Lighting Lessons: How to Choose Lighting for Your Victorian Home

Photo Credit @bootstrap_nashville

Some homes whisper their history. Victorian homes wear it on their sleeve. With their elaborate trim, layered textures, and show-stopping exteriors, Victorian houses were never meant to blend in. They were designed to be noticed.

At Olde Brick Lighting, we have a deep appreciation for homes that embrace drama and detail. Victorian design may be rooted in the 1800s, but its spirit is still alive and well in the way we light and live in these spaces today.

What is Victorian Architecture?

Victorian homes first came on the scene during the reign of Queen Victoria in the mid-1800s. They were built to showcase wealth and status, often resembling miniature castles with intricate facades and striking silhouettes.

There are many subtypes within the Victorian umbrella, each with its own flair:

• Queen Anne – Asymmetry, turrets, and wraparound porches

• Gothic Revival – Pointed arches and decorative tracery

• Italianate – Tall, narrow windows and overhanging eaves

• Folk Victorian – Simpler forms dressed up with decorative trim

And of course, one of the most iconic Victorian homes is the San Francisco house made famous by Full House.

What’s the Goal of Victorian Design?

Victorian design was never subtle. It was about conveying elegance and affluence through ornate craftsmanship. On the exterior, you’ll find steeply pitched roofs, bay windows, towers, and lots of architectural detailing. Inside, the richness continues with carved woodwork, embossed wallpaper, patterned tile, and elaborate fireplaces.

Designing a Victorian Home for Today

If you’re lucky enough to live in a Victorian home, or you just love the aesthetic, there’s an art to making it feel fresh without erasing its history. The key? Balance.

Stick to timeless finishes for your architectural details: parquet or inlaid wood floors, mosaic tile in bathrooms, and paneling or decorative millwork on walls and cabinetry. Then, soften the look with modern elements, like clean-lined furniture, fresh textiles, and thoughtful lighting.

This kind of mix keeps the home from feeling like a dollhouse. Here is an example of a balanced Victorian design plan:

How to Choose Lighting for a Victorian Home

When it comes to lighting, you have two great options: stay traditional or introduce a modern contrast.

For a More Classic Look:

• Ornate metalwork in brass or antique finishes
• Romantic, swooping shapes
• Candle-style bulbs and arms
• Frosted, etched, or cut glass shades

For a More Modern Spin:

• Clean silhouettes in rich finishes
• Opal globes with Victorian-era influence
• Fixtures with nods to history, but fewer frills

Whichever you choose, the key is intention. Your lighting should feel like part of the story, not a period piece, and not a prop.

The Traditional Victorian Lighting Checklist

☑ Intricate detailing in the metal
☑ Shapes inspired by candlelight and old-world charm
☑ Frosted, textured, or cut glass
☑ A warm, golden glow

Or, a modern contrast to ornate surroundings

Want to blend eras? Pair a sleek brass sconce with carved wood trim, or hang a minimalist pendant above a clawfoot tub. It’s all about honoring the architecture, without being bound by it.

Lighting That Tells a Story

Victorian homes have personality in spades. They were built to impress, to charm, and to last. At Olde Brick Lighting, we design fixtures that complement their elegance while grounding them in the present.

Explore our Victorian Collection and find the piece that brings your space to life. Drama and all.

Happy Shopping!

—Shauna Speet