We’ve put together our top ten tips for making your Victorian fireplace feel more like home.

patterned rugs – Choosing the right rug can really help you get the Victorian look in your home restoration. In Victorian times they always used high quality rugs. Finding traditional Victorian patterns is important, but try to think about the texture of the rug as well.

polished floor boards – Wooden floors are very popular at the moment. Although if your original floorboards aren’t up to the task, resist the urge to go with the lower cost laminate flooring. They are too high gloss and will look clean and new. The best option is to find some reclaimed floorboards, but if this proves too expensive, solid block flooring can often end up costing less than laminate.

Tiled kitchen and hallway – in high-traffic areas of the home, tiles are the most wear-resistant surface. If you’re lucky, your hallway might have the original tiles under your rug. The chessboard always looks authentic and herringbone tiles can often look impressive.

rich dark colors – Ruby reds and forest greens loved by Victorians. They might be a bit dark compared to the beige that dominates most remodeled homes, but in the right environment they can look fantastic. If you are concerned with the idea of ​​a deep colored room, it can often work on a single wall or on a slot rail.

flock wallpaper – The increase in manufacturing that became available in the early 20th century meant that mass-produced wallpaper graced many Victorian walls. Flock was one of the most popular patterns and many modern wallpapers inspired by the past are available.

chubby furniture – when it came to upholstery, more was more. If it looks overstuffed, it’s probably upholstered at the right level. There is plenty of suitable furniture at junkyards and antique fairs. If the chair or sofa looks a bit worn, there are many experienced upholsterers who will professionally fix it for you.

Printed Fabric or Velvet – Your choice of curtains can have a real effect on the atmosphere of a room. We would not recommend hanging fabrics from the mantel, as was popular at the time, as it is an accident waiting to happen.

30 cm skirting – the right choice of skirting, skirting or molding can make a room. Victorian tended to steer clear of the white gloss that tends to grace baseboards today, so feel free to experiment.