The drawing room was a common feature of the upper-class home in Europe in the 16th to 18th centuries. Specifically, the drawing room was a space used for entertaining guests – a kind of formal reception area often located near the entrance of the house.
The intention was to give guests a chance to mingle and refresh themselves after a long journey before being formally introduced to the master of the house. Consequently, the drawing room was also often referred to as “the court”.
The style of the drawing room varied depending on the era in which it was created, but generally its purpose shifted slightly with fashion. In the 17th century, the drawing room was a place for conversation, gaming, and music.
Books were often kept in the room, and it was common for men to retire to their studies after dinner. In the 18th century, the drawing room transitioned from a receptacle for visitors to a space for elaborate parties.
Drawing rooms in this era would be elaborately decorated and often contained frescoes and expensive furniture. As the 18th century came to a close, the drawing room was perhaps the most important social space in the house.
Thus, the main purpose of a drawing room was to provide a place for entertaining guests and enjoy a variety of social activities. It was the ultimate symbol of wealth and status, and its opulence became something of a status symbol amongst the upper-classes.
What is the difference between a sitting room and a drawing room?
A sitting room and a drawing room are both types of living rooms, however they are slightly different. A sitting room is typically a small, comfortable, and informal space for relaxation and conversation.
It often contains comfortable furniture, like a sofa, chairs, and perhaps even a television. On the other hand, a drawing room usually has a more formal atmosphere. It is often used to entertain guests, where visitors might be served drinks or snacks.
It can contain more traditional furniture and decorations such as a ornate clock, artwork, or antique furniture. Generally, it is a more formal space than a sitting room.
Where did the term drawing room originate?
The term ‘drawing room’ originated in the 17th century in England and was used to describe a room that was used for entertaining, usually located in a private residence. The term was derived from the French phrase “dessin,” which means a “plan or design.
” Drawing rooms at the time served as a social space for guests to engage in conversation and, as their name suggests, to draw. Drawing rooms were typically decorated with fine materials and artwork, as people wanted to make an impression on their guests and show off their wealth and good taste.
Today, the term drawing room is still used to refer to parlors and sitting rooms, generally found in middle and upper class homes. While the term may now be used to describe a variety of rooms, it remains synonymous with the idea of entertaining, while providing a space in which the conversations of guests can be enjoyed without interruption.
How do you decorate a drawing room?
When decorating a drawing room, it is important to focus on both the aesthetic and practical elements of the design. A good starting point is to consider the size and shape of the room, as this will determine how furniture, artwork, and lighting is used.
To create a cohesive look, consider using a color palette of neutrals and shades of one or two colors and consider mixing different textures, fabrics, and finishes. Statement pieces such as a large mirror or painting against a light colored wall create a pleasant contrast and add life to the room.
Keep the furniture comfortable yet stylish and invest in multi-functional pieces such as an ottoman that can double as extra seating or storage. If you have space and a budget, add a statement rug which will instantly bring warmth and elegance.
Accessorize with a desk for work, cozy cushions, greenery, and artwork. Tastefully position tables, lamps, and rugs to create interest and dim the lighting to create a calming and comfortable atmosphere.
Finally, take advantage of natural light by opening windows during the day. With some careful planning and a bit of creativity, you can transform any drawing room into a chic and inviting space.
What is an upstairs living room called?
An upstairs living room is typically referred to as a “loft” or an “upper level living room”. This type of living space can provide an open, airy feel and allows for a great view of the outside. In some cases, it can be the primary living space in a home, while in others it may serve as a secondary area of relaxation and entertainment.
Depending on the home, the loft may be centrally located or tucked away in the back corner. Common features of an upstairs living room include high vaulted ceilings, exposed support beams, natural elements like hardwood or stone flooring, and large windows or skylights.
Additionally, these spaces may be filled with plush furniture and cozy accents to create a inviting and comfortable atmosphere.
What is a parlor room in a house?
A parlor room in a house is a room that is traditionally used for entertaining guests. It is usually the main gathering place of a home and is often used to host formal and informal gatherings. Parlor rooms are usually located near the front of the house, often adjacent to the living room, to give visitors easy access.
These spaces often feature a fireplace, traditional furnishings such as sofas, armchairs, a writing desk, and other comfortable seating, and plenty of built-in storage. Often, parlor rooms are given special consideration when it comes to aesthetics and decorating, often featuring intricate details such as moldings, trims and ceiling medallions.
Many people who have parlor rooms also decorate them with fine art, beautiful rugs, and expensive antiques. Parlor rooms offer a comfortable spot for guests to sit and enjoy a cozy evening in your home.
When did parlors become living rooms?
Parlors have a long history in homes, and the exact transition to what we now would call a living room is difficult to pinpoint. Generally speaking, historically, parlors were used as formal reception and sitting rooms and served as a space to entertain and take guests.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as the Industrial Revolution and societal changes began to take hold of society, the concept of the parlor began to shift.
Suddenly, it became more common for homeowners to use the space as a family room, something to be shared and enjoyed by all members of a household–not just guests. Simultaneously to this, advancements in technology and furniture design had considerably increased the comfort of domestic rooms and made them less formal.
Parlors began to be used for leisurely recreation such as reading and games.
In the 1920s and 1930s, more innovation and technology was being applied to the home. Heating, ventilation and air conditioning, together with the introduction of single-room sound systems and TVs, made living rooms even more of a lounging and socializing space.
Living rooms became not only more comfortable, but more useful, housing as they did computers, music systems and other entertainment devices.
The modern living room as we know it today was born. So, while the exact moment when parlors became living rooms is difficult to define, overall it’s safe to say it was a gradual process that began in the late 19th century and evolved to what we now call the living room with the introduction of modern technology and furniture design.
Where does the word parlour come from?
The word “parlour” derives from the French word “parloir”, which translates to mean “speaking room”. This term eventually found its way into Middle English, where it was spelled as “parlur” or “parlour”.
It was used to refer to a room in a large home that was used for hosting and entertaining guests. The idea of having a dedicated space for talking and entertaining guests can be traced back to ancient Rome.
For example, the Romans had an atrium, which was a large, open area surrounded by columns. This was used for welcoming guests and often contained busts of famous people for decoration.
Over the years, the word “parlour” has evolved to refer to a variety of different things, from a beauty parlour to a room for religious services, or even a stationary shop. In some cases, the word has been adapted to refer to establishments that serve different purposes such as ice cream parlours and pet parlours.
Today, the word is no longer commonly used to refer to rooms in larger homes, but the term is still used in a variety of contexts.
Why did Victorian homes have so many rooms?
Victorian homes were some of the most elaborately designed in history, and one of their most prominent features was the abundance of rooms. This was not only a reflection of the wealth and grandeur of the period, but also of the changing nature of the household.
Particularly in large towns, the increasing availability of domestic servants meant that households often had a division of labour, and this meant that extra rooms were needed to serve specific purposes.
For example, many homes would have a separate drawing room, parlour and dining room, as well as a range of servants’ quarters for cooks, parlour maids, housekeepers and so on. Other rooms such as nurseries, baths and even libraries were also commonplace in wealthy Victorian homes.
The proliferation of rooms was also due to a renewed interest in hygiene, which saw people seeking to divide different areas and activities to keep their homes as clean as possible. All of these factors combined to create the many rooms that are characteristic of Victorian homes.
What were Victorian houses like inside?
Victorian houses were often quite grand on the inside and featured ornately decorated rooms. In the living space, there would usually be comfortable seating and furniture as well as fireplaces, carpets, tapestries, and wall hangings.
The dining room often contained a large dining table and chairs and guests were welcomed in the parlor. The library contained bookshelves, tables, and armchairs for reading. Upstairs the bedrooms were typically furnished with canopy beds, armoires, different types of wardrobes, dressing tables, and mirrors.
Bathrooms were less common and often contained copper or tin tubs. Other common rooms in Victorian homes would include a drawing room, butler’s pantry, and conservatory. To complete the look, accessories such as books, clocks, artwork and curios could be found throughout the house.
What are the parts of a Victorian house?
Victorian houses are named after Queen Victoria, who reigned from 1837 to 1901 during the 19th century in Britain. Victorian houses are renowned for their ornate architecture and intricate designs. They are characterized by numerous features and decorative details.
The most common components of a Victorian house include:
1. Symmetry: Victorian houses feature an ornamental facade with numerous windows, often arranged symmetrically. The two-story designs are often topped with a roofline adorned with decorative brackets and circular accents.
2. Front Porch: A signature element of the Victorian design is a decorative front porch, complete with columns and a roof. These porches often featured intricate railings, spindles, brackets, and other embellishments.
3. Bay Windows: An important feature of the style is bay windows that protrude outward and provide more space inside. They are often topped with angled roofs and feature ornamental detailing, such as window boxes and shutters.
4. Colorful Facades: Another defining feature of Victorian houses is their vibrant color schemes. Walls were generally painted in multiple hues, often paired with a neutral backdrop, like white or gray.
5. Decorative Trim: The exterior of these houses features delicate trim and ornamentation, including spindles, brackets, and dentils. Elaborate cornices and pediments dress up the front entrance.
6. Roof Details: Victorian houses often include distinctive roof details, such as complex wooden ornamentation, herringbone brick chimneys, and turrets. Sloping gables and mansard roofs also dominate the style.
What are 3 characteristics of Victorian design?
The Victorian era, spanning from the 1830s to the turn of the century, was characterized by intricate and ornate design elements. This style was heavily influenced by the Industrial Revolution, which brought new knowledge and technology to the forefront of design.
Victorian style design was typically characterized by a blend of a variety of different materials, textures and shapes. Furthermore, it was marked by a combination of classic styles with ornate details and a heavy feel.
One defining characteristic of Victorian style design was its use of color. This era was characterized by a preference for bold and often contrasting colors, with luxurious materials and finishes such as velvet and tassels.
Many of the ornamentation used to create Victorian decor was brightly colored and often lapidary, or with jewels and semi-precious stones.
A second characteristic identified with Victorian design was complexity. During this period design often featured intricate plant life, ornate designs and strong geometric patterns. The combination of various elements and details created a heavily layered look, where the decorative elements often interacted with and softened each other, creating a harmonious feel.
Finally, the third defining element of Victorian era design was its use of traditional forms and materials. Furniture and objects from this period often featured classic shapes such as archways and columns, as well as heavily carved detail and antique hardware.
Rich, earthy materials like mahogany, oak, walnut and brass were highly sought after and commonly used.
What makes a home Victorian-style?
A Victorian-style home is characterized by intricate details, ornate fasciae, and bright, vibrant colors that set it apart from other homes of that era. In general, Victorian-style homes are intricate, stately, and detailed.
Characteristic features of this beautiful home style includes:
• Colorful, detailed exterior structures: Exterior walls are often painted in multiple colors, and window and door frames are highly ornamented. Extravagant spires, towers, and turrets are common, as well as decorative window treatments, grillwork, and patterned brick patterns.
• Decorative stained glass: Many Victorian-style homes have colorful glass windows, often with beveled edges, as a way to bring in natural light as well as add a bit of visual detail.
• Extravagant, detailed trim and moldings: Victorian-style homes often feature elaborate trim work, from crown molding to spindlework and ornate columns.
• Patterned wallpapers: Wallpaper was popular throughout the Victorian-era, and can still be seen in many old homes. In general, wallpaper was often brightly colored, highly decorative, and sometimes even three-dimensional.
• Spacious, comfortable interiors: The rooms of a Victorian-style home are often huge and inviting and decorated with ornate furniture and paintings. Mid- and dark-toned wood is common, and floors are often covered with elaborate carpets and rugs.
Do Victorian houses have foundations?
Yes, Victorian houses do have foundations. The foundations of a Victorian-era home typically consist of a footing and a stem wall. The footing is typically a continuous strip of concrete that encircles the house’s perimeter.
The stem wall is a masonry wall that sits atop the footing, providing additional support and insulation. The foundation helps to bear the load of the home and keep its structural integrity intact. Additionally, the footing serves to anchor the home firmly to the ground, preventing the home from sliding away in the event of an earthquake.
What is Victorian-style interior design?
Victorian-style interior design is a type of interior design that dates back to the mid-to-late 19th century during the reign of Queen Victoria in England. It is marked by a propensity for the intricate and ornamental, with the user oftentimes opting for silks, velvets and brocades alongside deep colour schemes.
This style is often associated with large, open rooms, extravagant furnishings, and intricate moulding and trim work. Common furniture styles that are found in the Victorian style include sofas and chairs that are upholstered with intricate fabrics such as velvet, damask, and tapestry, while dark woods such as mahogany and oak were popular choices for tables and other accent pieces.
Additionally, a highly ornate chandelier or a large, ornately designed mirror are popular finishing touches for a Victorian-style interior. With its ornate elegance, the Victorian style is still a popular choice for home decor, with many modern designs taking elements from this timeless style.