How to Get an Elegant Victorian Bedroom
Did you know that the opulent Victorian bedroom style was once considered over-the-top and even a tad rebellious?
What we now admire as classic elegance was once the avant-garde of its time. If you’ve ever dreamt of transforming your bedroom into a vintage haven brimming with charm, you’re in the right place.
What’s the Best Furniture?
Victorian style is all about luxurious and intricate furniture. Think carved wooden bed frames, velvet-upholstered chairs, and elegant dressers.
- Opt for a canopy bed to make a grand statement.
- Seek out antique shops or flea markets for unique pieces (and great deals!).
- Refinish old furniture with dark stains to mimic Victorian hues.
What are the Ideal Color Palettes?
The colors of the Victorian era were anything but shy. Deep reds, lush greens, and royal blues dominated the scene.
- Paint your walls in rich, warm tones to set the mood.
- Incorporate gold or brass accents for that extra touch of luxury.
- Use wallpapers with intricate patterns (florals or damasks are spot-on!).
What Textiles Should You Use?
From heavy drapes to layered bedding, textiles play a huge role.
- Layer your bed with quilts, throws, and decorative pillows.
- Hang velvet or brocade curtains to frame your windows beautifully.
- Add a plush rug underfoot for warmth and texture.
What Decor Items are Best?
It’s the little things that count!
- Adorn your walls with vintage artworks or ornate mirrors.
- Display trinkets like antique clocks, vases, or candlesticks.
- Install a chandelier (even a faux one) for that centerpiece sparkle.
Get Crafty with DIY Projects
You don’t have to break the bank to achieve this look.
- Upcycle old frames with gilded paint for a vintage feel.
- Sew your own throw pillows using luxurious fabrics (check remnant bins for bargains!).
- Create a gallery wall with thrifted art pieces or your own creations.
Mix in Global Influences
Victorians were fascinated by the exotic.
- Incorporate Asian-inspired pieces like a folding screen or porcelain vases.
- Add a touch of Middle Eastern flair with intricate lanterns or patterns.
- Use African or Indian textiles as wall hangings or bed throws.
Ideas for How to Personalize Your Bedroom
Make it uniquely yours!
- Display family heirlooms or sentimental items.
- Choose colors and patterns that resonate with you.
- Mix and match styles (Victorian Boho, anyone?) to reflect your personality.
Where to Start
- Layer textures and patterns for a rich look.
- Don’t shy away from bold colors—embrace them!
- Add greenery with indoor plants for a touch of life.
- Use scented candles or diffusers to appeal to all senses.
- Keep an eye out for sales or clearance items to stay on budget.
1. Embrace Classic Victorian Elements
Classic Victorian bedrooms are all about opulence and grandeur. Start with a four-poster or canopy bed, preferably made of dark wood. Add a plush, tufted headboard for an extra touch of luxury. Bedding should be rich in texture, with velvet, brocade, or silk being ideal choices. Layer your bed with plenty of pillows and an ornate bedspread to complete the look.
Next, consider your furniture. Antique pieces, such as a wooden dresser with intricate carvings, a vanity with an ornate mirror, and a pair of nightstands with brass handles, will anchor the room in Victorian elegance. To truly capture the era, opt for pieces with claw feet or spindle legs.
Finally, accessorize with taste. Gilded picture frames, candelabras, and porcelain vases filled with fresh or dried flowers will add the finishing touches. An area rug with an intricate pattern and heavy drapes in rich fabrics like velvet or brocade will complete the look.
2. Small Victorian Bedroom
A small bedroom doesn’t mean you have to compromise on Victorian style. Opt for a smaller-scale four-poster or sleigh bed to fit the space. Light-colored walls, like soft cream or pastel hues, can make the room feel larger while still being true to the Victorian palette. Use vertical space by incorporating tall, narrow furniture pieces.
Mirrors are your best friend in a small Victorian bedroom. A large, ornate mirror can create the illusion of more space and reflect light throughout the room. Choose furniture with built-in storage, such as a bed with drawers or a vanity with compartments, to keep the room clutter-free and elegant.
Accessories should be carefully chosen to avoid overwhelming the space. Select a few key pieces, like a crystal chandelier or a lace lampshade, to add Victorian charm. Floral patterns on throw pillows and a small, patterned rug can provide the finishing touches without making the room feel crowded.
3. Master Suite Elegance
Transform your master suite into a Victorian retreat with grandiose furnishings and luxurious details. Start with a king-sized canopy bed draped with opulent fabrics. Choose a color scheme of deep burgundy, emerald green, or navy blue to evoke the richness of the era. Complement the bed with matching nightstands and a dresser, each adorned with brass or crystal handles.
Create a seating area with a pair of upholstered armchairs and a small coffee table. A chaise lounge by the window adds a touch of romance and serves as the perfect spot for relaxation. Hang heavy drapes in coordinating colors to enhance the opulent atmosphere and ensure privacy.
Incorporate ornate lighting fixtures, such as a crystal chandelier or wall sconces, to illuminate the space with a warm, inviting glow. Decorative elements like a vintage rug, framed artwork, and a collection of antique books on a bookshelf will complete the luxurious Victorian master suite.
4. Dark and Mysterious Victorian Bedroom
For a dramatic twist, consider a dark Victorian bedroom. Deep, rich colors like midnight blue, burgundy, or even black can create a mysterious and romantic ambiance. Start with dark wood furniture, such as a mahogany bed frame and matching nightstands. Use luxurious, dark fabrics for bedding and drapes to enhance the moody atmosphere.
Incorporate metallic accents to add a touch of glamour. Brass or gold handles on furniture, picture frames, and lighting fixtures will stand out against the dark palette. Use rich textures, such as velvet pillows and a plush area rug, to add depth and interest to the space.
Soft, ambient lighting is key to creating a cozy yet mysterious vibe. Opt for candle-style sconces, a crystal chandelier, or table lamps with dark shades. Accessories like antique clocks, ornate mirrors, and vintage artwork will add to the gothic elegance of your dark Victorian bedroom.
5. Romantic Victorian Haven
Create a romantic Victorian bedroom by focusing on soft, feminine details. Start with a bed draped in delicate lace or floral-patterned fabrics. Choose a color palette of soft pinks, creams, and pastels to evoke a dreamy, romantic feel. Add a canopy or a bed crown for an extra touch of elegance.
Incorporate vintage furniture pieces, such as a vanity with an ornate mirror and a pair of elegant nightstands. Choose pieces with curved lines and delicate carvings to enhance the romantic ambiance. A chaise lounge upholstered in a soft, floral fabric can add a charming seating area.
Accessorize with romantic details like floral arrangements, lace curtains, and vintage-inspired lighting fixtures. Soft, ambient lighting from table lamps or a chandelier will create a warm, inviting glow. Complete the look with a patterned rug and a collection of romantic artwork on the walls.
6. Large Victorian Bedroom
A large bedroom offers the perfect canvas for a grand Victorian design. Start with a statement bed, such as a massive four-poster or canopy bed, and center it in the room. Use rich, dark wood furniture to complement the bed, including an armoire, a dresser, and a pair of nightstands.
Create multiple zones within the room to make use of the ample space. A seating area with a sofa or a pair of armchairs can provide a cozy spot for reading or relaxing. Add a vanity or a writing desk to another corner of the room, complete with an ornate chair and a vintage lamp.
Decorate with lavish textiles, such as heavy drapes, plush area rugs, and layered bedding. Use bold colors and patterns to make a statement, and incorporate luxurious materials like silk and velvet. Accessories like crystal chandeliers, gilded picture frames, and antique mirrors will add the finishing touches to your grand Victorian bedroom.
7. Gothic Victorian Bedroom
For a truly dramatic look, consider a Gothic Victorian bedroom. Deep, dark colors like black, deep purple, and crimson will set the tone. Start with a dark wood bed frame, preferably with intricate carvings or a gothic-style headboard. Use rich, dark fabrics for bedding and drapes to create a moody atmosphere.
Incorporate gothic-inspired furniture, such as a vanity with a tall mirror, an armoire with ornate details, and nightstands with claw feet. Choose pieces with dark finishes and elaborate carvings to enhance the gothic feel. Add a touch of opulence with metallic accents, such as brass or gold handles on furniture.
Lighting should be soft and dramatic. Opt for candle-style sconces, a wrought-iron chandelier, or table lamps with dark shades. Accessories like antique clocks, gothic artwork, and ornate mirrors will add to the dramatic elegance of your gothic Victorian bedroom.
8. Green Victorian Bedroom
Green is a versatile color that can bring a fresh yet elegant feel to a Victorian bedroom. Start with a green palette ranging from soft sage to deep emerald. Choose a bed frame in dark wood or painted in a complementary green shade. Use green-patterned wallpaper or paint the walls in a soft green hue.
Furniture should be elegant and ornate. A wooden dresser, a pair of nightstands, and a vanity with a mirror will anchor the room. Upholster furniture pieces, like a chaise lounge or an armchair, in green fabrics to tie the room together.
Accessorize with green details, such as floral arrangements, decorative pillows, and green-patterned curtains. Use gold or brass accents to add a touch of luxury, and incorporate vintage lighting fixtures to complete the look. A patterned rug and framed artwork will add the finishing touches to your green Victorian bedroom.
9. Pink Victorian Bedroom
A pink Victorian bedroom can be both elegant and feminine. Choose a range of pink hues, from soft blush to deep rose, to create a romantic ambiance. Start with a bed frame in white or painted in a soft pink shade. Use pink-patterned bedding and drapes to enhance the color scheme.
Furniture should be delicate and ornate. A white or pastel-painted dresser, nightstands, and a vanity with a mirror will add to the feminine feel. Upholster furniture pieces in pink fabrics, such as a chaise lounge or an armchair, to tie the room together.
Accessorize with pink details, such as floral arrangements, decorative pillows, and pink-patterned curtains. Use gold or brass accents to add a touch of luxury, and incorporate vintage lighting fixtures to complete the look. A patterned rug and framed artwork will add the finishing touches to your pink Victorian bedroom.
10. White Victorian Bedroom
A white Victorian bedroom can be both elegant and serene. Start with a white or cream-colored bed frame, preferably with intricate carvings or a tufted headboard. Use white or cream-colored bedding and drapes to create a cohesive look. Layer different textures, such as lace, silk, and velvet, to add depth and interest.
Furniture should be elegant and ornate. A white or cream-painted dresser, nightstands, and a vanity with a mirror will anchor the room. Add a touch of luxury with metallic accents, such as brass or gold handles on furniture and picture frames.
Accessorize with white details, such as floral arrangements, decorative pillows, and lace curtains. Use soft, ambient lighting from table lamps or a chandelier to create a warm, inviting glow. Complete the look with a patterned rug and framed artwork in soft, muted colors.
11. Blue Victorian Bedroom
A blue Victorian bedroom can be both calming and elegant. Choose a range of blue hues, from soft powder blue to deep navy, to create a sophisticated ambiance. Start with a bed frame in dark wood or painted in a complementary blue shade. Use blue-patterned bedding and drapes to enhance the color scheme.
Furniture should be elegant and ornate. A wooden dresser, a pair of nightstands, and a vanity with a mirror will anchor the room. Upholster furniture pieces, like a chaise lounge or an armchair, in blue fabrics to tie the room together.
Accessorize with blue details, such as floral arrangements, decorative pillows, and blue-patterned curtains. Use gold or brass accents to add a touch of luxury, and incorporate vintage lighting fixtures to complete the look. A patterned rug and framed artwork will add the finishing touches to your blue Victorian bedroom.
12. Yellow Victorian Bedroom
A yellow Victorian bedroom can be both cheerful and elegant. Choose a range of yellow hues, from soft buttercream to rich gold, to create a warm ambiance. Start with a bed frame in dark wood or painted in a complementary yellow shade. Use yellow-patterned bedding and drapes to enhance the color scheme.
Furniture should be elegant and ornate. A wooden dresser, a pair of nightstands, and a vanity with a mirror will anchor the room. Upholster furniture pieces, like a chaise lounge or an armchair, in yellow fabrics to tie the room together.
Accessorize with yellow details, such as floral arrangements, decorative pillows, and yellow-patterned curtains. Use gold or brass accents to add a touch of luxury, and incorporate vintage lighting fixtures to complete the look. A patterned rug and framed artwork will add the finishing touches to your yellow Victorian bedroom.
13. Black and White Victorian Bedroom
A black and white Victorian bedroom offers a timeless and sophisticated look. Start with a black or white bed frame, preferably with intricate carvings or a tufted headboard. Use black and white patterned bedding and drapes to create a cohesive look. Incorporate different textures, such as lace, silk, and velvet, to add depth and interest.
Furniture should be elegant and ornate. A black or white-painted dresser, nightstands, and a vanity with a mirror will anchor the room. Add a touch of luxury with metallic accents, such as brass or gold handles on furniture and picture frames.
Accessorize with black and white details, such as floral arrangements, decorative pillows, and lace curtains. Use soft, ambient lighting from table lamps or a chandelier to create a warm, inviting glow. Complete the look with a patterned rug and framed artwork in black and white.
14. Victorian Bedroom with Floral Motifs
Incorporate floral motifs to bring a touch of nature into your Victorian bedroom. Start with a bed frame in dark wood or painted in a complementary color. Use floral-patterned bedding and drapes to create a cohesive look. Choose a color palette that complements the floral theme, such as soft pastels or rich jewel tones.
Furniture should be elegant and ornate. A wooden dresser, a pair of nightstands, and a vanity with a mirror will anchor the room. Upholster furniture pieces, like a chaise lounge or an armchair, in floral fabrics to tie the room together.
Accessorize with floral details, such as fresh or dried flower arrangements, floral-patterned pillows, and lace curtains. Use gold or brass accents to add a touch of luxury, and incorporate vintage lighting fixtures to complete the look. A patterned rug and framed artwork with floral motifs will add the finishing touches to your floral Victorian bedroom.
15. Victorian Bedroom with Vintage Accents
Incorporate vintage accents to add character and charm to your Victorian bedroom. Start with a bed frame in dark wood or painted in a vintage-inspired color. Use vintage-patterned bedding and drapes to create a cohesive look. Choose a color palette that complements the vintage theme, such as soft pastels or rich jewel tones.
Furniture should be elegant and ornate. A wooden dresser, a pair of nightstands, and a vanity with a mirror will anchor the room. Upholster furniture pieces, like a chaise lounge or an armchair, in vintage fabrics to tie the room together.
Accessorize with vintage details, such as antique clocks, framed vintage artwork, and lace curtains. Use gold or brass accents to add a touch of luxury, and incorporate vintage lighting fixtures to complete the look. A patterned rug and vintage-inspired decor items will add the finishing touches to your vintage Victorian bedroom.
