If you have a home built sometime between 1860 and 1900, it is most likely in the Victorian style. Victorian design and architecture was a style that arose in the mid to late 19th century during the reign of Queen Victoria, and in the US encompassed several different styles such as Gothic, Italianate, Queen Anne, and Shingle style towards the end of the Victorian period, to name a few.
In looking at Victorian interiors, some of the most common design elements of these homes are rooms that are very separated from each other, often based on purpose (common areas vs. private). Heavily detailed woodwork and plasterwork, elaborate accessories, including furniture, framed art, window treatments, and decorative accessories, are also hallmarks of Victorian construction.
For today’s homes, much of this elaborate detail wouldn’t work for a lot of people and can also feel a bit old fashioned. But you can absolutely update your own Victorian home’s entry foyer with a more modern feeling, yet respecting the architectural roots.
Victorian Lighting Applications
I love this foyer. The pendant fixture feels modern and up to date, however it has lines that perfectly compliment the leaded detail of the restored glass sidelights around the door.
They’ve gone a bit more traditional with the classic lantern pendant fixture and coordinating sconces. Incorporating sconces if you can will add to the brightness of some of these smaller Victorian entries.
Victorian Foyer Lighting Options
Pendant / Chandelier Options
Victorian homes commonly had at least 9’ ceiling heights, so having a small lantern or chandelier in your foyer would certainly work. I believe in mixing old with new, so you don’t have to be afraid to lean towards modern fixtures. Of course, if everything else in the space has traditional lines, you’re best to keep with that feel.
Cyan Designs “Vertigo” in Silver Leaf - $658.00
Quoizel “Biltmore” in Imperial Bronze with Aged Copper accents - $370.00
Crystorama “Paris Market” in Venetian Bronze with clear
Murray Feiss “Gianna Scuro Mini Chandelier” in Mocha Bronze - $385.99
Semi-Flush Options
If you prefer to do something closer to the ceiling, a semi flush is a great choice. These still offer some drop, but eliminate stems or chain. And again, it can really be traditional, or a little more fun and modern.
Corbett “Diva” in Silver Leaf with Gold Leaf Accents - $1,390.00
Hudson Valley “Hampton” in Historic Nickel with Diamond Cut Glass - $696.00
Murray Feiss “Lucia” Semi Flush in Burnished Silver - $511.99
Hudson Valley “Sutton” Semi-Flush in Polished Nickel - $534.00
Minka Lavery “Belcaro” Semi Flush in Aged Champagne - $209.00
Sconce Options
And then of course, if you can add sconces that’s another great way to add another layer of light into the space, and they can be a great compliment to your ceiling fixture.
Crystorama “Garland” sconce in Distressed Twilight - $270.00
Murray Feiss “Leila” sconce in Burnished Silver - $185.99
Hudson Valley “Alden” sconce in Aged Brass - $590.00
Metropolitan Collection Hand Crafted Italian Sconce in Antique Classic Brass - $525.00
Final Words
You really do have a lot of options for lighting a Victorian. Take advantage of the ceiling height, and get creative mixing and matching styles!
Additional Resources
Need help lighting your kitchen? Get the Yale Kitchen Lighting Buyer's Guide. We will show you how to properly layer accent, task, ambient and decorative lighting with plenty of pictures. Over 135,000 people have read a Yale Guide.
Why Should You Trust Us?
It seems that every appliance review has nothing but glowing comments about almost every product, yet you read customer reviews and they are almost universally bad.
We are here to fill in the disconnect. We'll give you the best features, and the drawbacks as well, including reliability based on over 37,000 calls performed by our service team just last year. Our goal is to give you ALL the information so you know what's right for you.
Please consider subscribing or adding to the conversation in the comments below. We appreciate you stopping by.
A Note About Pricing
Pricing on this blog is for reference only and may include time sensitive rebates. We make every attempt to provide accurate pricing at time of publishing. Please call the stores for most accurate price.
Topics:
