How to Decorate a Porch in Victorian Style

The interiors of Victorian-style homes were dark and not because of a lack of windows. Windows were numerous and large but were often sheathed with heavy draperies that helped to block out extreme summer and winter temperatures. The wood floors, stairs and wood trim were covered with a dark stain and decor often had jewel-tone colors like dark blue, green or red. A Victorian-style porch could be ornately decorated in lighter colors. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Paint or stain the wood floor of the porch a deep brown. Paint the ceiling a light, sky blue.

2

Place wicker seating, like a settee, arm chairs or rockers, to create a conversation area. Between two chairs or on either side of the settee, place wooden tables. One of the tables might have a drop leaf that can be expanded to accommodate a light meal on the porch. The furniture may be painted black, brown or white. Add a small, padded footstool in front of one of the chairs. To add color to the setting, add pillows to the seats. Quilts can be folded to use as seat pads.

3

Center crocheted doilies or other vintage textiles, like Battenberg lace, on each table.

4

Cut fresh flowers, such as hydrangea or purple coneflowers, and place them in a large vase on one of the tables. On the second table, place a vintage lamp, such as one with a heavy, dark brass base topped with a white or frosted globe. A small vase or sugar bowl can be used to hold cut pansies on the lamp table.

5

Hang a framed stained-glass panel on one or both ends of the porch, suspended down from the roof and over the railing. The stained glass will send colorful light dancing on the porch when the sun shines and provide privacy.

6

Hang planted ferns from the roof and over the front railing.

7

Place a narrow area rug in front of the settee. The rug may be an oriental design or could be several layers of rag rugs to add a soft walking surface.