you are looking for a more vintage look, furniture such as writing desks, vintage chests and half-moon tables can all add to the look of your living room. Tucking your range of gadgets neatly away behind a period dresser or armoire will help to ensure that your vintage furniture and accessories shine through. For a vintage look on a budget, try throwing a vintage quilt over an armchair or sofa.
Location, location, location!
Regardless of how aesthetically pleasing or expensive your furniture is, failure to place it in the best location can be a crucial mistake. For example, seating which is deliberately arranged around an existing fireplace instantly creates a warm and inviting atmosphere for guests.
In the Victorian era, living spaces were eclectic and often cluttered. Large feature furniture was crammed into every available space and with the coming of mass-produced ornaments, shelves groaned under the weight of trinkets, souvenirs and statues.
Getting the colouring right
The colours which you decide to use within a living room are also a huge part of creating the right atmosphere. Warm, vibrant colours like reds and oranges serve to set a notably bright tone, whereas siding with more demure colours like dark blues and blacks can create a more low-key and relaxed vibe. It is really down to you in terms of what sort of vibe you are looking to cultivate.
Vintage colour schemes are made up of anything from soft pinks to off-whites, think subtle rather than bold, and companies such as Farrow & Ball have an extensive range, as do stores such as Homebase. For a more striking look, these faded shades can also be ramped up with a range of wall accessories, or statement wallpapers on some walls.
If you are looking for a more period appropriate style, Victorian living spaces were dark, rich and opulent. Choose colours such as, deep greens, reds, or blues to help create the impression of grandeur and style. Fabrics, such as curtains and sofas, were patterned with bold designs and wallpaper was often embossed. Think big and bold patterns and textures and you can create your own grand Victorian living space.
Decorating Timber Windows
Roman blinds offer a limitless choice of colours and patterns. Don’t be afraid to choose bold colours and patterns, especially if you have neutral walls
Allow the window frame to naturally frame your blind choice. Choose blinds that are the same colour as the walls and allow the white window frame to accentuate the shape of the window.
If you have period windows or other period features in the room, then you may wish to install some shutters.
You may also be interested in:
Victorian Architecture Guide
Replacing Victorian Timber Windows
A brief guide to Victorian interior design