Victorian House Flooring

Best Flooring for Victorian Homes

Though castles and royal European architecture may sound like a thing of the past, they remain highly prevalent in modern design trends, and Victorian-style houses are a prime example. With their vibrant colors, ornate detailing and stately structures, Victorian homes are nothing short of regal and elegant. Read on to explore the unique features of this refined architectural style and some of the best flooring for Victorian homes.

What Is a Victorian-Style Home?

Victorian-style houses emerged in the United Kingdom during Queen Victoria’s reign from 1837 to 1901, hence the name. Known for its intricate woodwork and Gothic-inspired stylings, Victorian homes typically feature large wraparound porches, pitched roofs, turrets and roof towers. These houses are often large and vast with almost castle-like appearances.

The original occupants of Victorian homes didn’t hold back with color, which is why their exteriors range from bold, vivid shades to darker hues. Before the Victorian period, houses were usually painted in one uniform color like beige or white. By 1887, many Victorians were experimenting with bright paint colors like mustard yellow and burnt sienna, striving to be the height of fashion.

The homes’ exteriors alone are enough to catch your eye, but the interiors are just as majestic and ornate — if not more. From spacious multipurpose rooms to statement chandeliers to intricate molding, merely stepping through the doorway instantly makes you feel like royalty.

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Features of a Victorian-Style Home

Let’s look at some distinguishing features of the Victorian house style:

Two or three stories: Grand and extensive, most Victorian-style houses have two or three stories with a den, living room and library. Families typically occupied the first two floors during the Victorian era, while servants lived in the smaller third story.
Vast interiors: Victorian homes typically feature high ceilings with long and narrow sun-soaked rooms. These nooks and crannies are key to the signature Victorian style. Additionally, these homes often boast intricate window molding and doorways, with ceilings featuring unique framing or designs.
Vibrant color schemes: Interior Victorian color palettes often included deep, rich shades of burgundy, green, blue and chestnut, though modern Victorian homes can feature more neutral walls and furnishings.
Stone or wood exteriors: Most Victorian houses have wood siding, but Romanesque styles often feature outer walls constructed from stone.
Complex and asymmetrical shapes: Unlike the boxy, uniform Greek revival architectural style, Victorian homes often feature bays and wings in various directions.
Embellished roofs: Victorian-style homes feature steep rooflines with gables facing multiple directions. Second Empire Victorian houses have flat-topped Mansard roofs with side windows. Higher-end Victorian houses often boast an octagonal or round tower with a pointed, steep roof.
Textured wall surfaces: Patterned masonry, scalloped shingles and half-timbering are common additions to decorate Victorian siding.
Ornate trim: Many Victorian homes are embellished with extravagant metal or wood trim. This is often referred to as “gingerbread” trim.

victorian home dining room with carpet

Top Flooring Options for Victorian-Style Houses

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Here are some of the best flooring types for Victorian homes.

Best Carpet for Victorian-Style Homes

Wall-to-wall carpeting didn’t appear in homes until the 1930s. So, to warm up chilly hard-floored rooms, Victorian-era homeowners often covered their floors with decorative rugs. It wasn’t uncommon for several small or midsized colorful rugs to fill the room.

While many Victorian homes feature hardwood floors with intricate, brightly-colored rugs, you can still incorporate modern carpeting into your home if desired. Pattern carpet can add texture and interest to a Victorian-style living room or bedroom.

Best Hardwood for Victorian-Style Homes

Hardwood was the most common flooring material during the Victorian era, making it a fitting addition to your bedroom, living room or home office. Expensive wood species like mahogany and oak were prominent in upper-class homes, while others featured pine wood that was stained or painted to look higher-end.

Original mahogany and oak are still found in today’s Victorian homes. Sprucing up a pine wood floor can create a beautiful, refreshed look for a modern Victorian-style house, as well. A quality final finish can make all the difference, whether it be low sheen, high gloss or matte. Dark wood planks can make a lovely addition to a Victorian kitchen, especially when it creates contrast with yellow, light blue or rose pink accents.

Best Tile for Victorian-Style Homes

LVT offers significantly more benefits than traditional tile floor options like ceramic and porcelain, from faster installation to greater chip and crack resistance. This flooring is also much more comfortable to walk on, unlike the hard surfaces of conventional tile. In addition, LVT is more slip-resistant than ceramic and porcelain, making rooms in your Victorian home much safer to walk on.

The image technology manufacturers use to create the surface layer of this flooring can produce a broad range of design options, which is helpful for coordinating with your home’s unique aesthetic. More importantly, LVT enables homeowners to replicate the look of high-end natural materials at a fraction of the cost.

Best Laminate for Victorian-Style Homes

Aside from complementing your Victorian home aesthetic, your flooring should provide longevity, durability and functionality. That’s why laminate flooring can be a great choice. Designed to mimic hardwood, tile and other flooring materials, you will surely find a style that fits in with your Victorian house.

Laminate flooring is often more tolerant of moisture, fading and staining, all while being a budget-friendly option. Whether you’re drawn to mahogany, oak, pine wood or stone tiles, there’s a laminate option for you.

Best Luxury Vinyl for Victorian-Style Homes

Luxury vinyl is another cost-effective alternative to hardwood. Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) comes in several colors and grain patterns and can replicate multiple flooring types. Whether oak, walnut, slate or travertine, LVP provides plenty of options for your Victorian-style home.

Luxury vinyl tile (LVT) is another growing floor trend with ample options. LVT offers the performance of vinyl with a natural stone or hardwood appearance. Whether you opt for planks or tiles, high-quality vinyl with thick protective layers allows for a durable, long-lasting floor.

Choose the Right Flooring for Your Victorian Home With 50Floor

If you’re seeking the best flooring for Victorian homes, look no further than 50Floor. Our highly trained flooring consultants can help you choose and install the ideal hardwood, tiles, carpeting, laminate or luxury vinyl for your space.

We will bring an array of samples to your home so you can browse potential options for your space. These professional insights can help you choose the flooring that accommodates your budget and style. We’ll then proceed with the ordering and flooring installation process after you’ve completed your purchase.

Enjoy convenient, in-home Victorian flooring shopping with 50Floor. Book an appointment for a free in-home consultation today!