Victorian architecture was popular in America from around 1860 to about 1900. This was during the last period of Britain’s Queen Victoria, hence the name Victorian. At this time in history, railroads and a rapidly growing industrial nation brought about changes in the way home designs were constructed. The common heavy-timber building practice was being replaced with balloon framed walls. Mass production of windows, doors, roofing, siding, detailing ornaments, and other building materials allowed for a more elaborate look. This is clearly illustrated in the Victorian architecture style in general.

Identifying Victorian Architecture

Victorian architectural styles are easy to identify. Walls are often mixed with different texture. In addition, the walls are usually multicolored for contrast. Facades of Victorian house plans are generally asymmetrical and boast steeply pitched roofs. Details are plenty and vary wildly which leads to frequent overlapping and merging the various sub-Victorian styles.

Victorian architecture, like the colonial style, is a broad term. It’s used to describe the more defined styles within this period of architecture. The Victorian era includes sub-styles known as the Second Empire, Queen Anne, Shingle style, Stick style, Richardsonian Romanesque style, and Folk Victorian.