To begin our exploration of our historic paint colours series, we’ve collaborated with the experts at Lincoln Conservation.
Lincoln Conservation specialise in the conservation and restoration of interior and exterior features. They work on listed and historic buildings, historic artefacts and carry out historic paint analysis.
We’ve created a range of colour palettes suitable for different eras of property, including Victorian paint colours inspired by original decorative schemes.
Let’s take a closer look at the colours, influences and design principles that defined Victorian interiors, and discover how you can bring this into your home today.
Victorian era decoration
The Victorian period was one of enormous change in art, design and architecture. During the late 19th century, the Aesthetic Movement advocated a new visual world where beauty could be appreciated for its own sake. This concept, known as "Art for Art's Sake", encourages creativity free from the restrictions of politics, religion or social convention.
Art, interior decoration and craftsmanship were held in high esteem. This is summed up perfectly in the famous quote by William Morris:
“Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful”.
Influential figures including Oscar Wilde, Dante Gabriel Rossetti, William Morris, E.W. Godwin, Walter Pater and Frederic Leighton celebrated skilled craftmanship, decorative detail and the beauty of well made objects. Their influence transformed Victoria interiors into richly layered spaces filled with colour, texture and personality.
Wilde proclaimed:
“I have found that all ugly things are made by those who strive to make something beautiful, and that all beautiful things are made by those who strive to make something useful”.
What colours were popular in Victorian homes?
Victorian decorators drew inspiration from the natural world. Sunflowers, peacock feathers, flowers, foliage and exotic botanical specimens appeared frequently in wallpapers, textiles and painted schemes.
As a result, Victorian paint colours tended to be rich and expressive. Deep greens, turquoise blues, earthy reds, warming yellows and chocolate browns featured heavily throughout the home. These colours became increasingly accessible as advances in manufacturing made new pigments available to a growing middle class.
Rooms intended for entertaining guests often showcased the most luxurious colours and decorative finishes. Dining rooms, drawing rooms and entrance halls were ideal spaces for dramatic, jewel-like shades that demonstrated taste and prosperity.
Practical colour schemes behind the scenes
Not all Victorian interiors were designed purely for display. Utility spaces, servants' quarters and busy areas followed a more practical approach.
Victorian designers were highly concerned with hygiene, efficiency and cleanliness. Features such as tiled surfaces, washable finishes and curved skirting details helped reduce dust and simplify maintenance.
Colour schemes reflected these practical considerations. Lower sections of walls were often painted in darker shades to hide marks and scuffs, creating a painted dado effect. The upper wall and ceiling would be finished in lighter creams and soft whites to maximise available light and create a sense of cleanliness.
A thin contrasting line between the darker lower wall and lighter upper section provided a decorative flourish. This classic Victorian detail remains a popular interior design feature today.
Victorian paint colours for modern living
Traditional Victorian paint colours translate beautifully into contemporary homes. Whether you're restoring original features or simply introducing period character, these colours offer warmth, depth and elegance that feel just as relevant today.
Our Victorian inspired palette captures the richness and optimism of the era, combining deep heritage tones with softer, more versatile shades suited to modern living.
Rich greens inspired by nature
Green was one of the defining colours of the Victorian age. Reflecting the era's fascination with gardens, botany and the natural world, it remains one of the most popular choices for period properties today.
Oliver Twig is a grounding green that works beautifully in living rooms, libraries and hallways, while Hobby Wood brings a deeper, more atmospheric feel that pairs perfectly with original woodwork and decorative mouldings.
For those looking to embrace the drama of Victorian interiors, Hobgoblin offers a confident green that creates a cocooning, sophisticated space.
Deep blues and peacock inspired tones
The Victorians loved colours that evoked the iridescent beauty of peacock feathers, making blue a natural choice for creating elegant, characterful interiors.
Toy Soldier is a rich, dramatic blue that feels perfectly at home in Victorian dining rooms and snug spaces. Use it across all four walls to create an intimate atmosphere, or highlight original architectural details by pairing it with lighter neutrals.
For a fresher interpretation, Splashing delivers a vibrant blue-green tone that nods to Victorian exuberance while feeling contemporary and uplifting.
Warm reds and decorative accent colours
Victorian interiors weren't afraid of colour. Rich reds and decorative accent shades added warmth, luxury and visual interest throughout the home.
Lady Bug introduces a confident earthy red inspired by the richly coloured pigments used throughout the period. It's ideal for dining rooms, studies, cosy bedrooms or as a feature colour on cabinetry and furniture.
For those seeking something playful yet authentic, Can-Can brings warmth and personality, pairing beautifully with deep greens and rich blues commonly found in Victorian schemes.
Golden heritage tones
Victorian interiors weren't exclusively dark and dramatic. Alongside rich greens, blues and reds, warm golden yellows played an important role in bringing comfort, light and optimism to the home.
Inspired by nature and the earthy pigments popular during the period, these shades add warmth without feeling overpowering. They work particularly well in rooms that receive limited natural light, helping to create inviting, welcoming spaces throughout the year.
Humpty Dumpty is a muted golden yellow that creates a cosy, uplifting atmosphere. Ideal for bedrooms, kitchens and family spaces, it captures the softer side of Victorian decorating while still feeling characterful and authentic.
Three Bears offers a deeper, mustardy yellow with a heritage feel. It pairs beautifully with darker Victorian greens such as Oliver Twig and Toy Soldier, creating the rich contrast often seen in period interiors.
These comforting yellows can be used across an entire room for a warm, enveloping effect or alongside deeper colours to brighten a traditional Victorian colour scheme.
Bringing Victorian colour into contemporary homes
You don't need to recreate a museum-perfect Victorian interior to embrace these historic colours. Many homeowners successfully combine period inspired shades with modern furnishings and layouts.
Consider painting a dining room in dramatic Hobgoblin, balancing the richness with lighter furnishings and natural textures. Pair Oliver Twig with warm wood furniture for a contemporary interpretation of Victorian style, or use Lady Bug and Can-Can as accent colours on doors, panelling or built-in cabinetry.
If you prefer a lighter feel, look to the warmer end of the palette. Combine Three Bears or Humpty Dumpty with carefully chosen pops of colour from the richer end of the palette. This approach gives a contemporary feel to a Victorian property while maintaining a subtle connection to its heritage.
Create your own Victorian colour scheme
Whether you're renovating a grand Victorian townhouse, refreshing a period terrace or simply looking to add heritage character to a modern home, Victorian paint colours offer endless inspiration.
Our carefully curated palette of Humpty Dumpty, Three Bears, Can-Can, Lady Bug, Oliver Twig, Hobby Wood, Hobgoblin, Splashing, Toy Soldier and Balloon Ride captures the richness, craftsmanship and decorative spirit of the age while remaining effortlessly liveable for modern homes.
By mixing deep, nature inspired shades with softer neutrals and thoughtful period detailing, you can create an authentic Victorian scheme that feels both timeless and individual.
