What Were the Most Popular Styles of Victorian Architecture?
From the 1840s through the 1920s, the most prevalent style of architecture for structures such as buildings, churches, and houses was the Victorian style. This period came to be known as the Victorian era and is separated into the Early and the Late Victorian Era, each with unique architectural styles.
The most popular styles of victorian architecture can vary depending on the particular period of Victorian architecture to which you are referring. While there was some commonality in themes and styles- such as a tendency to focus on ornate design - there were also some significant differences in style and influences in the early versus the late Victorian era.
Early Victorian Era
The period of time from 1840 to 1895 became known as the Early Victorian Era. Six different popular Victorian styles prevailed throughout this period and each came into fashion at certain points in time. Each of the styles was defined by different elements of architecture that made each different style stand out all on its own.
The six styles were:
Greek Revival
This style became popular in the 1850s. The style was defined by architectural elements such as:
- Grand columned porticos
- Low pitched roofs often with triangular pediments
- Entablatures
- Symmetrical or rectangular construction
Gothic Revival
The gothic revival style of architecture was used mainly for the construction of churches. The architectural elements that made this style unique were:
- Pointed arches
- Buttresses
- Interior hammerbeam trusses
Italianate
Homes and buildings done in the Italianate style were more decorative and functinal for those who owned them. The architectural elements that made this style distinctive are:
- One or many rectangular blocks grouped asymmetrically
- Low-pitched roofs
- Segmental or round arches
- Window hoods
- Cupolas or lanterns
- Classical details
- One story porches
Queen Anne
One of the most popular Victorian style homes of the era. The architectural elements that made this style stand out amongst the rest are:
- Open floor plans centered around a central space
- Extensive and large porches
- Exterior showing the irregular sized rooms of the interior
- Spindle work
- Shingles
- Masonry and brick combinations
- Terra cotta highlighting
Romanesque Revival
Another type of popular Victorian style, this construction was characterized by such architectural elements as:
- Arches in many forms
- A strong robust feel due to the brick and terra cotta construction
- Horizontal lines
- Stone first floor levels or basements
- Classical decorative features
Neoclassicism
This style of Victorian architecture competed right alongside the Romanesque Revival. This style was characterized as:
- Generally similar to Romanesque construction
- Revival of the decorative arts
- Use of order, symmetry, and simplicity of style
The Late Victorian Era
The Late Victorian Era took place from 1895 to 1920. Like the previous period before it, the styles were characterized by their own unique architectural elements.
In addition to these architectural elements, these Post-Civil War era homes and businesses began to multiply in size to house many people in one unit. Therefore, this period was defined by the building of the first apartment complexes, skyscrapers, townhouses, hotels, modern day suburban houses, and bungalows.