Victorian Style
A Look at Victorian Architecture Styles by Susan Collmorgen
Ornate, charming, mysterious, elaborate. All of these words can be used to describe Victorian architecture. But what makes a style Victorian? You might be surprised to find that, not one, but many different styles of architecture are considered Victorian. Just about any home built during or shortly after the reign of England’s Queen Victoria (1840-1900) can be considered Victorian.
With the Industrial Revolution (late 1700’s – early 1800’s) having brought about new machines allowing for mass production and the railroads having improved transportation nationwide, the average person was finally able to get the materials they needed for building fancier and more interesting homes. This availability led to the array of styles we refer to as Victorian. Some of the most notable styles that comprise “Victorian” style architecture are Queen Anne, Second Empire, Italianate, and Stick-Eastlake.
Queen Anne – One of the most widely recognized Victorian styles in the Southern and Western parts of the United States is Queen Anne. Characterized by wide wrap-around porches, multiple balconies and chimneys, round “tower-like” structures, and large bay windows, these homes are what most of us visualize when we think of Victorian architecture. This “gingerbread” style of home is also noted for its unique floor plans consisting of two or more stories.
Second Empire – Named for its notable French elements as in the era of the Second French Empire, this architectural style is seen more in the Northeast and Midwest. Popular for public buildings and state institutions, characteristics of this style include a rectangular tower with a short and steep mansard roof. The crest of the mansard roof was frequently topped with iron trim and sometimes even a lightning rod. Examples include the Old Executive Building in Washington, D.C. and Philadelphia City Hall.
Italianate – In the mid to late 1800’s, the Italianate style began appearing in homes in the Midwest, the East Coast, and the San Francisco area. Inspired by Italian Renaissance characteristics, Italianate style homes have bay windows in front; tall, narrow windows and towers, and small chimneys in rather odd locations. The Garden District of New Orleans contains many fine examples of this style.
Stick-Eastlake – Found predominantly in the Northeast, Stick homes are decorative but not overly ornate. They generally include steeply pitched roofs with overhangs, wooden shingles covering the exterior walls and roof, and squared bay windows. Crown detailing can also be found along the roof peaks. More stylized and decorative versions of the Stick style are usually referred to as Eastlake.
While some architects today still borrow ideas from these styles to create a modern day Victorian home, most Victorian style architecture has become a relic of the past. In some communities you can find neighborhoods filled with beautifully restored historical Victorian homes. Many have become bed and breakfasts, places of business, or simply historical sites for the public to view.
There are several communities throughout the country known for beautifully restored or preserved Victorian architecture. One example is Eureka Springs, Arkansas, where you’ll find the largest array of such architecture in the central United States. The entire town of Eureka Springs is listed on the National Registry of Historical Places, due largely in part to its preservation of its historical Victorian architecture.
About the Author
Susan is a contributing editor for an online Baton Rouge, Louisiana guide providing information on restaurants in Baton Rouge.
Victorian Style
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