The Need to Know on Renovating Victorian Properties

With generous proportions and ornate architectural details, it’s no wonder that Victorian houses and flats are the ones that we fall in love with time and time again.

For all the charm and character of these spaces, however, their layout, insulation and electrics can leave the modern buyer with much to be desired – making Victorian properties some of the most common home renovation projects in London.

Whether you’re looking to do a loft conversion, preserve original features while adding contemporary touches or create a more open-plan living area, this guide walks you through everything you need to know about bringing your Victorian home back to its former glory (and then some).

What is a Victorian house?

Victorian houses were built in the 19th century during Queen Victoria’s reign (1837-1901) and are known for their distinctive characteristics like high ceilings with ceiling roses, bay windows, elaborate fireplaces and stained glass windows. These properties were built to impress and showcase the craftsmanship of the era.

Victorian house stages

Victorian architecture evolved significantly over the period and the generation your property is from will define some of its features.

Early Victorian (1837–1850s)

The early Victorian period saw relatively simple designs compared to later styles. Key features include:

• Plain brick facades with minimal decoration
• Slate roofs with a steep pitch
• Small paned sash windows
• Simple floor plans with minimal embellishments

Mid Victorian (1850s–1870s)

This period brought more ornate details and grander designs:

• Bay windows became popular
• More decorative brickwork patterns
• Larger room sizes with higher ceilings
• Introduction of ornate ceiling roses and cornicing

Late Victorian (1870s–1901)

The peak of Victorian architectural flourish:

• Elaborate tiled paths and porches
• Colored brickwork and terracotta details
• Complex roof lines with multiple pitched roofs
• Stained glass windows in doorways and feature windows
• Ornate fireplaces in every room

Victorian house renovation ideas

Blending period charm with modern living is the name of the game when it comes to Victorian renovations – here are some popular updates to think about.

Bright and airy spaces with period details

One of the most sought-after updates to Victorian homes is creating an open-plan living space while carefully preserving original features. While Victorian houses were traditionally divided into smaller rooms, contemporary life often calls for a more connected layout.

Creating bigger rooms in Victorian properties usually equates to structural work (removing walls and installing steel beams to support the new layout). While this is a significant job, it opens up countless possibilities for creating a flowing, light-filled space that maintains period charm.

Original ceiling roses or fireplaces can play a clever role in naturally defining different areas – for example, marking out dining and living spaces within a larger room.

Check out this project in W14

Modern meets traditional kitchen

The kitchen is another room that offers lots of potential. Renovators can make the most of characteristically high Victorian ceilings by installing tall cabinets that maximise storage while creating visual impact.

Traditional shaker-style units painted in contemporary colours offer a good blend of old and new – think deep blues, greens or greys for a modern twist on Victorian style. Original floorboards, once carefully restored and sealed, can also add warmth and character.

Victorian-style bathroom with contemporary fittings

Creating a bathroom that honours Victorian style while offering modern comfort requires thoughtful planning, but the end result can be stunning.

The centrepiece is often a freestanding roll-top bath – these classic tubs are not just beautiful but surprisingly practical for modern living. And don’t feel like you have to stick to white: brightly coloured baths are one of the most coveted bathroom design trends. Combine this with copper or gold exposed pipes (that definitely make the most of modern plumbing systems) and you’ve got the best of both worlds. 

When it comes to tiles, you can stay true to the period while getting creative. Black and white checkerboard tiles are a feature that has aged particularly well, or look to Victorian-style patterns arranged in contemporary design. Modern versions of classic column radiators complete the look, providing excellent heating efficiency sympathetic to your home’s heritage.

Statement hallway restoration

First impressions count and a Victorian hallway offers the perfect opportunity to make an entrance. If your property has original Victorian floor tiles, you’re in luck: once professionally cleaned and restored (if necessary) they can become a show-stopping feature that sets the tone for the entire house. 

The front door also deserves special attention. Period properties often have stained glass panels on their doors (inside and out) which add colour and character while filtering light beautifully into the space. Whether you restore what’s there or start from scratch, they not only pay homage to your property’s heritage but provide a warm welcome home. 

Lighting is important too. Victorian lighting typically consisted of ornate hanging lamps or wall sconces, which are not always in favour today – it really depends on your personal style. If you’d rather stick to modern spotlights, incorporate more decorative floor and table lamps to create a warm atmosphere while nodding to the period.

Restored bay window seats

Bay windows are one of the most cherished features of Victorian homes, and with good reason – they flood rooms with natural light and add architectural interest both inside and out. Transform these elements into cosy, functional spaces by adding custom window seats that incorporate hidden storage underneath. The reading nook you’ve always dreamt of? Sold.

It’s worth investing in proper restoration of the original sash windows or installing high-quality replicas with modern glazing for better energy efficiency. When it comes to dressing these windows, consider curtains or blinds that enhance rather than hide the pretty details.

Into this window bench? Take a look at the whole Victorian reno

Victorian house styles

Victorian architecture encompasses several distinct styles, each reflecting the era’s evolving tastes and technological advances. The Industrial Revolution brought new building materials and techniques, allowing Victorian architects to experiment with different designs and decorative elements.

The Italianate style was particularly popular in the mid-Victorian period, characterised by elaborate window frames, bracketed cornices and low-pitched roofs. These homes often featured asymmetrical designs with tall windows and ornate porches, inspired by Italian Renaissance architecture. In London and other urban areas, you’ll find rows of Italianate terraced houses with detailed stonework and elegant bay windows.

Gothic Revival brought a medieval influence to Victorian homes, featuring pointed arches and steep pitched roofs. These properties often showcase decorative bargeboards, tall chimneys and church-like windows. 

In the later Victorian period, the decorative Queen Anne style became popular. These homes feature irregular shapes, multiple gables, ornate timber work and elaborate brick patterns. Large bay windows, often with stained glass, and wrap-around porches are common features of these properties, as are patterned tiles and terracotta details.

Victorian Vernacular can be thought of as a more modest interpretation of high-style Victorian architecture. These properties, often built as workers’ housing, retain key Victorian elements like sash windows and brick construction but with simpler detailing.

Despite their more straightforward design, these homes often feature thoughtful touches like decorative brick headers above windows or simple stone garden wall copings.

The Arts and Crafts movement, which prioritised handcrafted details and natural materials influenced the late Victorian period (and into Edwardian times). These homes often feature exposed timberwork, handmade tiles and carefully detailed joinery. 

In terms of renovating, understanding your home’s particular Victorian style helps inform design choices, from selecting replacement windows to choosing decorative elements that complement the original architecture. 

How to restore a Victorian house

Assess the property

Before you start dreaming, get a proper survey of your Victorian property. A professional survey will help you understand the structural condition of the building and identify any issues that need immediate attention, as well as offer insight into what’s feasible to update.

Pay particular attention to potential issues like damp or subsidence, as these are common in Victorian houses and can significantly delay your plans (as well as make them more expensive).

Take time to catalogue original features that you’d like to preserve (these might include fireplaces, cornicing, floor tiles or windows) and any that have been altered in the past – these can affect both the structural integrity and value of the property. 

Create a renovation plan

A detailed renovation plan is non-negotiable. Start by creating a comprehensive budget that accounts for both expected costs and a contingency fund for unexpected discoveries – Victorian properties often harbour ghosts when you get under the floorboards or behind the walls!

Develop a realistic timeline that factors in the complexity of period property renovation and potential delays for specialised materials or craftsmanship. Carefully consider which features you’ll restore versus replace, making decisions based on condition and value. While it’s more romantic to hang onto the originals, sometimes it’s more cost effective to start from scratch. 

Identify who you’ll need to work with: will you need a restoration expert or glazier, as well as a renovation team? Your contractor can help you establish a logical order of work that minimises disruption and protects completed spaces while the project is still ongoing.

Secure necessary permissions

If you’re doing substantial work to your home, like adding an extension, you might need planning permission. Permitted development rights allow you to make some changes within a specific set of guidelines, but these change depending on your house type and area – if your period property is a listed building, what you can do under permitted development is quite limited.

Planning permission requirements vary depending on your location and proposed changes – consult your local planning authority early in the process.

Building regulations approval is essential for most structural work and major alterations, ensuring your renovation meets modern safety standards.

Don’t forget to arrange party wall agreements with neighbours if your work affects shared walls. Legally you’re required to inform your neighbours two months in advance of work starting, and it’s within their rights to say no or contest your plans, so make sure to factor enough time in.

Address structural issues

If they’ve not been touched for a while, Victorian properties sometimes need structural work to ensure they’re sound for another century of use. Subsidence (when a property sinks into the ground) can happen with Victorian homes as the foundations of the time were typically quite shallow and built on clay soil. This calls for professional assessment and may need underpinning or other stabilisation work. 

Damaged floor joists are particularly common if there’s damp (damp-proofing only became a thing in the early 1900s, so some Victorian homes skipped this step).

These will need careful replacement to maintain the structural integrity of the building. Floor reinforcement might be necessary, especially if you’re planning to remove walls. When creating open-plan spaces, proper steel supports are essential – these need to be carefully calculated and installed to ensure they can handle the loads involved.

Repair brickwork and pointing

Repointing (refilling the mortar of the external brick joints) should always be done using appropriate lime mortar rather than modern cement – this allows the building to “breathe” and prevents moisture-related issues that can damage both bricks and interior walls. 

When replacing damaged bricks, take time to source period-matching alternatives that blend seamlessly with the original facade. Professional cleaning of brickwork should be approached with caution, using gentle methods that won’t erode the brick’s protective outer layer. Don’t overlook lintels above windows and doors – these structural elements often need repair or replacement to prevent cracking and ensure proper support.

Repair or replace roofing

Sound roofing is essential for protecting your entire renovation investment. Victorian slate tiles, while durable, may need individual replacement or complete renewal after more than a century of service. Pay special attention to the guttering system, as proper water management is key for preventing damp issues in period properties. 

Victorian chimney stacks, while beautiful architectural features, often need structural reinforcement or rebuilding to make sure they’re safe. Victorian roofs typically feature steep pitches and were originally designed to be ventilated through gaps in the slates and tiles.

Any modern insulation solution needs to maintain this air flow to prevent condensation and timber decay. The solution depends on your property but some effective materials include natural fibres (hemp, sheep’s wool and wood fibre), multi-foil insulation and cellulose insulation.

Upgrade plumbing and electrical systems

When you start doing work to a Victorian home you might find that old wiring doesn’t meet current safety standards and have to update it all, which can feel like an annoyance, but it’s worth it to make sure your new space is safe.  

Updated plumbing systems should be designed to deliver modern performance while working around original features – consider running pipes through spaces like cupboards or boxed-in areas to minimise disruption to period details.

Modern heating systems can be installed sympathetically: there are lots of traditional-style radiators out there that complement the period aesthetic, as well as smart home features that can be installed subtly.

Restore or replace windows

Original Victorian windows are worth preserving whenever possible as they add so much character. If you’re worried about draughts, double glazing offers a reversible way to keep out the chill without altering the window design.

When windows are beyond repair, seek high-quality replicas that match the original designs precisely, including details like glazing bar patterns and frame profiles. Whichever way you go about it, draught-proofing can make sure you’re cosy as well as reducing energy bills.

Preserve or replace period features

Often you fall in love with a property due to the original features, so it goes without saying that these should be carefully factored into your renovation plans. Original fireplaces can sometimes be restored to working condition, or at least kept as beautiful focal points. Retiling the fireplace or painting the woodwork a different colour can bring these features to life in contemporary homes.

Intricate plasterwork, like cornices and ceiling roses, may need professional repair using traditional techniques and materials. Original doors can often be stripped, repaired, and rehung to operate smoothly while maintaining their character – you might even find that these doors have been covered up by previous owners! 

Insulate and improve energy efficiency 

Making a Victorian property energy efficient usually calls for better insulation. Floor insulation can be installed when replacing or restoring floorboards, significantly reducing heat loss. Comprehensive loft insulation provides one of the best returns on investment for energy efficiency. Consider renewable energy options that can be integrated subtly, like solar panels on hidden roof slopes or air source heat pumps in discreet locations.

Redesign the layout if needed

Creating open-plan areas is usually top of the list for Victorian homeowners. This requires careful structural consideration but can transform dark, disconnected spaces into bright, sociable ones.

Adding en-suite bathrooms to bedrooms needs clever space planning to avoid disrupting period features or room proportions. Small, awkward rooms can be repurposed as useful spaces like utility rooms or home offices.

Improving natural light flow might involve adding roof lights or internal windows, carefully positioned to enhance the space without compromising the building’s character.

Get inspo from this characterful west London kitchen upgrade

Update the kitchen and bathrooms 

The fun parts! When remodelling the kitchen or redesigning the bathrooms, start by considering layouts that work with the original architecture rather than against it. A plus of tall ceilings is that they can accommodate bespoke storage solutions, while chimney breasts can house appliances or create interesting alcoves. 

Choose design elements that bridge old and new: traditional-style cabinets fitted with modern soft-close mechanisms, or Victorian-patterned tiles arranged in contemporary layouts for example. Modern conveniences like dishwashers and power showers are easy enough to incorporate without looking out of place.

Repair or replace flooring 

Flooring in Victorian properties often tells a story. Original floorboards, when properly restored, can become a stunning feature – careful sanding and sealing can bring out their natural beauty while providing a durable surface for muddy paws and mucky trainers.

Victorian tile patterns in hallways and reception rooms can be cleaned and restored to their former glory, with missing tiles carefully matched and replaced.

When installing new floor insulation, take care to lift boards systematically and reinstate them in the correct order to maintain their original character. For areas requiring new flooring, choose materials that complement the period – think reclaimed boards in matching timber new tiles that echo the Victorian eye for detail while meeting modern standards for durability.

Plasterwork

Original lime plaster should be repaired rather than replaced wherever possible, as it’s important in allowing the building to manage moisture naturally. When dealing with ceiling cracks, address the underlying cause – often movement in the building – before the cosmetics, otherwise you’ll find you’re just putting a plaster on the problem. 

Paint and decorate

Breathable paints that allow walls to regulate moisture naturally are a wise choice for Victorian properties – look to microporous paints or traditional lime washes. Colours are all down to personal taste, but if you wanted to stay true to your home’s roots, the Victorians often used rich, deep colours in the main rooms and lighter shades in bedrooms and kitchens. 

The Victorian period also saw a lot of wallpaper. Elaborate floral patterns and intricate designs decorated bedrooms, hallways and living rooms. While wallpaper went out for fashion for a while, it’s back in vogue. Whether a feature wall or a whole room, there are plenty of fun contemporary patterns that can add character without feeling dated.

Don’t forget the garden 

Victorian front gardens were designed to create a grand approach to the house. You can restore cast iron railings and gates where possible, or commission authentic reproductions. Proper drainage is crucial – Victorian properties often benefit from simple improvements like French drains or better guttering to protect both the garden (and whatever you choose to plant) and the building’s foundations.

Add final touches and furnishings

Contemporary furniture can make an impact in a period home, but equally, antique pieces work just as well – the main thing is that it’s comfortable (especially the sofa), practical, and you love it. Don’t forget about hardware: door and cabinet knobs and handles are a fun place to get creative, whether with traditional Victorian-style features or modern designs. 

Extension options

Loft conversion

Victorian properties, with their steep pitched roofs, often offer excellent potential for loft conversions and a substantial amount more space. Dormer windows can be thoughtfully designed to provide additional headroom while maintaining the property’s external character – particularly important if you’re in a conservation area.

Using the new loft space to create a home office is a popular choice as the separation from the main living area means more peace and quiet, and skylights can help create bright, inspiring workspaces. There’s also the potential for lots of storage under the eaves, which is always a plus.

Basement conversion

The cost of a basement conversion is typically less than a basement extension as the foundations are already there. Many Victorian properties feature existing cellars that can be converted into more living space with proper waterproofing and ventilation.

Wine cellars make perfect use of the naturally cool conditions, while utility rooms can help free up space in your kitchen. Home cinemas also work particularly well in basement conversions where light control is easier, and the separation from the main house helps contain sound.

When converting a Victorian basement, pay particular attention to damp proofing, ventilation, and natural light – consider light wells or sunken patios to bring daylight into the space while creating interesting architectural features.

Extension

Side return extensions are particularly popular in Victorian terraced houses, transforming narrow, often underused passages into interior space that can significantly widen kitchens and create better-proportioned rooms. 

Rear extensions provide opportunities for creating modern open-plan living spaces as an alternative to original Victorian rooms – people often make use of glazing to create a clear distinction between old and new while flooding the space with natural light. 

Wraparound extensions combine both side and rear additions to maximise ground floor space, perfect for creating generous kitchen-dining areas that open onto the garden. For a contemporary twist, glass box extensions create striking additions that deliberately contrast with the Victorian architecture, highlighting and celebrating the distinction between historical and modern. 

Check out the entire project

Potential costs

The cost of renovating a Victorian property can vary significantly. Location plays a key role – London renovations typically cost 20-30% more than similar works elsewhere in the country due to higher labour and materials costs. The property’s condition and size will significantly impact your budget, as will the level of restoration that’s needed or wanted.

Standard renovations, typically costing between £100,000 to £300,000, might include essential repairs, basic modernisation of services and some restoration of period features. This level of renovation usually covers necessary works like rewiring, basic plumbing updates and repair of existing features rather than full restoration or replacement.

Higher end renovations, from £300,000 upward, provide scope for complete transformation of the property. This level of investment allows for structural reconfigurations, premium materials, full restoration of period features and significant extensions. This budget can typically also cover additions like basement conversions or high-spec kitchens and bathrooms.

Hiring an architect

An architect that knows the ins and outs of Victorian properties can be helpful for navigating your renovation and bringing out your property’s potential. They can develop designs that maximise natural light and create a more contemporary flow through your home – plus advise on what’s realistic within your budget. 

Beyond design, architects can help with planning permission or ensure that your plans align with permitted development rights. They can coordinate with structural engineers, help you select appropriate materials and finishes that tick the cost-effective and durable boxes, and provide detailed drawings that ensure your vision comes to life as you dreamt it. 

Hiring renovation contractors 

Finding the right contractor for your Victorian renovation is the most important decision you’ll make. Look for contractors with specific experience in period properties and ask to visit previous projects to get a feel for their work, and get the opportunity to speak to past clients about their experiences.

The right contractor will offer clear communication from the off, providing detailed quotes that break down costs line by line, plus comprehensive timelines. They should be happy to explain their approach to common Victorian property issues like damp, timber decay or structural movement. 

At The Page, we understand that finding the right contractor within budget can feel like a minefield. We specialise in matching Londoners with pre-vetted, hands-on contractors (our Pagers) who can bring visions to life at competitive prices – without sacrificing quality.

Our Pagers are proud to stand behind their work, offering two-year workmanship guarantees, but we don’t just team up with them for their skills, but their approach to project management and communication.

Ready to start your Victorian house renovation? Get free one-to-one support and guidance at every step of the way with Thomas, our in-house renovation coach. We’ll help you understand the process, connect you with the right contractors for your extension, and ensure you feel confident throughout the journey.