Unleash the Charm: Top Victorian House Exterior Color Schemes for a Timeless Home Design

Victorian architecture emerged during the reign of Queen Victoria in the United Kingdom from the mid-1800s to the early 1900s. The style is known for its ornate shapes, intricate details, and vibrant colors. Victorians favored bold color combinations, and homeowners today looking to restore Victorian homes often struggle to find the perfect color scheme. In this article, we’ll discuss traditional and modern Victorian color schemes, tips for choosing the perfect color scheme, and popular Victorian exterior colors.

Traditional Victorian color schemes

Victorian homes often feature three or more colors on their exterior. One traditional color scheme is a light, warm color for the main body of the house such as cream, beige or light pastel colors, accented by bolder colors for doors and shutters. Some popular trim colors include maroon, forest green, navy blue, and eggplant. For a more formal look, the second color can be white, while the third color is used for shutters, doors, and other decorative elements.

Another classic Victorian color scheme is a combination of earth tones. An earth-tone base color is paired with a bold accent color in a contrasting hue, such as brick red, dark green, or deep blue. For instance, a rich brown house with complementary sage green or dark forest green trim create a stand-out traditional look.

Modern interpretations of Victorian color schemes

Many homeowners today take a modern spin on traditional Victorian colors. Using bolder colors for the main body of the house such as deep navy or emerald green is becoming more common, while other colors can be used for doors, shutters, or other accents. Combining wooden elements or stone facades with traditional Victorian color combinations like browns, yellows, and greens can also create an updated Victorian exterior.

Tips for choosing the perfect Victorian color scheme for your home

When deciding on a Victorian color scheme for your home, consider first and foremost the style of your home. If your home boasts lots of intricate detailing, you’ll want to choose a color palette that highlights its unique features. Some homeowners may want to take inspiration from other homes within their neighborhood.

If your Victorian home has a historical significance, you may want to consider a color scheme that pays homage to its origin. For instance, the architecture of a home built in the late 1800s may speak to a palette with more muted and earthy tones.

Before making a final decision, be sure to complete some test runs. Paint a small section of your home or use a color visualization tool to get an idea of how your chosen colors will look on your house.

Best color combinations for Victorian-era architectural features

Victorian-era houses are known for their ornate features, such as decorative trim work, gingerbread, and delicate details along the roofline, balconies, and porches. Choosing the right color combinations is essential to making these features stand out.

A classic wooden Victorian with gingerbread detailing is often best paired with a light or off-white base color. Highlight the dramatic rooflines and gingerbread with deeper colors like rich maroon, forest green, or navy blue for fascia and window frames. Balustrades and columns can be highlighted with a brighter, contrasting color like sunny yellow.

A modern Victorian color scheme for a home with large gingerbread structures can incorporate up to three colors such as a neutral body color, a dark trim, and a coordinating bold color like a bright red or blue for shutters and doors.

Popular Victorian Exterior Colors

Some of the most popular Victorian-inspired colors include:

– Sage green: This soft, muted green is perfect for highlighting the natural elements on a Victorian-home exterior like wooden shutters and columns.
– Yellow: This bright and sunny shade is perfect for a truly eye-catching Victorian home. A warm yellow often works best when paired with darker accent colors like navy blue or forest green.
– Blue: Deep navy or striking royal blue can create a bold and whimsical statement for your Victorian home. Brighter blues paired with white trim also create a striking color palette.
– Hunter green: This rich green color works well to highlight the detailed windows and accents of a Victorian-era home. When paired with a lighter, neutral body color, hunter green is sure to stand out.

FAQ

What are popular Victorian house colors interior?

Victorian home interior colors often consisted of rich, warm tones like burgundy, deep red, and dark green. Deep colors were used in upholstered furniture, floral wallpaper, and decorative trim.

What are 1890 Victorian exterior paint colors?

Exterior paint colors popular in the late 1800s included neutral base colors like taupe, cream and beige paired with bold accent colors like burnt orange or moss green.

What are green Victorian house colors?

Green Victorian house color schemes range from muted sage or olive green to striking emerald or hunter green. Combined with complementary accent colors, green can create a beautiful and classic Victorian exterior.

What are yellow Victorian house colors?

Yellow Victorian house color schemes create a sun-kissed and cheerful exterior. When paired with dark trims or contrasting shutters, yellow can create a standout Victorian exterior.

What is the Victorian color palette?

Victorian color palettes depended on the time and place. A general Victorian color palette consisted of rich jewel tones and deep, earthy tones to complement the ornate and detailed architecture. Victorian house exterior color schemes were often made up of three or more bold colors paired with a base, neutral color like cream or beige.

What are blue Victorian house colors?

Blue Victorian house colors range from rich navy to bold royal blue and can create a whimsical and idyllic exterior. When paired with white detailing, blue can create a classic Victorian look.