Symmetry in Victorian Interior Design

Neoclassical Symmetry

• Neoclassicism adopted the Greek and Roman symmetry uncovered in archaeological digs. The symmetry and proportion of Neoclassical homes is seen in the centered doors, balanced windows, columns and identical winged porticoes. Industrialism, mass production and the rise of the middle class resulted in conflicting Victorian interior design styles. Neoclassical symmetry in interior design remained popular in some circles, such as Aestheticism with its rejection of the style known as High Victorian for classical and traditional design styles such as Greek and Georgian. In most Victorian homes, order and restraint gave way to showy excess.

Orderly Clutter

• Victorian-era homes, especially rooms where visitors were received, were stuffed full of furniture, knickknacks, brocade or velvet curtains and embellishments of every type. Decor included heavy fabrics, many pieces of overstuffed furniture and wall coverings in complex prints and patterns. The growing middle class preferred the overly busy, crammed interiors that served as displays of their new social status. Homeowners displayed items in every room and on every surface that indicated their interests and aspirations.

Asymmetry and Chaos

• Architects during the Victorian era adopted an asymmetrical style. Victorian interior design disposed of obvious symmetry and focused on achieving balance through colors, patterns and textures. Intricate designs in wall and floor coverings contrasted with colorfully patterned fabrics. Special techniques were used to apply paint and texture to walls. The overfilled rooms and many colors, textures and patterns of a Victorian era room can appear to have little design or symmetry.

Victorian Symmetry

• Symmetry continued in Victorian interior design in the contrast and counterbalance of the decorating elements. Symmetry was achieved through harmony, as important a part of the definition of symmetry as is balance. Where modern eyes see clutter and chaos, the relationships between objects were apparent to people in the Victorian era. An example is the choice of colors based on "harmony by contrast" or "harmony by analogy," which uses one color in several shades. One description of Victorian interior design refers to the “harmonious bands of color” applied to walls and ceilings and the complex wallpaper and paint schemes.