Victorian house designs are associated with the reign of Queen Victoria who ruled from 1837 to 1901. The Victorians wanted to differentiate their homes from others in the area and to do so they relied on a wide variety of house designs. The most iconic style of a Victorian home was the Gothic style, which was characterized by pointed arches and gables. Other Victorian designs included Roman, Italianate, and Queen Anne styles. These homes featured ornate details such as spindles, bay windows, and multiple porches.Victorian House Designs
The eighteenth-century interior door was used to separate rooms within a house. The door was usually made of wood and can be decorated with intricate mouldings and carvings. It was used to add a decorative touch to the entrance of a room. Many of the doors featured elaborate designs that often incorporated nautical and floral elements. Different types of hardware were also used to enhance the look of the door.Eighteenth-Century Interior Doors
Early American style doors were a reflection of the time period they were made in and were often inspired by a variety of cultural influences. These doors usually included detailed carvings that were often related to the history of the area and the traditional customs of the people. The hardware often included sturdy iron hinges which added to the overall strength and sturdiness of the door.Early American Style Doors
Colonial door designs became popular in the late 1600s in colonial America. These doors featured a tradition aesthetic that imitated the designs of the Dutch and English architectural styles of the era. The most recognizable feature was the rectangular paneling, which was often detailed with attractive carvings and period-specific designs such as fleur-de-lis and pineapples. Other features of the door included heavy iron hinges or rope-carrying hardware.Colonial Door Designs
Greek Revival entrances became popular in the mid-1800s when people began to take an interest in the culture of ancient Greece. The doors featured style elements such as fluted columns, ornate motifs, elaborate decorations, and antique-style hardware. These entrances were often used to distinguish between the entry of an ordinary home and an important public building.Greek Revival Entrances
Renaissance door styles of the sixteenth century featured large-scaled architectural frames and frequently included carvings of animals, plants, and other natural elements. Doors from this era often featured metal fittings that were thought to provide magical protection to the home. They were usually swung on hardware that included large hinges and locks created from bronze and brass.Renaissance Door Styles
Georgian doors were inspired by the Georgian architecture of the late eighteenth century in England. These doors were often rectangular, but could incorporate curved shapes as well. They were usually ornamented with geometric designs that featured crockets, pilasters, and finials. Hardware was used to match the ornate designs and could include decorative brass plates or hinges.Georgian Doors
The Regency door was popular in the early nineteenth century, which featured several stylistic elements from the Georgian period. These doors were often elongated rectangles that were ornately adorned with wooden carvings and finishes. Regency doors were usually constructed from mahogany or other hardwoods and hardware from this period often included ornate brass knob handles or knurls.Regency Doors
Dutch doors were popular in eighteenth century homes in the New World. These doors are constructed of two parts, where the top half of the door is pushed open while the bottom stayed closed. Dutch doors served as a way to protect against the elements and invaders and featured both rectangular and diamond-shaped panels. The hardware for these doors was usually made from iron and was ornately decorated with scroll detailing.Dutch Doors
Tudor doors are a classic style of door featuring elegant and imposing constructions. These doors are identifiable by their distinctive arched frame and elaborate carving details. Most Tudor doors are constructed from rustic timbers and painted with solid colors such as black or green. Hardware was often ornate and usually made from brass or iron.Tudor Doors
French door configurations feature wide, divided panels and a traditional look. These doors can be found in their classic single-pane versions as well as multi-pane versions for added beauty and light. This style of door usually includes a sturdy, wooden frame with iron hinges and decorative scrollwork. French door configurations can also feature side lites which are smaller panes of glass that are either fixed or operable.French Door Configurations
Gaining Insight into Interior Doors Styles of the Early 1800s
Door design underwent a remarkable transformation during the early 1800s, giving rise to an unmistakable style. Interior doors of that era often featured distinguishing elements such as elegant raised panels , traditional moldings, or a hand-carved exterior. By understanding this deeply historical design period and its distinctive features, homeowners and design enthusiasts alike can add a classic touch to any space.
What Characterized Early 1800s Interior Door Styles?
Highly ornate and sophisticated styles typified the days of the early 1800s. These designs did away with relatively simplistic models in favor of doors that utilized both vertical and horizontal raised panels and possessed an array of ornamentation. Exteriors boasted grand elements such as molded frames , cornices, formerheads, and sidelights. Traditional moldings demonsrated the homeowner's sense of luxury. Furthermore, hand-carved grille and panel designs were also a popular feature of the fashionable door.
Integrating 19th Century Door Styles with Modern Design
The interior doors of bygone days, while unique in their artistic expression, still fit surprisingly well with today's trends. Homeowners can explore traditional options, such as those from the early 1800s, to imbue a space with a stately ambiance. Incorporating several of these detailing elements, such as raised panels or decorative turning, can bring the classic look of yesteryear into a modern home. Homeowners may also enjoy the traditional aura of an antique model that still maintains the robust construction of a more modern piece.
Finding Classic Early 1800s Interior Door Styles
Antique interior doors of the early 1800s era remain highly sought after for both their historical significance and classic aesthetics. Doors from this period can still be found in many old or rustic dwellings, provided they have been preserved. Otherwise, finding one of these doorways requires searching the web or a local antique store. Whether a homeowner is looking for interior doors for a home restoration or a showpiece of craftsmanship, such pieces can be the perfect complement to any setting.