Trend Focus: Victorian Glasshouse Interior Design

By Ana Zuravliova

Trend Specialist at Blinds Direct

Fri 10 Sep 2021

Last updated Fri 2 Dec 2022

The history of Victorian glasshouses

Historically, “glasshouses” were not only rare but awe-inspiring, and those created by the likes of Joseph Paxton were – and remain – wonders to behold. Today, the better availability of materials and lower costs have made glass structures places to be enjoyed by millions around the country, not just the super wealthy.

That said, while many of us won’t be enjoying large glasshouses on a day-to-day basis, there are excellent style lessons to learn from Victorian glasshouses which you can enjoy in your interior design. Today we’ll be looking at these legacies of Victorian and Edwardian Britain and the easy steps you can take to add some 19^th century sophistication into your home.

What are Victorian glasshouses?

In sharp contrast to the grey industrialisation of much of the UK during the 19^th century, many Victorians studied, celebrated, and integrated the natural world into their homes. From the exploration and studies of Charles Darwin to the poetic verses of Wordsworth, nature was an integral theme during this time and a legacy which we can still enjoy today are the grand glasshouses.

Glasshouses were developed not only as status symbols, but they were also created to nurture newly encountered and tropical plants from around the world, from rare species of flowers to tasty exotic fruits.

One such example of this is the excellent and recently restored Lost Gardens of Heligan. Set within the extensive gardens and striking flower installations, there lay glasshouses combining glass and brickwork that were home to hundreds of wonderful flora from every corner of the world.

image of green chair next to curtain in a victorian glasshouse

image to show the best type of fabric to use in a victorian glasshouse

Victorian glasshouse interior design

Glasshouses and the greenery they protect have inspired countless items and furnishings that have enriched homes for centuries. For example, even in 2021, it’s not rare to see prints of scientific drawings of plants inspired by this age of discovery, or the joyous use of floral and fruit-patterned fabrics used around the home.

Patterns

Floral and fruit patterns are fun and energise a space, but to keep truly on trend with Victorian glasshouse interior design, you need to avoid bold vibrant modern patterns and opt for items that are more refined with patterns that are more realistic than abstract. This is easier to do than you may expect. Whether you’re looking for roses or lilies, oranges or pears, you can add colour, shape, and enrich your Victorian cool with ease.

Colours

Colours to support your floral patterns should remain natural. Cream toned backgrounds supporting leafy greens, lemon yellows, tangy oranges and berry reds are excellent places to start your deliberations.

One of the advantages of Victorian glasshouse style is that it integrates seamlessly with other on-trend schools of design. Two such schools are Cottagecore and Grandmillennial. Both trends take us back to simpler, more comfortable times. To add a twist of Victorian elegance, look to pale natural greens, slate greys, and natural wood materials.

Materials

Soft materials should be as natural as possible also. Wool, linen, and cotton help to maintain the connection of the theme to nature while adding some beautiful textures into your space too.

Victorian glasshouses and conservatories

While most of us don’t have extensive acres of land to build vast glasshouses, many have conservatories or greenhouses to enjoy. It may seem obvious but one of the best ways to enjoy your glass structures is to fill them with plants of different appearances and colours from tomatoes to cacti.

It may seem obvious but one of the best ways to enjoy your glass structures is to fill them with plants of different appearances and colours from tomatoes to cacti.

image of a victorian glasshouse themed conservatory

Moreover, since greenhouses and conservatories are spaces where we can also relax and enjoy some peace and quiet, it’s a good idea to make the space comfortable and add some window furnishings to control the light and maintain your privacy.

With many modern greenhouses and conservatories using uPVC windows and doors, you can effortlessly add privacy and style into your space with a Perfect Fit blind. With plenty of options including natural wooden Venetian blinds and floral roller blinds, we’ll have the perfect option to theme your space around a Victorian glasshouse.

To make the space even more comfortable, consider floral cushions to add a pop of colour to your chairs or sofas. These will help tie the décor together while helping you to relax and unwind.

To help you easily navigate the wide range of options available to you, take a look at our dedicated collection of Victorian glasshouse-inspired items from the website. All the blinds and cushions available to order are made to measure by our talented team of craftspeople here in the heart of Yorkshire.