Victorian Interior Decoration: American Interiors : 1830-1900 [Paperback]

Roger W. Moss (Author), Gail Caskey Winkler (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1992

Here is an authoritative look at the way American Victorian houses were decorated in the 19th century, covering all aspects of interior design: floor coverings, woodwork, window treatments and draperies, walls and wallpaper, and ceilings. 225 pictures and drawings; 16-page color insert.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

As an historical textbook, this work achieves what it sets out to accomplish: compile a mass of detailed information based on primary sources. But as a how-to guide, it is lacking. Information for homeowners is contained in a few sidebars, such as "Wallpaper Selection Today," and presented in vague terms: "Some companies do manufacture papers that reproduce designs used during the 19th century." The authors tell us how the Victorians chose to design their homes and the reasons for their various selections, but in such dry prose that it's difficult to imagine they are discussing an era known for its exciting diversity and burgeoning opulence. And despite abundant quotes from Godey's Lady's Book and other charming sources, this tome is boring. Victorian scholars may appreciate the book, but readers seeking to restore their homes should look elsewhere for practical advice. Winkler is a director of the National Preservation Institute and Moss is executive director of a research library specializing in19th century history. Illustrations.
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 257 pages
• Publisher: Henry Holt & Co (P) (November 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0805023127
• ISBN-13: 978-0805023121
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.3 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #464,901 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

59 of 59 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Step into another era--, April 5, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Victorian Interior Decoration: American Interiors : 1830-1900 (Paperback)

Two years ago, we moved into a house built in 1875, and bought up an armload of Victoriana books to tell us what to do with it. Most of them were "decorator porn" -- lots of gorgeous pictures (many photographing the same places) that inspire a person to go antique hunting or to refinish Aunt Martha's rocker. This book is different! It divides 70 years into 4 periods, and for each, tells you plenty about what went on the walls, on the floors,on the windows, on the ceilings. It tells how the composition of paint (and its effects) evolved over the century, recommends books for sources of historic wallpapers, and tells how to recapture Victorian room colors amidst modern lighting. Generous notes on bygone lifestyles, too, with sprinkled quotes from Charles Eastlake, Godey's Lady's Book, and other 19th century gurus of taste. If you want something to help you capture the look (or just understand it) of another century, here it is. More encyclopedic than (the also useful, but much shorter) "Creating Authentic Victorian Rooms." The downside? Very low porn quotient: No glossy paper and few colored pictures (even for contemporary photographs)--but numerous 19th-century prints and diagrams.

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A GOOD BOOK FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO DO IT RIGHT!, November 27, 2000

By 

Patrick M. McCauley (Ann Arbor, MI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Victorian Interior Decoration: American Interiors : 1830-1900 (Paperback)

I voluteer at an 1844 farm in Ann Arbor, MI. I have been researching paint colors and wallpaper for a sitting room and this book was the best source I have found. There is good descriptions of the tastes and styles of each time period as well as some pictures that really show what they are talking about. More pictures would have been helpful, but it's good book for those looking to do true historic restoration. My one problem with the book is the lack of paint colors. It will say, "they used to paint the rooms blue-green, grey or yellow" but the book doesn't show what these colors looked like or even what the color range to begin in. That is my only criticism. If you are looking to be completely accurate with your restoration more work and research would be required, but this book is the best place to start.

9 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Solving the Victorian Mystery, June 15, 2001

By 

Abigail Padgett (San Diego, CA USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Victorian Interior Decoration: American Interiors, 1830-1900 (Hardcover)

Researching a mystery novel with a Victorian subplot, I pillaged the library for reference books. This one (I've just ordered my own copy) stands far above the rest. Not only are the details accessible, but the book references design mavens and trendsetters of that time so you can follow those research threads as well. Only problem is the maddening absence of color in sections addressing color. The black and white "color wheel" on pg.130 has got to be a first. And what on earth is "citron?" Beyond that, however, this is a well-organized goldmine of thoroughgoing detail about Victorian decorating bound to delight those interested in authenticity.