Perfect ways to decorate a period property

Love traditional décor? Make sure your period home basks in authentic glory with furnishings and features that reflect its heritage. From restored original fireplaces to replica statement floor tiles, these classic home decorating ideas will enhance the distinctive character of your home perfectly. Or, if your home isn’t as mature as you’d like, these looks are sure to create the period characteristics you dream of.Click through for more…




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

Add panelling to walls

Whether you own a period property or not, adding panels to walls has become a huge trend due to its timeless appeal and it’s also an easy DIY task to take on ourselves. Hometree.co.uk has researched panelling to find the trend has nearly 150,000 unique hashtags on Instagram​. Originally used to cover uneven walls and increase insulation, the ornate detail creates striking character in any room. 




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

Dress large windows

If you are lucky enough to own bay or sash windows give them the full window dressing treatment with stylish Roman blinds and coordinating floor-to-ceiling curtains. The double-layer will not only look high-end and refined but create extra warmth and cosiness in large airy rooms. 




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

Paint with heritage colours

Colour fans, rejoice! Period properties lend themselves so well to richly hued and dramatic shades. And, what’s more, paint manufacturers are tapping into this trend and launching specially chosen shades that match up to the rich tones popular in previous centuries. This Oxford Blue shade by Dulux looks ultra-dramatic enhanced with matching woodwork for a decadent finish. 




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

Relight an old fireplace

With the absence of central heating, fireplaces were installed in most living rooms, dining rooms and bedrooms of period properties as a necessity. These days, of course, they are more of a decorative feature or used on special occasions during colder months. There are lots of options to make your fireplace a beautiful feature of the room when lit or dormant. Polish or paint the cast iron, or perhaps tile the inner chimney breast in a striking pattern. A stylish surround of wood or stone will finish the look or add a wooden beam for a more rustic twist. 




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

Embrace maximalism

We can safely say that minimalism wasn’t a go-to word back in the day, as generally the more people owned the more affluent they felt. With this in mind, make sure your period home adopts a bold decorating vibe with lots of pattern, colour and texture. To avoid it looking cluttered, stick to a coordinated colour palette of just a few colours and make sure there is enough neutral tones thrown into the mix for balance. 




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

Choose Victorian-style bathroom fittings

Continue a timeless and traditional look in the bathroom with sought-after classic fixtures and fittings. Intricate showerheads and levers in brass finishes will increase the vintage vibe no end. High-level toilets with pull chains and industrial-style metro tiles are all ideal choices for period-style bathroom schemes. 




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

Pay attention to the front door

Give your period property authentic kerbside appeal with a traditional front door. Classic wood with solid half-panelling glass detail creates the perfect canvas to have fun with metal door furniture and a bold colour. This rich Teal Voyage shade from Dulux makes a welcoming and classic first impression when teamed with decorative stained glass.




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

Expose original floors

There is something super rewarding about ripping back old dated carpets to find fabulous original flooring that’s been hidden for years. If you strike it lucky and have found something wonderful such as hardwearing quality oak, then now’s the time to hire a sanding machine and get polishing. If not, cheat the look by laying new traditional wood floors for timeless elegance that looks the part. 




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

Get creative with cornicing

Period properties usually benefit from high ceilings. Make the most of the lofty space by adding decorative cornicing and pictures rails. Stick to tradition by painting them white to blend in with the ceiling, or make a statement with bold and contrasting colours. Picture rails are typically placed 30cm from the ceiling and can also be used to play with the illusion of space. 




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

Enhance windows with shutters

Make the most of large original windows by protecting them with window shutters that look the part. Used inside or out, they make a classic addition that is timeless and practical. And, there is no need to stick with natural wood or classic white; solid panel shutters look stunning drenched in rich colour. 




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

Choose archive print wallpaper

Nothing adds nostalgic charm to a room scheme more than a vintage-style wallpaper. Many manufacturers have drawn on archive prints from historic movements to produce stunning replicas today. This beautiful Baroque design was uncovered by the National Trust. The floral Pomegranate Bazaar paisley print in pastel botanical tones is delightful when used on a feature wall.




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

Opt for a butler sink

As with many period features we still love today, butler or farmhouse sinks were originally designed for practical purposes. Without the luxury of running water and plumbing, deep sink troughs meant buckets of water were needed less frequently. The intelligent design means they remained popular through time. And now, they continue to add character and charm to classic kitchens. 




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

Choose traditional furniture

As well as paying attention to walls and floors choose furniture that will enhance a traditional home. A Chesterfield-style sofa or footstool set with classic curvacious seating will set the tone. Finish with plenty of side tables to display oversized lamps and fresh greenery. 




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

Shimmer with chandeliers

The high ceilings in most period properties mean you can be more adventurous with lighting. What better classic statement can be made than a beautiful glistening chandelier? Whether you stick with tradition and hang a dripping crystal or glass centrepiece over your dining table or want to add a more contemporary twist with a colourful beaded version, big is beautiful. 




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

Make a statement with tiles

Increase the interest in a period bathroom with stylish statement tiles. From feminine florals to more industrial geometrics, an intricate pattern on the floor will make an authentic and stunning period statement that is bound to impress. Keep wall tiles pared-back and plain to balance the intricate flooring feature.




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

Install original-style radiators

Traditional-style cast iron and column radiators make an exquisite finishing touch that proves you’ve invested in heritage design. Although central heating wasn’t common in the home until around the 1950s, the distinctive heavy tube design makes an authentic addition to any room. And, who says you should stick to classic white, most manufacturers can colour match to paint colours with truly striking results. 




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

Have fun with herringbone

Not only has wood flooring been the go-to choice for centuries it continues to be an ever-popular flooring choice today, so peeling back the carpet to find a period-style parquet means you’ve hit the jackpot! If not, then a new V-shaped herringbone that nods to the traditionally arranged wooden blocks will continue the timeless appeal and be on-trend right now. 




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

Fill a kitchen fireplace with a range cooker

Here’s yet another traditional idea for a period fireplace; this time in the kitchen. Placing the oven or range in a disused chimney breast creates a practical and timeless look. Plus the feature makes the most of unused space. Consult a local contractor as modifications will need to be made to meet safety standards. 




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

Build window seats in bay windows

Make the most of a large bay window by installing a beautiful window seat. The new bench will provide valuable storage and can be upholstered with classic fabrics that enhance a traditional decorating scheme. 




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

Fall in love with a larder

A practical pantry is a traditional kitchen feature that most modern kitchens benefit from too. Whether it’s a luxurious walk-in cupboard or a utilised alcove full of deep shelves, the practical and aesthetic purposes are well worth the investment. 




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

Makeover the mouldings

Corbels and ceiling roses are time-honoured details that can make a period property look fully accomplished. The ornate plasterwork, originally used for weight-bearing purposes and protection, make refined decorative features that draw the eye up. Why not add a modern contrast and paint them a bold colour? Or, create a stunning entrance in the hallway with classic white corbels teamed with monochrome statement flooring. 




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

Layer up a metal bed

Metal bed frames began appearing in bedrooms at the beginning of the 19th century thanks to the industrial revolution. The cast-iron frame was a more hygienic alternative to wooden versions, then design movements such as Deco and Nouveau influenced the form, quality and craftsmanship. If you can’t find a genuine antique, the beauty of the design means the same styles are still being replicated today.




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

Install a roll-top bath

A period-style bathroom would not be complete without a showstopping roll-top bath. Make the most of large floor spaces with a grand central freestanding slipper bath or maximise a small bathroom with a back to wall petite version.




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

Lay large area rugs

Large area rugs keep cold tiled or wooden floors warm and cosy. Stick to the traditional decorating vibe by choosing antique or distressed versions. Look out for Persian or Oriental patterned rugs that were popular during Edwardian and Victorian times.




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

Make use of alcoves

Ample original fireplaces usually mean there are plenty of alcoves in period properties to utilise as storage space. Whether you chose open shelving or close the space with bespoke doors, double recess storage is a familiar and attractive feature in traditional homes that makes the most of the awkward space. 

Refurbing a mature property? How to restore period features in an old house




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.


26/26 SLIDES