Victorian Style Frames

Large Frames

• Select your Victorian style frames for paintings of that time period, such as prints of Waterhouse and Rosetti depicting elegant women in classical nature settings. Traditionally, gilded frames were used to set off fine art during this era. Choose side gilt frames with exaggerated naturalistic motifs such as scallops or leaves to evoke the grace of the Victorian period.

Photo Frames

• Smaller Victorian frames are most common in the distinctive oval shape, though octagonal and rectangular designs were also available. The most quintessentially Victorian of these is the padded or plush frame embroidered with flowers and leaves, traditionally as fancy work for the aristocratic ladies of the house. Find authentic Victorian frames, often gilded, at flea markets and in antique stores. Group a variety of shapes and sizes to create visual interest on a side table in your formal living room or boudoir.

Mirror Frames

• Find a large Victorian frame you like from an antique dealer or flea market. If you can get a good deal on its purchase, feel free to remove the unwanted print and have the frame fitted for a mirror. The striking gold-leaf frames of the Victorian period create stunning mirrors for your hallway or powder room. Walnut heirloom frames in oblong shapes were plainer but quite popular and are well-suited to reworking as mirror frames to add drama to your decor.

Looped Wire Frames

• Airy decorative frames fashioned of wire loops, usually in brass, were widely available in the later 19th century. Collect a few of these frames for black and white photographs, as they were used almost exclusively to display portraits. Some looped wire frames were embellished with paste jewels. If you have difficulty finding an antique looped wire frame to suit you, there are many modern copies of this Victorian frame style to complement your decor.