Victorian Antique Shop

What is the Victorian Era?

lionmom — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 05:42:56 +0000

We usually think of the Victorian Era as spanning the life of Queen Victoria of England from 1837-1901. This time coincided with the increased prosperity brought about by the Industrial Revolution. It was a time in which the Middle Class was increasingly able to afford those things that previously only the Upper Class could possess, such as elegant homes and furnishings.

People crammed as much furniture as they could, partially for a love of the style but also partly to show that they could afford such elegant things. Much of the furniture and architecture was very ornate. Wallpaper became very popular and was often heavily textured. Painting faux textures, like faux woodgrain, was also used. Flowers were used in many of the decorations. A wide palate of colors – reds, blues, greens – was used and tended to become darker and richer toward the end of the era.

Removing Ink Stains From Antique Furniture

lionmom — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 15:03:23 +0000

There are several methods of removing ink stains from antique furniture. Ink stains are usually fairly shallow in the wood.

The first method is the less invasive and involves using a very small bit of metal polish on a cloth to gently rub out the stain. Working slowly and gently, you may be able to rub out the stain without removing the varnish. Once this is done, you can apply some furniture polish to the spot you have just worked on.

If the first method fails, you can try applying some rubbing alcohol to the area to gently remove the stain. Use as little alcohol as possible, since it can dissolve the finish.

The third method is the most invasive. If the first two methods fail, you can then try to strip the finish by sanding. Then apply a mixture of oxalic acid (1tbs to 1cup water)- brush on, repeating until stain is gone. After this is done, apply white vinegar to neutralize the acid. Use steel wool or fine sand paper to gently rub any raised spots. Dry and refinish the area.

Who Prefers Victorian Antiques Over New Furniture?

lionmom — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 05:09:24 +0000

This is a question recently posed by “manicbhpp” on an internet forum recorded by “Yahoo Answers”. He elicited a range of responses from the participants.
This is a question that touches on the issue of personal preferences. Personal taste is something that it is really impossible to argue about, because everyone has their own likes and dislikes. I personally love Victorian antiques. However, I had an art history instructor who hated anything Victorian, decried the architectural “gingerbreading” and what she felt was the “overly ornate furniture”. She believed that the ornamentation was a substitute for “style”. I didn’t care, I loved it anyway.

As you will see, a full range of opinions are expressed here. They seem to fall into several primary categories:

Those who disliked Victorian style: BUD said he “..sure didn’t like it”; while Dr_Phil_is_dead said to “..burn the Victorian stuff…”

Other participants said that they liked it for its craftsmanship and styling and felt that the modern furniture was not as good quality and was too similar.

Dirtfire said:”…in fact any period or style that uses real wood and fabric, with true craftsmanship, style and quality would please me more than almost any of today’s furniture. Most furniture made today reminds me of how most new cars are……. cut from nearly the same mold, and all plastic, all looking too similar. Carved wood, velvets, needle points, and brocades are so elegant and tasteful compared to factory tan manmade microfiber dual recliner- flopdown plastic table. Bleahhh.I’ll take a fainting couch over a beanbag anyday. While Urban Hermit said “….modern furniture easily goes out of fashion…antiques are timeless.”

Still others preferred Victorian antiques for their “character” Sybie said “I absolutely prefer Victorian antiques over the new styles of furniture. It has so much more character.”

Bellerosez and Happychick liked antiques for the “story they have to tell” and “the history behind things”

And lastly, there were those who qualified their answers by saying that it depended on the situation, that modern furniture was appropriate for some settings while antiques were appropriate for others. While other liked some types of antiques such as brocade upholstry over velvet, or the comfortable over those that were not.

It was clear that there was quite a range of opinions here. I am sure that you may have your own opinion about antiques in general and Victorian antiques in particular. Since you are visiting this site, I will assume that you are likely more positive about Victorian antiques than negative. However, your reasons why are likely as varied as those expressed here. I am hoping that you will share your own opinions why you like or dislike them in the “Comments” section.

Welcome to This Site for Victorian Antiques

lionmom — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 23:48:29 +0000

Welcome all! This is a site for Victorian antiques. I hope that you will be able to come here to find information about Victorian antiques and ask questions and discuss what you have found out about them as well.