Summer Preservation Workshops: Stencilling July 14 & 15

We will be doing a series of summer workshops on a variety of topics with old house owner in mind.

The first of these workshops is on  Stenciling . The dates are July 14th and 15th. Classes will run from 12:30 to 2:30 and will cover a variety of topics including history and use of stencils (especially in the Victorian Era) how to place and use stencils as well as  the "hands on" part of the workshop where participants will get some hand on experience with how to actually use stencils. Materials are provided for the class.

Workshop cost is 35.00 and class size is limited to 8 per class so you need to register as soon as possible as we expect both sessions to sell out.

Burgman Building: New project: Our Library/study

I admit I have been putting off starting this project, there were more pressing agenda items but it's time to start the Library/study. So we open the door on our next project.

Right of the Garland Parlor lies a bland white box that will soon be our new Library study

This room was used as the Children's bedroom back in the day. In the Victorian era bedroom were simply to sleep so they tended to be rather utilitarian....and they were small. This room is a scant 8' 6 x 11' 8" and its off the garland parlor so it's use as bedroom right off the parlor is just not good.

It looks like the trim was painted directly over the shellac as its heavily cracked

The room was originally painted tan, followed by a  green, followed by SEVERAL coats of white paint and the trim inside, is painted the most horrid pea green, which must be stripped.

To add further insult to injury, the ceiling has been dry walled AND textured. Hopefully the texture comes off easily and we can re-skim The only major issue is with the exterior wall near the old chimney (now gone and capped) resulted in a wet exterior wall at some point in its history (might have been a leak too, before the new roof) so I have some plastering to do.

So given the layout and small size of this room one might be tempted to take out the wall entirely and make the garland parlor larger. HOWEVER the garland parlor has its original frescoed and stenciled ceiling and frieze (currently under restoration), so that is NOT an option.

The layout as it is awkward with a door to one side like it is and with only one small window it is claustrophobic.

So the plan is  eliminate the current door and replace it with a  wider 5 foot wide door which will have fretwork at the top centered to the room. This accomplishes two things , one it lets the Garland Parlor and the new Library/Study act as one space, and two, we do not damage any original stenciling.

In terms of room flow this will be a great improvement. The new Library will have its East wall turned into a period designed bookcase and the west wall will get a new decorative fireplace that will have a register from the new gas fireplace going in the Persian Parlor which will help distribute heat more evenly.

In terms of interior décor all I can say is it will be "over the top", likely done as a Victorian Moroccan/Turkish themed space with lots of decorative stenciling and ceiling work. more to come.

The Frugal Victorian: High style look at low cost. Design Series

Lets face it, if you read our blog you like Victorian style and everyone would love a high end Herter Étagère Filled with exquisite Tiffany pieces and high end collectibles, but that is far beyond the average persons budget so I thought we would demonstrate how its possible to take a low cost items, group them and create high end look with low cost.

The Étagère is simple in design and serves as a good base for our example.

In this case we used a simple  ebonized spindle Étagère (for sale in our shop for 125.00 and create a high style spot in your home for around 250.00 or less with accessories.

Layering add depth an dimension.

We took a gray sheet for a backdrop but you could use any fabric you might have laying around. To create visual interest we layered it with a piece of scrap gold paisley material (purchased for 5.00) and thumbtacked to the wall to create a swag. We them added a simple framed print in a gold frame to repeat the gold theme and provide a focal point and to balance the higher part of the Étagère. As you can see using backdrops already makes the piece more elegant. If you live in an apartment and can't paint, this is a great way to create visual interest on wall without damage

3 Items per section is a good limit

Creating groupings are important and care should be used to use no more than three different items in an area. More than that, can look too cluttered. Vary the height of the items also adds visual interest. Here we contrasted off the gold fabric with a dark green Iridescent vase. Old Photos with their own built in stands are a great decorating item (4-10 ea in our shop).

All three items have shades of grey and black in them

Playing different textures off each other is another effective tool. Here we took a silk fan and played it off the silver cups and another photo. The black and silver and the greys of the photo all work together and the gold in the fan ties with the frame above it on the wall and the gold swag.

The tall area of the Étagère needs at least one larger item to visually fill the space. In this case we used a glazed vase with a grey color with some reddish browns tone found in the swag, We used some  smaller items in silver with it to create some 'sparkle. without overpowering the vase 

The lower shelves use less significant items to fill the rest of the Étagère but not overpower the focal items at eye level as you walk by Note the use of the Rec Tassel with the Oriental plate and the depression glass bowl (Depression glass can be found in our shop from 5-10 per piece) the shelf below it uses a simple framed print and a postcard with red to continue a repeat of color from the shelf above. Antique postcards (5-10.00 are a low cost decorating idea ) The lowest shelf used a heavy silver tray and book to help fill the space and weigh the base of it down. We recommend any tall item like this should be wired to the wall with some wire and a small screw eyes to prevent tip over.

So there you have it a creative exotic corner for your home done for less than 250.00.

Victorian Interior Design: Stereoscope cards provide a look back

Note the Belter style chair in the forground and the large chandelier in what was a large double parlor

The Steroscope was a  popular form of "entertainment" in the Victorian era. Often erroniously called a stereopticon which actualy projected an image by use of a light sourse (like a candle), the stereoscope was used to view stereocards which were essentially two of the same image and when vied through the viewer gave a 3d appearance. They were wildly popular and often when Victorians entertained, ladies would retreat to the lady's parlor and view images of far away places.



Here we see a more middle class parlor. Note the hanging rail with vine garland draped on the wire. This was a popular trearment

 There were hundreds of manufacturers of these cards and viewers, but like most things as technology progressed,  we were entertained by other means and today original stereoscopes bring a nice price. There are reproductions made now.

A very high end  'mansion' interior view. Note the ceiling stencilling, higher end channdelier and drapery treatments.

That is a good thing since stereocards are relatively plentiful and often can be found at your local antique mall for few dollars each although rare images can fetch top dollar.These Stereocards provide a rare look at victorian period design however and we can see how they actually decorated. The next time you are at your favorite antique shop or mall you might want to peruse that stack of cards over in the corner as you might find a treasure or two that can help you get that "period look"

Victorian Design: The "art' of Victorian Lampshades

This shade kit is from TLC Lampshdes. http://www.tcl-inc.com/kits.htm

The elaborate victorian lamp, so highly coveted today, didn't start out that way of course. Early lighting was simple and in fact thought of as 'utilitaian". Lights were brought out at night but during the day regulated to a shelf or in nore affluent homes the "lamp room" where lamps were stored during the day and brought out by the staff. Early lighting especially oil lamps required frequent cleaning and this task was best done out of sight.
As advances in lighting took place like gas lights and then electric lighting, lighting became more a fixture.

Early bulbs put out little light but were considered so advanced and forward thinking they were proudly displayed. As lighting became more advanced the glare from those bulbs became more apparent and in typically victorian fashion it was decided the lighting, like everything else in the home should be a thing of beauty and sophistication. Glass shades were created and eventually table lamps which were more 'globe' based were treated to finely detailed silk shades.

This shade is from Victorian lamp shade supply. http://www.victorianlampshadesupply.com/lamp_shade_kits.html

Of course few of those shades are still around as they were fragile. Today it is no problem to find old table lamp bases and floor lamps at very reasonable prices. but they dont look right with modern shades in older homes. Fortunately there are a number of manufacturer of new "old" shades but they are very pricey. However if you are handy there are a number of companies now making kits which will allow you to have that great shade for that old lamp base you have sitting around collecting dust. In fact most of the shade kit companies have complete instructions and even videos of how to make shades. Proficiency with a glue gun helps but they are well within the abilities of most people.

One word of caution, you should not use high watt bulbs with fabric shades as they give off excessive heat. In fact withe the advent of CFL's a  fabric shade is a great way to disguise those ugly bulbs and add a little warmth to the light given off.

"Lambrequins and the Chimney Gallery": Victorian design history

“Lambrequins and the Gallery Chimney” is not the latest Harry Potter Blockbuster but rather refers to elements of period Victorian Design popular from about 1870-1885.

The fireplace was the focal point in the Victorian era. It was a place for entertaining, a place where the family congregated and as such was an important place in the Victorian home. Much as we might decorated  a fireplace mantle for Christmas. The Victorian mantle was an ever changing, ever decorated, point in the home. Warmer weather brought a significant change in how the mantle looked. It was not needed to heat the home so it was decorated and decorated and decorated.

Some of you may be familiar with the term “Lambrequin’ as a drapery, typically attached to a cornice however Lambrequin also refers to a piece of elaborately decorated material drapes on a fireplace mantle shelf. It was hand sewn and often with tassels or fringe. The quality of the sewing was critical, as this was viewed by guests, as they perused the many items on it.

The Lambrequin also served to ‘dress up an older plainer slate or marble mantle which were viewed as out of date by the 1870’s when all manner of elaborately faux painted and stenciled slate and cast iron mantle became popular. Victorians, being frugal were not going to toss out an expensive mantle because it was out of date. Another updating technique was to place elaborate screen in front of these mantles. As mass woodworking techniques came into being, one could order their mantle at the local lumberyard. In fact as things became more ‘co-ordinated’ amount the wealthy, firms like Herter Bros, offered matching drapery cornices and over-mantles so one had a truly perfect look.  You could order new wood over-mantles , sometimes ebonized to match an older cast iron mantle with multiple shelves often backed with multiple beveled mirrors.

These over-mantles with shelves went on to be called “gallery chimneys” in the Victorian era. Of course this look is easy to recreate with antiques and even for those who lack a fireplace, one can bring in a salvaged mantle attach it to a wall, put a summer cover in front of the opening and instant ‘decorative fireplace.”. With the advent of the shingle and craftsman styles these went by the wayside. Mantles were simplified and over-mantes were often taken off and put in an attic , basement or even tossed out. Period sewn Lambrequins are rare today and original examples of the sewn period Victorian textiles can bring thousands.

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Victorian Cottage Architecture : Making a comeback as we try to live 'greener'

Simple but classic colorful cottages like this one evoke a simpler time

The McMansion is dead Long live the cottage! Victorian cottage architecture is making a comeback. While many still lust for that 9 bedroom Victorian mansion many are discovering that cottages make more sense.

Not all 'cottages' are small. This one in San Francisco is elegantly detailed but needs paint and interior restoration and was on the market for well over a million dollars.

While many equate cottages with the modern tract home, the facts are that owning a cottage in the Victorian era was hardly considered a 'bad thing'. Home ownership was sign of prosperity at a time when most people lived in flats and tenements. While it is true that cottages were often built from what were termed "pattern books", there was a plethora of accessories one could add to their home to make it a unique creation. Elaborate fireplaces and fretwork were available, Thanks to "modern" manufacturing, tin work or wooden millwork was lavishly applied to the exteriors. Stained glass windows could be ordered from a catalog. In short "small' did not necessarily mean cheap.

Cottages surrounded by gardens allow people top get closer to nature while living in an urban world..

In fact in my neighborhood of Knox Hill the cottages, built as weekend houses for the wealthy, often share the same interior details as the grand mansions of Dayton street with stencilling , cast iron or slate mantles and elaborate trim details. My favorite cottages are the ones that were built by and for craftsmens of the era. These houses often have the most incredible workmanship.

Note the wonderful trimwork and "gingerbread" on this house. All available via catalogs of the local millwork shop or lumberyard in larger cities during the Victorian era.

In this day of 'going green' and reducing or footprint smaller houses make sense. By restoring them we save them from demolition and being put in a landfill. they are cheaper to heat and cool and can be effectively insulated at lower costs. by effective window rebuilding and storms they can be comfortable and non drafty.

The shotgun cottage was often built by shop keepers or clerks who worked downtown. This one close to an urban core and probaly built originally for few hundred dollards is now worth over 350K because of its convenient location

Cottages are a viable alternative to condo ownership as instead of living in a 900 square foot condo one can for about the same money own a 1500-2000 square foot cottage and have things like a real dining room and guest rooms and space for a home office and a small yard. For empty nesters scaling down or younger people starting out Cottages make more sense and we are seeing cottages being looked at with fresh eyes and greater respect.

Antique of the week

Each week we feature an antique of the week from our inventory. Often these are great antiques at affordable prices for all you old house restorers who need to furnish your restoration. Today we feature a lovely 1870's Renaissance Revival Formal Parlour Chair Upholstered in a very presentable neutral paisley fabric.

This chair is constructed of a very attractive burl walnut and this would be a great chair anywhere in your Victorian home. Offered at 150.00. For questions, or to buy this chair please contact us at Victiques@hotmail.com We accept payment via Paypal or cash and this can be picked up in Indianapolis or Cincinnati. Sorry we do not offer shipping on this but are happy to work with your shipper.

New Series : Antique of the Week

This is a new series we are starting each Monday Afternoon we will feature an antique from our inventory for sale ata special price. Many of these are quality "entry level" antiques that are great for the Old house restorer who may be a little short of cash but it trying to decorate in the Victorian style. Regular readers have a chance to get a good quality antique at a very attractive price.

This is a lovely RED Victorian tufted parlor chair and has been recently reupholstered. The wood has nice carved details as well. A great side chair that would look great in any formal parlor , entry hall or bedroom. Offered at $125.00. More information here:

http://www.blujay.com/?page=ad&adid=3303768&cat=27040000

Available for pick up only in Indianapolis but we can make arrangements to meet you in Cincinnati on weekends for pickup there, or we are happy to work with your shipper. Good Victorian Parlor side chairs of this quality are getting increasingly harder to find and are a bargain at twice what we are asking for this one.

Victorian Furniture Upholstery: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

Victorian Side Chair, pleasing color with button tufting priced

a 100.00 a bargain and available from us. A great starter

piece for any room

Essentially when it comes to Victorian Furniture there are "buyers" and there are "collectors". The buyer buys anything, doesn't matter what it looks like, if its Victorian they buy it. the collector on the other hand is looking to improve their collection. they buy with an eye towards design and style and possibly manufacturer. They are usually looking for the best piece they can find on the budget they have.


Upholstery is an important part of a Victorian furniture decision. It can be a great piece but if its got that orange patterned 70's upholstery on it, is it really worth the asking price?

Hard to find Victorian corner chair. Reupholstered

by us. 1800.00 (SOLD)

The answer is , it depends. If you are looking at "high end" Victorian furniture it doesn't matter. A Meeks , Belter or other high end quality manufacturer you are buying the piece for its maker and its finish. Finish is the most important part of furniture in this range. Originality, even if its worn ads value. Refinishing takes away value. While original upholstery is desirable it is not critical and in fact in theeth auction world high end pieces are often sold with just the base muslin cover because it is assumed that the buyer will want to reupholster to their own taste


Chances are you are not collecting at the high end, so what you are looking at is condition and upholstery. We all know bad upholstery when we see it. Antique dealers are lazy and often a
piece comes straight from auction to booth with no consideration about the upholstery.

This piece was a good example. We acquired this piece from a "antiques dealer", well really not
an antique dealer but a buyer with delusion that they were an antique dealer. They were dealing in "mid century'(Junk from thrift stores). In the middle of a booth full of "campy 50's furniture was this Victorian Fainting sofa . Upholstered in a 1970 "bird' motif it may have been 'campy' but was hardly appropriate for the piece. Apparently no one else like "campy" because it had been marked down 5 TIMES, its tag a kaleidoscope of different inks and scribbles as the dealer realizing their sense of style didn't match the rest of the world had marked it down over several months to finally get rid of the elephant taking up expensive booth space.


We however saw the potential in this piece. it has nice lines for late piece of Victorian furniture. It had flexibility because being a later piece, in red oak, it could also be a 'crossover' piece that also would work in a craftsman era home and would have appeal as an 'accent piece' in an Urban
contemporary loft.


We selected a rich green fabric, one of the staple range of color in the Victorian Era. this fabric has a slight subtle pattern which worked well for today. Victorian furniture palettes. Red, Dk Green, Gold, lack, Dk blue. Victorians DID NOT do white furniture because of coal dust that permeated the air. Because of the red Oak finish we selected a slightly lighter gimp to make the transition between the two and to add a little Victorian punch we added a row of fringe gimp across the back for added interest in the same lighter green color. As you can see the finial product looks very appropriate. This piece had already had its strings retied and new webbing so it was not a major labor intensive upholstery job. An affordable piece for any collector we have priced at 425.00.


So when looking at piece of furniture remember condition of the Finish is number 1, upholstery is number 2. Consider the cost of reupholstering if you find a piece you like. Upholstery costs will vary depending on the style of the piece and complexity issues such as tufting and pleating. Know when to "pass' on a piece. remember you want to be a Victorian Collector not a Victorian buyer. After all you still have all those house projects to do!


Note: Victorian Antiquities & Design offers Upholstery and fabric services, feel free to ask up about your "project".