Victorian hallways, though varying in shape and size, often share common features such as high ceilings, ornate cornices, mouldings, and patterned tiles. While these elements add charm, homeowners may also face challenges with these spaces, as they can be narrow, dark, and challenging to decorate. When styled correctly, however, these often-overlooked spaces can be a standout feature and a beguiling entrance to your home.
Many associate Victorian interior design with heavily decorated spaces with elements such as patterned wallpaper, flowers, extravagant furnishings, rich colours, and bold prints.
However, since the reign of Queen Victoria stretched from 1837 to 1901, it’s fair to say there is no singular style that defined the entire period. The Victorians used and combined more styles from previous eras than had previously been known. One such example would be the medieval-influenced fleurs de lys, quatrefoils, and heraldic motifs, which were commonly seen in Victorian homes.
This ability to experiment is good news for people looking to remain sensitive to some of the original Victorian features, while also adding a contemporary twist. In this piece, we’ll take a look at some of the best modern Victorian hallway ideas to consider for your home.
Fabulous Flooring
There are several ways to make the flooring of a Victorian hallway a real standout. Floor tiles are a traditional feature that can set the foundations for the rest of the décor, and styles including ornate mosaics or vibrant chequers can be considered works of art in their own right. One way to make them work well and maintain a modern look is by choosing options in contemporary colours and matte finishes. This serves as a nod to the Victorian era without looking archaic.
Alternatively, parquet wooden flooring may fit the bill. When properly maintained, wooden flooring can be a hardwearing and stylish option that gives a timeless look to the home. Decorative floor registers and hallway runners are other options to think about, bringing a personalised and practical flourish to the area.
Wonderful Walls
Wainscoting, wallpaper, and mouldings are all commonly seen features on the walls of Victorian hallways. All of these classic details can have a part to play in modern hallways – the key is getting the balance right.
For example, consider adding a feature wall of wallpaper using traditional motifs and patterns in modern colour schemes, while painting the other walls in complementary colours. This is a great way to bring a classic touch, without it dominating or being overbearing. Decorative corbels, wall panels, or wall niches can add some visual interest to hallway walls, in addition to dado and picture rails.
If you prefer more contemporary styles over more traditional features, then a neutral colour scheme could be for you. Elegant, dark brown furniture can also add depth and contrast, while tiling can be used for a more simplistic, clean appearance.
Shed Some Light
Lighting can be both functional and decorative. Traditional Victorian lighting focused on bringing grandeur to the space with chandeliers and ornate detailing. For a maximalist hallway that seeks to impress, you could emulate this style with an extravagant lighting fixture, such as a gilded candelabra or crystal chandelier. For a more understated look, restrained lighting options such as pendant lights and wall sconces afford attention to other parts of the room, such as the walls.
Pendants work particularly well with high ceilings and look notably elegant when combined with modern finishes like matte black or brushed brass.
Time to make the most of your natural lighting. In narrow hallways, think about what else you can do to keep the space looking light and bright. This might mean lighter shades of paint on the walls and lighter wooden furniture.
Fantastic Furniture
When you think of Victorian hallway furniture, a console table is likely one of the first things that comes to mind. It's a quintessential feature in many homes, offering both practicality and elegance. Not only does it provide a convenient spot to place essentials like mail and keys as you walk through the door, it also serves as a striking focal point, setting the tone for the rest of the space with its ornate design and timeless appeal. Combine modern materials like dark wood or metal with turned legs for a perfect blend of old and new.
A coat rack, umbrella stand, or hat rack is another practical and stylish addition to a hallway, although pegs on the wall may work better in narrower spaces. A shoe storage solution is also essential. Shoe storage cabinets or benches are perfect for narrow hallways, helping to avoid the space getting cluttered with footwear and providing another surface to put to good use.
A mirror is a Victorian design staple that remains a great addition to the modern hallway. A large feature mirror, or even several decorative mirrors, can add space and depth to small hallways, and bring heaps of character.
Dazzling Décor
Art and decorative elements have a vital role to play in getting your hallway to look its best. The Victorians loved landscapes, portraits, and still life, and these still work well in modern hallways. While traditional Victorian-style paintings will have grand, ornate frames, contemporary black frames can bring a fresher look.
For décor, items like books, sculptures, bowls, and vases, remain as relevant as ever, but be selective to avoid cluttering your space. Think too about the materials they are made from, to ensure they fit the aesthetic.
There are many ways to decorate a modern Victorian hallway, and we hope this article has inspired you to marry some of the best elements of the Victorian era with contemporary style.
