Victorian Fireplaces: 10 Restoration Tips To Personalize Your Antique Fireplace

We’ve put together our top ten tips for making your Victorian fireplace feel more like home.

patterned rugs – The right choice of rug can really help you get the Victorian look in your home restoration. In Victorian times they always used high quality rugs. Finding traditional Victorian patterns is important, but try to think about the texture of the rug as well.

Polished floor boards – Wooden floors are very popular at the moment. Although if your original floor boards aren’t up to the task, resist the urge to go for the lower-cost laminate flooring. They are too high gloss and will look clean and new. The best option is to find some reclaimed floor boards, but if this proves too expensive, solid block flooring can often end up costing less than laminate.

Tiled Kitchen and Hallways – In high-traffic areas of the home, tile is the most wear-resistant surface. If you’re lucky, your hallway might have the original tiles under your rug. The checkerboard always looks authentic and herringbone tiles can often look stunning.

rich dark colors – Ruby reds and forest greens loved by Victorians. They may be a bit dark compared to the beige that prevails in most converted homes, but in the right setting they can look fantastic. If you’re worried about the idea of ​​a deep colored room, it can often work on a single wall or on a slot rail.

herd wallpaper – The increase in manufacturing that became available in the early 20th century meant that mass-produced wallpaper adorned many Victorian walls. Flock was one of the most popular patterns and many modern wallpapers inspired by the past are available.

chubby furniture – when it came to upholstery, more was more. If it looks overloaded, it’s probably upholstered at the right level. There is plenty of suitable furniture at salvage yards and antique fairs. If your chair or sofa looks a bit worn, there are plenty of experienced upholsterers who will professionally fix it for you.

Printed Fabric or Velvet – your choice of curtains can have a real effect on the atmosphere of a room. We would not recommend hanging fabrics from the mantelpiece, as was popular at the time, as it is an accident waiting to happen.

30 cm plinth – the right choice of baseboard, baseboard or molding can make a room. Victorian tended to steer clear of the white glitter that tends to adorn baseboards today, so feel free to experiment.