Vintage Victorian Style Bedroom Decor Ideas
So, you’re thinking about turning your bedroom into a vintage Victorian haven?
That’s such a cool idea!
Victorian decor is all about elegance, romance, and a bit of drama.
It’s like stepping into another time—one where everything was ornate, detailed, and just downright beautiful.
But don’t worry; you don’t need to live in a castle or spend a fortune to pull this off.
I’m here to help you get started with some awesome ideas that will make your bedroom feel like a page out of a 19th-century novel.
1. Start with the Right Color Palette
First things first: colors.
Victorian bedrooms were all about rich, deep colors. Think dark greens, burgundies, purples, and golds. These colors were popular because they conveyed a sense of luxury and coziness.
But don’t worry if dark colors aren’t your thing—you can still achieve a Victorian vibe with softer shades like dusty rose, muted blues, or warm creams.
For the walls, you might want to consider wallpaper. Victorian-era homes often had wallpaper with intricate patterns, like florals or damask prints.
If wallpaper feels too permanent, look for stencils or decals that can mimic the look.
Or, you could paint your walls a solid color and add a stenciled border along the top to give a nod to that old-world charm.
2. Choose the Perfect Bed
The bed is the centerpiece of any bedroom, and in a Victorian-style room, it needs to make a statement.
Look for a bed with a tall, ornate headboard—something made of dark wood, wrought iron, or even brass.
Canopy beds were also popular in Victorian times, so if you have the space, one of these can really amp up the vintage vibe.
Draping some heavy, luxurious fabric like velvet or brocade over the canopy will make it feel even more authentic.
If a new bed isn’t in the budget, consider a vintage bed frame from a thrift store or flea market.
Sometimes all it takes is a fresh coat of paint or some new bedding to give an old bed a new lease on life.
3. Invest in Luxurious Bedding
Victorian bedrooms were all about comfort, so you want your bed to look and feel plush.
Opt for high-thread-count sheets in colors that complement your color scheme.
Think deep reds, purples, or golds for a truly regal feel. Layer on a thick comforter or duvet with a patterned cover—florals or damask prints are perfect.
Don’t forget the throw pillows!
Pile them on, and mix and match different textures and patterns to create a rich, luxurious look. Velvet, silk, and lace are great fabric choices.
A lace or crochet throw draped at the foot of the bed will add a nice vintage touch.
4. Add Elegant Draperies
Curtains in a Victorian bedroom should be heavy, floor-length, and preferably made from a luxurious fabric like velvet, brocade, or silk.
Look for rich colors or patterns that echo the ones in your bedding or wallpaper.
If your budget is tight, you can even find fabric remnants at fabric stores and sew them yourself (or get someone to do it for you).
To really nail the Victorian look, consider layering your window treatments.
Start with sheer lace curtains to let in some light, and then add heavier drapes on top that you can pull closed for privacy.
Finish it off with a valance or cornice board for an extra touch of elegance.
5. Victorian Lighting Choices
Lighting in a Victorian bedroom should be soft and warm. Think about using a chandelier as the main light source—nothing says Victorian elegance like a crystal chandelier.
If a chandelier seems too much for your space, you could go for a ceiling fixture with a bit of decorative flair, like a brass or glass pendant light.
Add some table lamps or wall sconces to create a cozy atmosphere. Look for lamps with ornate bases and fabric or stained glass shades.
If you’re into DIY, you can even find vintage lamps at thrift stores and update them with new shades or a fresh coat of paint.
Candles were also a big part of Victorian lighting, so don’t be shy about placing a few candlesticks or candelabras around the room.
Not only do they add to the ambiance, but they’re also great for those nights when you just want to wind down with a good book.
6. Incorporate Antique Furniture
Furniture is where you can really get creative.
Victorian furniture is known for its ornate detailing, curved lines, and dark woods like mahogany or walnut.
Think about adding a few key pieces, like a vintage dresser with a marble top, an armoire with intricate carvings, or a velvet-upholstered armchair.
If you’re not able to find genuine antique pieces, don’t worry! There are plenty of modern reproductions that capture the Victorian look. You can also hit up antique stores, estate sales, or even online marketplaces to find unique pieces.
Sometimes, even a bit of paint or new hardware can transform a modern piece of furniture into something that feels vintage.
Don’t forget about a vanity table if you have the space. A vintage vanity with a mirror and some decorative perfume bottles, a brush, and a comb set will add a lovely touch of Victorian charm.
Plus, it’s super functional for getting ready in the morning.
7. Accent with Victorian Decor
Now comes the fun part—decorating!
Victorian decor is all about the details, so this is your chance to get creative. Start with some framed artwork or mirrors. Look for gilded frames or those with intricate designs.
Vintage botanical prints, portraits, or landscapes are great choices for artwork.
Mirrors are another key element in a Victorian bedroom.
Not only do they add light and make the room feel bigger, but they also fit perfectly with the ornate, decorative vibe. Look for mirrors with decorative frames—gold, brass, or dark wood are ideal.
Victorian rooms were often filled with knick-knacks and personal items. Think about adding some antique-looking trinket boxes, porcelain figurines, or a collection of old books.
You can display these on a dresser, vanity, or even a small bookshelf.
A large, ornate rug is another must-have. Look for one with a traditional pattern, like a Persian or Oriental rug, in colors that complement your bedding and curtains.
The rug will not only add warmth and coziness to the room, but it will also tie everything together.
8. Create a Cozy Reading Nook
If you have some extra space in your bedroom, why not create a cozy reading nook?
This is very Victorian, and it’s a great way to make your room feel even more inviting. Start with a comfortable armchair—something with a tufted back or upholstered in a rich fabric like velvet.
Add a small side table for your cup of tea or coffee, and maybe a vintage lamp for reading light.
A bookshelf stocked with your favorite novels (or even some old-looking books you find at a flea market) will complete the look. Don’t forget to add a soft throw blanket and a couple of plush pillows to make the space extra cozy.
9. Accessorize with Textiles
Textiles play a huge role in Victorian decor, so be sure to incorporate them throughout your bedroom.
In addition to your bedding and curtains, think about adding some decorative pillows, a lace table runner, or even some tassels or fringe on your lampshades.
Don’t forget about the floor!
A plush area rug will add warmth and texture to the room. If you want to go all out, you can even layer a couple of rugs for an extra-cozy, lived-in feel.
10. Bring in Nature
Victorian decor often included elements of nature, so consider bringing some of the outdoors into your bedroom.
Potted plants, fresh flowers, or even some dried lavender in a vase can add a nice touch of life to the room. Look for ornate, vintage-style planters or vases to keep with the theme.
If you’re up for a little DIY, you could even press some flowers and frame them as wall art.
This adds a personal touch and ties in with the natural elements of Victorian decor.
11. Incorporate Personal Heirlooms
One of the things that makes Victorian decor so special is its personal, curated feel.
This is where you can really make your bedroom your own by incorporating family heirlooms or personal treasures.
Maybe you have a quilt that your grandmother made, a piece of jewelry that’s been passed down through the generations, or even just some vintage photographs.
These items don’t just add to the Victorian aesthetic—they make your space feel truly unique and personal.
Display them on your dresser, nightstand, or even in a shadow box on the wall.
12. Add a Fireplace (Or Fake It)
A fireplace is a classic feature in many Victorian bedrooms, but if you don’t have one, don’t worry!
You can still create the look by adding a faux fireplace mantle. There are lots of options out there, from DIY kits to ready-made pieces that you can simply set up against a wall.
Once you have your mantle, decorate it with some vintage candle holders, a mirror, or a piece of art above it.
Even if it’s not functional, it will add a warm, cozy vibe to your room.
13. Consider a Four-Poster Bed
If you really want to go all out, a four-poster bed is about as Victorian as it gets.
These beds, with their tall posts and often elaborate canopies, are the epitome of luxury and grandeur.
You can drape the posts with rich fabric or let them stand on their own as a statement piece.
If a full four-poster bed isn’t in your budget, you could opt for a bed crown or canopy that attaches to the wall above your bed.
This will give you the look without the hefty price tag.
14. Incorporate Lace and Doilies
Lace is a key element in Victorian decor, and there are so many ways to incorporate it into your bedroom.
Lace curtains, lace doilies on your dresser or nightstand, or even a lace bedspread can add that delicate, vintage touch.
If you’re into crafts, you could even try making your own lace accents.
There are lots of tutorials online for things like lace pillow covers, table runners, and even lampshades.
It’s a great way to add a personal touch to your decor.
15. Use Ornate Hardware
One of the easiest ways to give your furniture a Victorian makeover is by switching out the hardware.
Look for drawer pulls, knobs, and handles in antique brass, crystal, or porcelain.
You’d be surprised how much of a difference this small change can make.
If you’re up for a little DIY, you can find affordable hardware online or at thrift stores. Just make sure it fits the overall aesthetic of your room—ornate, elegant, and a little bit over-the-top.
16. Create a Victorian Gallery Wall
Victorians loved to display artwork, so why not create a gallery wall in your bedroom?
Look for vintage-style frames in different shapes and sizes, and fill them with artwork, photographs, or even old letters or postcards.
You can also mix in some mirrors or other decorative items like wall sconces or antique keys.
The key is to keep the arrangement somewhat symmetrical and balanced while still allowing for some variety in the pieces you choose.
17. Incorporate a Writing Desk
If you have the space, a writing desk is a great addition to a Victorian bedroom.
These desks were a staple in Victorian homes, and they add a touch of old-world charm.
Look for one with turned legs, a roll-top, or some decorative carving.
Even if you don’t plan to use it for writing, a desk can serve as a great spot for displaying some of your favorite decorative items, like a vintage lamp, a stack of old books, or a pretty vase of flowers.
18. Add a Touch of Whimsy
Victorian decor doesn’t have to be all serious and stuffy. In fact, a little touch of whimsy can go a long way in making your room feel unique and inviting.
Look for quirky items like a vintage birdcage, an ornate picture frame with a playful portrait, or even a small collection of antique teacups.
The key is to find items that make you smile and that add a bit of personality to your space.
After all, this is your bedroom, so it should reflect your taste and style.
19. Display Vintage Jewelry
If you have a collection of vintage jewelry, don’t hide it away—display it!
You can hang necklaces on a decorative hook or frame, or place rings and earrings in pretty trinket boxes on your dresser.
Not only does this add to the Victorian aesthetic, but it also makes it easy to see and enjoy your jewelry every day.
Plus, it’s a great conversation starter when you have guests over.
20. Incorporate Victorian-Era Texts and Prints
If you’re a book lover, why not incorporate some Victorian-era literature into your decor?
You can display some of your favorite classics on a bookshelf, or even frame pages from old books as wall art.
You can also look for vintage-style prints or illustrations from the Victorian era.
These can add a touch of history and authenticity to your decor, and they’re a great way to showcase your love of literature and art.
21. Focus on the Details
Finally, it’s all about the details when it comes to Victorian decor. Little touches like decorative tassels, lace-edged handkerchiefs, or a vintage perfume bottle can really make a difference.
Think about adding some embroidered pillows, a monogrammed hand towel, or even a small bell or trinket on your nightstand.
These small, thoughtful details will give your room that authentic Victorian feel and make it a place where you love to spend time.
Conclusion
Creating a vintage Victorian-style bedroom is all about embracing elegance, romance, and a touch of drama.
Whether you go all out with a canopy bed and velvet drapes or just add a few key pieces like a vintage lamp and some ornate picture frames, you can bring that old-world charm into your home.
The best part is that you can mix and match modern pieces with vintage finds to create a space that feels both timeless and personal.
So go ahead, dive into the world of Victorian decor, and start transforming your bedroom into the cozy, elegant retreat of your dreams!
And remember, the most important thing is that your space reflects your personality and makes you feel at home.
Happy decorating!
