08 Dec Top five Georgian interior design features to enhance

Georgian Windows

Sash windows, often with delicate glazing bars are one of the most notable of Georgian interior design features. The rooms on ground, first and often second (but not attic) floors have high ceilings. So the scale of these windows is one of the best Georgian interior design features to highlight. There are two key ways:

Firstly, full length curtains accentuate the scale and height with their strong vertical line leading the eye. This offers the opportunity to use exquisite fabrics from silks to velvets to create a luxurious Georgian classically inspired interior. Plus, full length curtains also improve the acoustics in an otherwise voluminous space.

Or, where the preference is to retain Georgian original shutters and not to add a window dressings, then contrasting wall and woodwork décor highlights these beautiful features

Georgian Fireplaces

The high ceilings and large rooms of Georgian interiors were coupled with wood and marble fire surrounds. These were designed with carvings from the simple to the ornate and are such a key feature of classic Georgian interiors. As the focal point of the room, their grandeur was designed to be marvelled at and their beauty was an 18^th century status symbol!

The critical factor in enhancing your Georgian fireplace is to select the correct style and scale of Overmantel Mirror. Given that fireplaces should be placed centrally on a wall, the mirror can also reflect a stunning central chandelier allowing the light (originally candlelight) to be reflected around the room.

Overmantel Mirrors are mostly rectangular however a correctly scaled convex mirror will cleverly capture the reflection of the entire room to great effect.

Georgian interior ceilings

Georgian interior plasterwork is always a thing of beauty; from delicate and ornate cornices to fully adorned ceilings, the joy of highlighting and contrasting these decorative features is always rewarding.

Hallways

A Georgian hallway varies significantly between townhouse and country house in terms of scale and proportion. However, first impressions are created in this important space so we like to dress the space with console tables, lamps and mirrors.  Where listed consent allows, if the original floor is no longer, the impact of a beautiful marble or limestone and slate floor always makes a stunning entrance.

Light and interiors

Whilst natural light is often in abundance in a Georgian property large sash windows and roof lanterns, our weather and short winter days can limit light even in these wonderful properties.

It is thus key to layer these tall ceilinged, spacious rooms with electric light sources and layers. We ensure that these layers and options of lighting can be used in various combinations with lighting controls to ensure the lights are right for the mood and the season.

Central chandeliers, wall lights, floor and table lamps are both functional and atmospheric. Coupled with clever use of hidden lighting controls and dimmer packs, you’re able to achieve a classic look but with the right lighting technology to serve the space.

If you’d like advice or inspiration for your period home, contact Etons of Bath’s experts on 01225 639002 or charlie@etonsofbath.com and we’ll be happy to help.