In contrast to the smaller, darker Victorian residences, Edwardian dwellings were more squat, larger, and spacious, with wider halls and more windows. As there was a growing need for seclusion at the time, it was customary for an Edwardian residence to have a front garden and be set back from the pavement. The term "Edwardian" is applied to the period from about 1890 to 1910.
The style became popular after the turn of the century when large houses began to replace family homes. It was also used for small houses built by architects or architectural firms as commissions.
There are many variations on each theme, but these are the main differences between the Victorian and Edwardian styles. In general, if you see original features such as wide boards under the roofline, heavy timber framing, and panel doors and windows, then you have found an Edwardian house. If not, it's a Victorian house.
There are also some differences in architecture between regions that affect how the houses look. For example, in the North they are generally bigger and in red brick rather than white plaster. In London, they tend to be higher with narrower windows and lower ceilings. Also, in London, there are often no walls inside the houses, just open rooms with rows of wooden posts supporting the ceiling. This is called "post and beam" construction and is used because it's cheaper to build this way than using bricks or stone.
Edwardian mansions From 1901 to 1910, the Edwardian era was brief and highly inspired by the Arts and Crafts Movement. They also tended to be built of brick or stone, rather than wood.
Victorian houses The Victorian period lasted from about 1851 until 1901 when the Edwardian era began. During this time, large cities across the world became rich with luxury shops and restaurants, canals and railways, universities and museums. These developments led to an increase in consumer goods which in turn led to a rise in housing design that was focused on comfort and convenience. By 1865, over 5 million people lived in London alone and this number continued to grow throughout the century.
The Victorian house was typically two stories high with six rooms on the first floor and four on the second. There might be a library or study, a dining room, a kitchen, a maid's room, and a butler's pantry. Under the stairs you would find storage space for clothes and shoes.
The Edwardian house had the same floor plan but it was much taller and often had seven or eight floors. It usually had only five rooms on the first floor and three on the second.
Say it out loud. Pause Even the larger Georgian houses had a basic and boxy design. Apart from the basic worker's terrace house, modest Victorian dwellings became increasingly elaborate with amenities such as porches and bay windows. Just before Victoria's reign, rolled plate glass debuted, making sash window panes substantially bigger. This change allowed for more natural light to enter homes and created a need for new types of molding and trimmings.
Georgian architecture is known for its simplicity and functionality. The typical Georgian house has three floors with an attic space. It has a central block with four or five bays. The front door is usually framed by fluted Ionic columns and has a transom above it. There may be two sidelights on each side of the door. Sometimes there are three lights: one above the other. The roof is typically hipped with a broad overhang protecting it from rain and sun damage. The windows tend to be tall and narrow with flat panels instead of shutters. They feature small panes of glass in a frame made of wood or metal.
In England, Ireland, and Australia, the Georgian style came to represent good taste and social status during the 18th century. These houses were built by wealthy merchants and landowners who wanted to demonstrate their authority by providing them with a home that was separate from their own employees. As time passed, however'the Georgians began to feel threatened by the expansion of commerce and industry.