The Victorian era, with its opulent interiors and intricate details, continues to inspire contemporary design trends. A New Victorian dining room offers a chance to embrace this timeless elegance while incorporating modern sensibilities. From rich colour palettes to statement lighting, there’s a world of possibilities to create a dining room that’s both stylish and welcoming. Let’s explore 23 design ideas to transform your dining space into a captivating New Victorian haven.
Deep Jewel Tones
Embrace the depth and richness of jewel tones. Think deep emerald green, sapphire blue, ruby red, and amethyst purple. Pair these colours with contrasting accents of gold or brass for a luxurious feel. Use velvet upholstery for chairs and curtains to add a touch of opulence. Modern twists on this trend include incorporating geometric patterns, incorporating modern lighting, and using less fussy furniture.
Victorian Floral Wallpapers
Bring in the beauty of Victorian botanical art through wallpaper. Look for designs featuring large floral motifs, intricate patterns, and delicate botanical illustrations. Choose a wallpaper that features a rich colour palette, such as deep greens, burgundies, or blues, to create a dramatic backdrop. Pair the wallpaper with simple, elegant furniture and accessories. Contemporary touches include using a single wall as an accent or opting for wallpapers with a modern take on Victorian motifs.
Dramatic Chandeliers
A grand chandelier is a must-have for any New Victorian dining room. Choose a chandelier with multiple tiers, intricate crystal details, or a bold geometric design. The chandelier should be the focal point of the room and draw the eye upward. Consider using dimmer switches to adjust the lighting for different occasions. Modern iterations of Victorian chandeliers use minimalist designs and incorporate sleek materials like metal or glass.
Dark Wood Furniture
Dark wood furniture adds a sense of solidity and tradition to a New Victorian dining room. Choose furniture pieces with intricate carvings, ornate details, or classic shapes. Consider using a combination of wood finishes, such as mahogany, walnut, or cherry, to create a layered effect. Add a modern touch by pairing the dark wood with lighter coloured walls and accent furniture.
Ornate Mouldings and Trim
Victorian architecture is known for its elaborate mouldings and trim. Incorporate this detail into your dining room by adding crown moulding, picture rails, and baseboards. Choose designs that are intricate and detailed, and paint them in a contrasting colour to highlight their beauty. Modern takes on this trend use minimalist moulding designs or painted details in unexpected colours.
Antiqued Mirrors
Antiqued mirrors add a touch of history and elegance to a New Victorian dining room. Choose mirrors with ornate frames, distressed finishes, or beveled edges. Hang the mirrors strategically to reflect light and create the illusion of more space. Modern interpretations of this trend use mirrors with simpler frames and incorporate vintage-inspired design elements.
Statement Artwork
Victorian art was characterized by its intricate detail and dramatic themes. Choose statement artwork that complements the overall aesthetic of your dining room. Consider paintings with floral motifs, portraits, or landscapes. Alternatively, opt for contemporary art pieces that feature bold colours and dramatic compositions. Modern trends include using large-scale artwork or incorporating abstract designs.
Layered Lighting
Victorian interiors often featured multiple light sources to create a layered effect. Incorporate this concept into your New Victorian dining room by combining a chandelier, sconces, and table lamps. Choose lighting fixtures with different styles and finishes to add visual interest. Modern design incorporates a mix of traditional and contemporary lighting styles.
Velvet Upholstery
Velvet upholstery adds a touch of luxury and texture to a New Victorian dining room. Choose velvet chairs, sofas, or even ottomans in rich jewel tones or deep neutrals. Velvet adds a touch of drama and sophistication to any space. Modern approaches use velvet in unexpected colours and patterns or combine it with other fabrics like linen.
Intricate Window Treatments
Victorian window treatments were often elaborate and dramatic. Consider incorporating curtains with ornate trim, heavy drapes, or valances. Choose fabrics like velvet, brocade, or damask for a luxurious feel. Modern interpretations include using minimalist window treatments with simple designs and contemporary fabrics.
Vintage Rug
A vintage rug can add a touch of history and character to a New Victorian dining room. Choose a rug with a Persian, Turkish, or Moroccan design for a timeless look. The rug should be large enough to anchor the dining table and chairs. Modern trends incorporate rugs with more contemporary patterns and colours.
Textured Walls
Create visual interest by adding texture to the walls of your New Victorian dining room. Consider using wallpaper with a raised pattern, applying a textured paint finish, or installing beadboard panels. The texture will add depth and dimension to the space. Modern variations include using textured wall coverings in unexpected colours or incorporating metallic finishes.
Statement Sideboard
A statement sideboard is a must-have for any New Victorian dining room. Choose a sideboard with intricate carvings, ornate details, or a bold geometric design. The sideboard should be a focal point in the room and provide ample storage space for serving dishes and other essentials. Modern styles use minimalist designs with clean lines and incorporating metallic accents.
Bold Floral Arrangements
Incorporate the beauty of nature by adding bold floral arrangements throughout your New Victorian dining room. Choose flowers in rich jewel tones or delicate pastel shades. Arrange the flowers in large vases or decorative containers. Modern twists on this trend include using dried flowers or incorporating greenery and succulents into arrangements.
Elegant Tableware
Set the stage for elegant dining with beautiful tableware. Choose china, glassware, and silverware with intricate details, ornate patterns, or classic shapes. Consider using a combination of materials, such as porcelain, crystal, and silver. Modern versions of this trend incorporate simple designs and a mix of materials like ceramics and wood.
Statement Lighting
Victorian design often featured statement lighting, like ornate chandeliers or dramatic sconces. Modern New Victorian dining rooms can incorporate these elements with a contemporary twist. Choose statement lighting fixtures that are bold and eye-catching, and consider using lighting with adjustable brightness for different moods. Modern trends include incorporating industrial lighting with sleek metal fixtures or using geometric shapes.
Metallic Accents
Metallic accents are a key element in New Victorian design. Incorporate gold, silver, or bronze accents through furniture, lighting, artwork, or decorative accessories. Metallic accents add a touch of glamour and richness to the space. Modern trends use a single metallic colour throughout the space or incorporate a mix of metals.
Black and White Palette
A black and white palette is a timeless classic that works beautifully in a New Victorian dining room. The stark contrast creates a sophisticated and elegant ambiance. Use black for furniture, walls, or accents, and use white for trim, upholstery, or accessories. Modern interpretations of this trend include adding pops of colour through artwork or textiles.
Rich Fabrics
Victorian interiors were known for their use of luxurious fabrics. Incorporate rich fabrics like velvet, silk, or damask into your New Victorian dining room through upholstery, curtains, or decorative pillows. Choose fabrics in rich colours or bold patterns to add depth and texture to the space. Modern approaches to this trend use simple fabrics in neutral colours or incorporate geometric patterns.