Opulence, romance and excess; these are the main features of the Victorian style that has long been a favourite of designers and DIYers looking to add a dash of class to their interior spaces. Today it remains as popular as ever, and there’s even something of a revival movement going on, combining the style’s characteristic opulence with some of the minimalism of more modern designs.
Tiling on both the wall and floor has long been a hallmark of the Victorian tradition, with elaborate patterned tiles being used to create alluring feature sections, or brightly-coloured flooring helping to produce the style’s characteristic flamboyance. It’s something that tends to sit well with the utilitarian nature of Victorianism too; easy to clean and simple to maintain.
In the hallway, black and white checked patterns have proved to be a favourite classic with many homeowners looking to imitate the traditional Victorian look, while interwoven designs and the simpler red quarry ranges are also a popular choice. Victorian hallway tiles have also been favoured for their durable nature and ease of maintenance, providing homeowners – both modern and Victorian – with an easy-to-clean surface that lasts once it’s down.
Decorative borders and patterned tiles are also used in the kitchen and bathroom, and are becoming a mainstream choice for splash backs and feature sections. If you’re thinking about emulating the Victorian style in this way, consider opting for a porcelain range, which will generally offer more water resistance than ceramic tiles, making it better suited to high-traffic and consistently wet areas.
Today there are a great number of classic buildings across the UK that stand as testimony to the enduring character of the Victorian style, its distinct architectural nuances and interior design charm. In London for example, the St. Pancras railway station oozes with gothic revivalism from the 1860s, while the tiled interior of Manchester’s Great Town Hall still rings of both elegance and utilitarianism; a wonder for any modern Manchester tiler to behold!