21 Ideas for Victorian Inspired Decorating (on a Budget!)

Looking for a fresh, new look for your home? Victorian inspired decorating is the polar opposite of the contemporary spaces that we’ve all gotten so used to seeing. Instead of sleek, minimalist style, it’s all about opulence and excess. But don’t worry, even though this style features luxury and comfort, we’re going to show you how to get the look while sticking to your budget.

1. Subdued Colors

Avoid bright, bold colors and instead opt for subdued hues, like smokey-navy, dusty rose, lilac, and earthy green. For a budget friendly make-over to a room, try painting just one wall. 

2. Matching Bedding

 

 

Fill the bed with frilly throw pillows, a down comforter, a feather pillow-topper. All of the bedding should match. Choose floral prints, and complete the look with a dust ruffle! 

3. Opaque Curtains

Heavy, opaque curtains create an air of privacy. Not only will they keep out noise and prying eyes, but they also block sunlight and can trap heat. That makes them a practical and pretty choice! For a budget-friendly option, purchase second-hand fabrics and sew drapes or curtains yourself. Add a layer of lace beneath the heavy curtain, for a dreamy veil between the inner sanctuary and the world outside!

4. Lace Table Cloths

Toss a lace table cloth over a small side table, desk, or your dining room table. You’ll be ready to host your next Victorian inspired tea party. Cucumber sandwiches, anyone? 

5. Plump Pillows

Victorian design is all about romantic charm and a warm, cozy vibe. You can’t go wrong with adding throw pillows to your seating areas and bed. Look for pillows that are shaped like flowers, or wrapped in bows. Remember, excess is the name of the game! 

6. Teester Bed Crown

How would you like to have a crown over your bed? You can get this luxurious look for a bargain if you’re willing to get crafty. Create a DIY teester bed crown with wood, lace, paint, and a few other items!

7. Wallpaper with Natural Print

A little bit of wallpaper can go a long way! Cover just one wall, and see how it changes the tone of the room. To stick to the Victorian theme, look for prints that highlight nature: leaves, flowers, birds, vines, and butterflies. 

8. DIY Mural

You don’t need to be Michelangelo to create a wall mural. The one in the photo above was created with a pool noodle, dipped in paint and pressed against the wall. Wouldn’t these earthy green tones look great next to a bed that was draped in soft green? So relaxing! 

9. Ornate Lamps

Instead of a sleek, functional lamp by the bed or couch, consider something dripping in faux-crystals, or golden fringe. If you have high ceilings, think about a chandelier. 

10. Heavy, Ornate Furniture

Heavy ornate furniture can become a focal point to a room. While modern design often aims to create an airy, empty feel, Victorian design is all about cozy, warm, inviting spaces. You may want the room to look full, but you don’t want it to look overstuffed. So if you live in a small space, you might want to skip this idea! 

11. Wooden Accents

Place a few wooden accents around the room. Mohogany and Walnut are ideal! 

12. Large Mirrors with Gold Frames

What’s more decadent than a gold frame? To get this look without breaking the bank, find a second-hand mirror and try your hand a gilding the frame. 

13. Rich Fabrics — Velvet and Damask

When upholstering furniture, choosing bedding, or sewing curtains, opt for rich fabrics. Crushed velvet and damask are perfect options. 

14. Rugs for a Cozy Feel

Make any room feel a bit cozier by adding carpeting. Rugs with intricate patterns, in muted colors will work best. Fringe is good, too! 

15. Elegant Tapestries

If you’re just trying out the Victorian look, but you don’t want to commit to paint or wallpaper, another option is to simply hang an elegant tapestry. On the plus side, it’s totally temporary. A negative is that you might have to play around a bit before finding one in the right size for the wall you have in mind. 

16. Cherubs and Figurines

Cherubs were ‘in’ during the Victorian era, and this is a really fun look to model. Who doesn’t want a chubby, happy little angelic figure hanging around? They are so cute! Let one fly through the sky above your head by hanging it from the ceiling, or tuck it in among your house plants, like a garden gnome. If you don’t like cherubs, you could also decorate with other figurines. 

17. Fringed Ottoman

Turn any ottoman into a Victorian ottoman by adding fringe. This is a great DIY project for a rainy day. You get bonus points if you add lace or beads! 

18. Patterns and Prints

This is a really fun aspect of design, but one that you have to be careful about. If you live in a small space, try not to overwhelm the walls or furniture with busy patterns. Instead use patterns and prints in a sparing manor. 

19. Upholstered Chairs

Instead of plain wooden chairs, choose chairs with some upholstery. A comfortable seat, rich fabrics, and ornate woodwork are all signs that you’re sticking to the Victorian theme. Look for dark wood, elaborate scroll work, and plenty of curves and spirals. 

20. Drawer Handles

Drawer handles are easy to replace or paint. A fun way to change the look of a furniture piece, like a dresser or desk, is to change out the drawer handles. Or, add a bit of charm to your kitchen by adding whimsical handles onto your cupboards and cabinets. 

21. Fancy Table Legs

Every facet of a piece of furniture is an opportunity for adding a bit more detail for the eye to look at. During the Victorian era, even table legs were decorated to the max. Draw attention to table legs with a layer of gold paint. Cover just the front two legs, just one leg, or all four! 

If you’re in the mood for something really different, Victorian-inspired decor might just be your cup of tea. It’s completely opposite to contemporary design. Every surface is fair game. Use gold paint, printed fabrics, rich textures, tassles, fringe, and anything else you can think of to create a charming, cozy, romantic setting. If you have a crafty side, you can pull this look off without breaking the bank. What do you think of Victorian design? Share your thoughts and feelings in the comments section, below!