Explore 62+ Striking 3 Story Victorian House Designs Voted By The Construction Association

Grand Italianate Victorian house designs is a popular Victorian style that combines both Italian and Romanesque styles with Gothic decorative motifs. It emerged in the late 19th century and remains popular today. Characterized by its classical detailing, large windows, and classical-inspired column embellishment, the Grand Italianate style is both beautiful and timeless. Typical elements in the design include low-pitched roofs, bay windows, heavy masonry work, elaborate porches, and corner turrets, among others.

Gothic Revival Victorian house designs are a style that is largely based on the Medieval and Gothic architecture of the Middle Ages. Popular during the mid-19th century, this style was characterized by its steep gables, pointed arches, and asymmetrical forms. Walls were typically built of stone and brick, while roofs were often slate or metal. Typical features include cross-shaped windows and ornamental tracery and ironwork. These designs were created to evoke a sense of awe and mystery, and this classic look remains popular today.

Italianate Victorian house designs is a style that was the predominant trend in architecture during the mid-19th century. It is characterized by its classical forms, cornices, balustrades, and tall windows. This style was popularized by the Italian architect Andrea Palladio, as well as the British architect Sir Charles Barry. It was also commonly found in the cities of the Eastern U.S. Generally, the Italianate style has rectangular, symmetrical, and geometric forms, and includes elements like large porches and dormers.

Queen Anne Victorian house designs represent the culmination of 19th century Victorian architecture. Emerging in the 1880s, this style was heavily influenced by the Flemish and Dutch architecture of the Middle Ages. Characterized by its picturesque exteriors with detailed ornamentation and asymmetrical forms, the Queen Anne style became popular among both middle and upper classes. Typical features of the style include complex and ornamental gables, turrets, and bay windows.

Second Empire Victorian house designs, also known as Napoleon III style, are renowned for their grand mansard roofs. This style emerged in the late 19th century and quickly became popular among the wealthy class. It’s characterized by its large, square-shaped structures and elaborate rooftop decorations. It also includes classical features such as arched windows, ornamental balconies, and lavish interior decorations. Typically, the exterior of the home uses red brick and stone, or a combination of both.

Carpenter Gothic Victorian house designs emerged in the United States in the mid- to late 19th century, and are named after the 19th century American carpenter Andrew Jackson Downing. This style combines Gothic and Medieval architecture with the new technology of the time. It has a decidedly religious and Gothic feel to it—characterized by commissioned paintings depicting biblical events, angels, and other spiritual imagery. This style was seen most prominently in rural churches and country homes of the American South and Midwest.

Stick Victorian house designs, sometimes known as Eastlake style, is an American interpretation of traditional carpentry and 19th century architectural techniques. This style was created by the influential designer Charles Eastlake, who published a book in 1872 titled “Hints on Household Taste”. This style is notable for its emphasis on vertical and horizontal lines. It uses wooden stick-work details, as well as intricate and decorative tracery for windows and doors. It’s characterized by its plain surface materials.

Shingle Victorian house designs emerged during the latter part of the 19th century. Characterized by its simplified forms and shingled surface textures, this style was a response to the grand designs of the past. Focusing on horizontal lines to minimize the size of the house, this style blended into the natural landscape without being overly opulent or ostentatious. In addition, shingle Victorian house designs often included porches, bay windows, turrets, and balconies.

Foursquare Victorian house designs is a variation of the classic boxy design of Victorian-style architecture. Cut out from a central staircase, this design typically features four levels, with each level having the same width. These designs usually included porches and balconies, as well as turrets, gables, and a classic or double roof. This style was seen throughout 19th-century America, and its boxy shape made it the easiest type of housing to construct at the time.

Tudor Revival Victorian house designs emerged in the mid-19th century as an offshoot of the popular Tudor architecture from 15th and 16th century Britain. This style is characterized by its use of dark, ornamental wooden decorations, half-timbered designs, and steeply-angled roofs. Common features of this style include large windows, gables, and tall chimneys. This style was especially popular among the upper class in America, and was seen in many affluent neighborhoods.

Jacobean Revival Victorian house designs is an adaptation of the 16th and 17th century Jacobean style. This style was first used in Britain to commemorate the reign of King James I of England, and was later adopted by the Victorians. Characterized by its medieval and Renaissance features, this style is noted for its grandiose proportions, ornate façade decorations, and use of half-timbering in walls, doors, and windows. This look was a staple in high-end mansions in 19th-century America.