Victorian Style House
Era: 1837–1901
Victorian is not one style but a family of them, built during Queen Victoria’s reign when mass-produced trim and new railways let builders decorate as never before. Italianate, Gothic revival, Second Empire, Stick and Queen Anne houses all count as Victorian.
What they share is exuberance: steep roofs, tall narrow windows, bay windows, decorative brackets and spindlework, and paint schemes that pick out every detail. A modern Victorian keeps the silhouette and porch but simplifies the colour palette.
Key features of a victorian style house
Vertical proportions
Two or three tall stories with steep roofs.
Decorative trim
Brackets, spindlework, “gingerbread” and patterned shingles.
Bay windows
Projecting bays and sometimes a corner tower or turret.
Porches
Deep front or wraparound porches with turned posts.
Polychrome paint
Three or more colors highlighting the trim — the “painted lady” look.
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Restyle my house freeCommon questions
What are the main types of Victorian houses?
Italianate, Gothic revival, Second Empire, Stick, Queen Anne, Shingle and Folk Victorian.
How do I modernize a Victorian exterior?
Keep the silhouette and porch, simplify to two or three muted colors, repair rather than remove trim, and update lighting and landscaping.
Is a Queen Anne a Victorian house?
Yes — Queen Anne is the most elaborate Victorian sub-style, known for towers, wraparound porches and patterned shingles.