Frustratingly, I did not grow up in a Victorian or Edwardian house, and so I used to love visiting friends who were lucky enough to live in these magical homes. I loved the high ceilings, the intricate cornicing and mouldings and, of course, the beautiful windows. Arguably, the biggest thing in your interior design toolkit when it comes to an Edwardian or Victorian home is the window dressings.
These wonderful homes often have tall sash windows, bay windows, or beautifully crafted casement windows, making window dressings an absolute joy to design. Whether you want to really embrace the era or you want a more contemporary take, you absolutely must make the most of their key architectural feature – the windows.
Curtains are a natural choice but aren’t always the only or best option – in reality, most Victorian and Edwardian homes would have a combination of curtains and blinds, and we often get asked, ‘Which blinds work best in Victorian or Edwardian homes?’
Blinds can be a more practical yet no less luxurious option. Blinds take up less space and are great in rooms where there is not a lot of space around the window and can be really good for tricky windows where curtains simply will not work. They require less fabric than curtains, so you can have some fun with them without breaking the bank!
Blinds are an excellent way to introduce pattern, colour, and a sense of fun.
There is no need to play it safe here—because they have less surface area, you can be daring without overwhelming the space, allowing for choices that you might consider too bold for curtains.
Blinds can super stylishly solve problems around privacy or blackout where curtains just may not work. Further, blinds often play a support role alongside curtains, offering privacy and UV protection during the day when curtains are open.
If you are based in Surrey, where Victorian and Edwardian homes are found throughout towns like Reigate, Guildford and Dorking, see our Surrey curtain maker page for more on how we work in the area.’
Transcript
Edwardian and Victorian homes are so, so special. And for me, it’s. It’s because of the character. They ooze character. I love the the detailing that you often get around a front door, or the cornicing detailing, the mouldings that you find in these homes. The windows, which, you know, bay windows and great big sash windows, I love all of that. I love the fireplaces. And so whenever I visit a home to help with soft furnishings, I’m always looking at these features and trying to identify them, to see where we can use or how we can use soft furnishings to really build on and enhance these magical features They’re an absolute joy, an absolute joy to work on.
Before you begin shopping for fabrics, it’s essential to consider the era and stand-out features of your property.
Victorian homes, typically constructed between 1837 and 1901, often have ornate detailing and dark wood tones and can accommodate bold interior colour schemes. Edwardian homes, built from 1901 to 1910, favour lighter, airier interiors.
These properties can have quite quirky windows, and one size definitely does not fit all, so carefully planned, custom-made window treatments are a great investment. Thoughtful fabric selection can also make all the difference, ensuring your windows are as stunning as the rest of your home.
Roman Blinds: Roman blinds are a classic choice for Victorian and Edwardian homes. Their soft fabric folds bring warmth and texture, making them ideal for sash and bay windows. Roman blinds are created using fabric with vertical strings and horizontal rods, allowing them to be raised in folds like a concertina.
Whether you are hoping to achieve a traditional or a more contemporary look, choose high-quality fabrics and linings, which will help protect the fabric from fading and sun damage.
Patterns inspired by the era, such as damasks or botanical prints, can enhance the authenticity of the space and adding decorative pulls, trims, and shaped bottoms will add interest.
London Blinds: A variation on the Roman blind, the London blind gives a slightly softer but more dramatic look as the blind has more fullness, which blouses out as the blind is raised.
Wooden Venetian Blinds: Wooden Venetian blinds are a practical solution that never look out of place in Victorian or Edwardian homes. To complement the traditional wood tones in Victorian homes, choose a rich, dark stain or a painted white finish for Edwardian properties with lighter colour schemes. Their clean lines add a timeless appeal while effectively controlling light and privacy.
Sheer Roller Blinds: Sheer blinds provide a contemporary twist while maintaining the airy, light-filled feel of Edwardian homes. They are perfect for rooms where privacy is desired without compromising natural light. Pair them with curtains or Roman blinds for a layered, more sophisticated look.
Crackling log fires aside, bay windows are the focal feature in any Victorian or Edwardian room and dressing them requires an expert eye. Blinds that fit snugly within each windowpane, such as Roman or wooden Venetian blinds, work particularly well. This approach maintains the architectural integrity of the window while providing functionality. To add a touch of luxury, consider layering with floor-length curtains that frame the bay.
When selecting blinds for period homes, start with your paint colour palette. Once you are happy with what you have got on the walls, it will help enormously with knowing the right fabric when you see it. If you’re not confident, this is one area where it is really worth getting expert help. Victorian and Edwardian properties take well to bold colours, and if average is a scary prospect to you, you should enlist an expert.
Read our 11 Essential Trends for 2025 Guide for more tips on colour and fabrics.>
Victorian and Edwardian homes often have unique challenges, such as draughty windows or uneven frames. Blinds with thermal linings can help improve insulation, keeping your home warmer in winter and cooler in summer. Additionally, custom-made blinds are an excellent investment to ensure a perfect fit for quirky or oversized windows, preserving the beauty of your period features.
Katherine’s Key Takeaway
Blinds for Victorian and Edwardian homes are the perfect way to bring personality, charm and joy to your home. Use bold colours, fun fabrics and joyful trimmings, and I can guarantee the rewards will be bountiful. Truly delivering joy every day to you and your family and friends.
Get in touch with us, and we’ll guide you through every step of choosing the perfect blinds to suit your Victorian or Edwardian home.
