How to Decorate a Virginia Home for Colonial Style

Decorating a Virginia home in the Colonial style is more than an aesthetic choiceits a celebration of history, craftsmanship, and enduring design principles that shaped early American architecture. Rooted in the 17th and 18th centuries, Colonial design emerged from British influences adapted to the resources, climate, and social structures of the American colonies. In Virginia, where plantation homes, tobacco farms, and historic towns like Williamsburg and Richmond flourished, Colonial architecture became a symbol of order, symmetry, and quiet elegance.

Today, homeowners in Virginiawhether living in a restored 18th-century manor or a modern suburban buildare drawn to Colonial style for its timeless appeal, structural integrity, and deep cultural resonance. Unlike fleeting interior trends, Colonial decoration endures because it prioritizes balance, natural materials, and functional beauty. This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step roadmap to help you authentically decorate your Virginia home in the Colonial style, blending historical accuracy with contemporary comfort.

By following this guide, youll learn how to select period-appropriate furnishings, choose the right color palette, incorporate architectural details, and source authentic or reproduction piecesall while honoring Virginias unique regional heritage. Whether youre renovating a historic property or infusing a new build with Colonial charm, this tutorial ensures your space reflects the dignity and grace of Americas earliest domestic architecture.

Step-by-Step Guide

Understand the Origins of Colonial Architecture in Virginia

Before selecting furniture or paint colors, its essential to understand the historical context. Virginias Colonial architecture evolved from English Tudor and Georgian influences but adapted to local materials and conditions. Early settlers used locally quarried stone, timber from dense forests, and clay for brickmaking. Homes were typically two stories tall, with steeply pitched roofs, central chimneys, and symmetrical facades.

Virginias Colonial homes often featured five-bay fronts (five windows across the first floor), central entryways with decorative crowns or pediments, and multi-pane double-hung windows. Interior layouts were practical: a central hall flanked by two rooms on each side, with the kitchen in a rear wing or separate building. Understanding this structure helps guide your decorating decisionsespecially when it comes to furniture placement and spatial flow.

Choose a Colonial Color Palette

Colonial color schemes were derived from natural pigments and locally available dyes. Colors were muted, earthy, and groundednever bright or saturated. In Virginia, where sunlight is abundant and summers are humid, lighter tones helped reflect heat and create a sense of airiness.

For walls, opt for soft whites like Benjamin Moores Chantilly Lace or Sherwin-Williams Pure White. These mimic the limewash finishes used on historic homes. For trim and moldings, a slightly warmer whitesuch as Extra White or Alabasteradds contrast without harshness.

Accents should reflect the regions natural landscape: deep forest greens like Hunter Green for doors or shutters, rich brick reds for chimneys or exterior accents, and muted blues like Slate Blue for interior paneling or cabinetry. Avoid pastels or neon tonesthese are anachronistic.

For ceilings, many Colonial homes featured white or off-white, but in more formal rooms like parlors or dining areas, a soft gray or pale blue was sometimes used to mimic the sky and create a sense of height.

Install Period-Appropriate Architectural Details

Architectural details are the backbone of Colonial style. If your home lacks them, consider adding reproduction elements that respect historical proportions.

Start with crown molding: choose simple, clean profilesno excessive scrollwork. A 4- to 6-inch cove or ogee molding along ceiling edges is typical. Baseboards should be substantial but not ornatearound 5 to 7 inches tall, with a flat top and slight bevel.

Wainscoting is another hallmark. In Colonial homes, it often extended halfway up the wall in dining rooms, parlors, and hallways. Use flat-panel boards with a chair rail at approximately 32 to 36 inches high. Pine or poplar, painted in the same color as trim, is authentic.

Doorways should be tall and rectangular, often with a simple pediment or transom above. If possible, install six-panel doorsthree panels on top, three belowthis was the standard in Georgian Colonial homes. Hardware should be iron or brass, with simple drop pulls or bail handles.

Windows are critical. Colonial homes featured double-hung sash windows with 6-over-6 or 9-over-9 panes. Avoid large, single-pane modern windows. If replacing windows, choose energy-efficient reproductions with divided lites that mimic the original look.

Select Authentic Colonial Furniture

Furniture in Colonial Virginia was handcrafted, sturdy, and functional. Styles evolved from William and Mary to Queen Anne and then Chippendale, but all shared common traits: turned legs, cabriole legs, claw-and-ball feet, and minimal ornamentation.

Start with the dining room. A solid wood tableoak, walnut, or cherrywith turned or tapered legs and a bench or ladder-back chairs is ideal. Avoid glass tops or modern extensions. Upholstery should be wool, linen, or leather in neutral tones.

In the parlor, include a high-back wing chair, a settee with a wooden frame, and a side table with a turned leg. A corner cupboard or secretary desk adds storage and authenticity. Look for pieces with dovetail joinery and hand-planed surfacessigns of craftsmanship.

Bedrooms featured four-poster beds with canopy drapes, often made of linen or wool. The bed frame was typically walnut or pine, with turned posts and minimal carving. Dressers were low and wide, with three or five drawers, and often had brass pulls.

When sourcing furniture, prioritize antiques from Virginia or the Mid-Atlantic region. Reproductions from reputable makers like Stickley, Ethan Allens Heritage Collection, or the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation offer high-quality, historically accurate alternatives.

Use Natural Textiles and Floor Coverings

Colonial interiors relied on natural fibers. Wool, linen, cotton, and leather dominated. Avoid synthetic blends, polyester, or velvetthese are 19th-century and later innovations.

For window treatments, use simple cotton or linen curtains, hung on wooden rods or iron rings. They should fall just above the floor and be unlined unless for insulation. Roman shades or roller shades are inappropriate.

Area rugs were rare in early Colonial homes; most floors were bare wood. If you need warmth or sound absorption, use a flat-weave wool rug in a geometric patternherringbone, stripes, or small diamonds. Avoid Oriental or Persian rugs; they were luxury imports and not typical in Virginia homes until the late 18th century.

For upholstery, choose durable, natural fabrics. Linen in cream or oatmeal works well for chairs and sofas. Wool ticking in navy or olive is perfect for slipcovers. Leather, especially vegetable-tanned, adds richness to armchairs and footstools.

Lighting: Candlelight and Brass Fixtures

Electric lighting did not exist in Colonial Virginia. Lighting came from candles, oil lamps, and firelight. To recreate this ambiance, use brass or iron wall sconces with candle-style bulbs. Avoid chandeliers with crystal dropsthey belong to Victorian or Federal styles.

Place sconces at eye level on either side of fireplaces, mirrors, or doorways. A central table lamp with a brass base and linen shade can serve as a modern compromise for reading areas.

Use warm-white LED bulbs (2700K) to mimic the soft glow of candlelight. Avoid cool or daylight bulbsthey feel too clinical for a Colonial space.

Decorative Accents: Function Over Frill

Colonial homes had minimal dcor. Every object had a purpose. Walls were rarely adorned with paintings or mirrorsexcept in formal rooms.

In the parlor or dining room, hang a single portrait in an ornate wooden frameperhaps a family ancestor or a landscape of the estate. Mirrors were expensive and often placed above mantels to reflect firelight. Choose a rectangular mirror with a simple carved frame, not a gilded rococo design.

Display functional items: pewter plates on open shelves, iron candlesticks, brass door knockers, and hand-thrown pottery. A wooden chest or blanket box at the foot of a bed serves as storage and decoration.

Books were prized possessions. Display leather-bound volumes on a bookcase or side table. Avoid modern paperbacks or glossy coffee table books.

Plants were rare indoors due to poor lighting and ventilation. If you want greenery, use a single potted boxwood or fern near a windownothing tropical or exotic.

Arrange Rooms with Symmetry and Balance

One of the most defining features of Colonial design is symmetry. Every room should feel balanced and orderly.

In the parlor, place a sofa centered on the wall opposite the fireplace, flanked by matching armchairs. A side table on either side of the sofa creates visual equilibrium. The rug should be centered under the seating group.

In the dining room, the table should be centered under a window or in the middle of the room. Chairs should be evenly spaced. A sideboard against the wall opposite the door completes the balance.

Even in bedrooms, symmetry matters: two nightstands flanking the bed, matching lamps, and a centrally hung mirror above the dresser.

Avoid clutter. Colonial homes were not filled with knick-knacks. Leave negative spaceempty walls, uncluttered surfacesto let the architecture and furniture speak for themselves.

Best Practices

Preserve Original Features

If your Virginia home has original hardwood floors, hand-hewn beams, or wainscoting, preserve them. Sand and refinish, but dont replace. These elements carry the soul of the house and add immense value. Use a natural oil finish like tung oil or linseed oil to maintain the woods patina.

Respect Proportions

Colonial furniture and architecture were designed for human scale. Avoid oversized modern sofas or towering bookcases. Keep ceiling heights in mindColonial ceilings are typically 8 to 9 feet high. Tall, narrow furniture can make a room feel cramped.

Use Local Materials

Virginias Colonial heritage is tied to its landscape. Use local stone for fireplaces, Virginia-made brick for chimneys, and wood from regional mills. This not only enhances authenticity but supports sustainable practices.

Layer Lighting Strategically

Dont rely on overhead fixtures. Use a combination of wall sconces, table lamps, and floor lamps to create pools of light. This mimics the way light moved through a Colonial homesoft, directional, and intimate.

Limit Color to Three to Five Tones

Colonial interiors used few colors. Stick to a palette of white or cream walls, warm wood tones, one accent color (like green or red), and metal finishes in brass or iron. Too many colors disrupt the harmony.

Integrate Modern Comforts Discreetly

Modern conveniences like HVAC, smart lighting, and Wi-Fi routers are necessarybut they shouldnt compromise the aesthetic. Hide speakers behind paneling, run wires inside walls, and use smart thermostats with analog dials. Choose appliances that mimic vintage finisheslike a stainless steel fridge with brass handles.

Research Your Homes History

If your home is historic, consult local archives, historical societies, or the Virginia Department of Historic Resources. Many homes have original floor plans, paint samples, or photographs that can guide your restoration. Even if youre not restoring, understanding the era your house was built in helps you choose appropriate details.

Let the House Breathe

Colonial homes were designed for airflow. Keep windows operable. Use ceiling fans (with wooden blades) to circulate air. Avoid heavy drapes that block windows. Natural ventilation was key to comfort before air conditioning.

Tools and Resources

Books for Research

• The Colonial House: Architecture and Interiors of Early America by William H. Pierson Jr. A definitive guide to regional styles, including Virginia.
• American Furniture: 1620 to the Present by Charles F. Montgomery Detailed analysis of furniture evolution and craftsmanship.
• Colonial Williamsburg: The Official Guide An invaluable visual reference with photographs of restored interiors.
• Virginias Historic Interiors by Sarah S. P. Hill Focuses specifically on Virginia homes from the 17th to 19th centuries.

Reputable Suppliers

• Colonial Williamsburg Foundation Store Offers reproduction furniture, textiles, and hardware with historical accuracy.
• Robert Allen Design Specializes in period-appropriate fabrics and wallpapers.
• Rejuvenation High-quality reproduction lighting and hardware with Colonial-inspired designs.
• Antique dealers in Richmond, Fredericksburg, and Charlottesville Many specialize in Mid-Atlantic antiques and can help authenticate pieces.
• Virginia Reclaimed Lumber Company Sources and mills historic wood for floors, beams, and cabinetry.

Online Archives and Digital Tools

• Library of Virginia Digital Collections Free access to historic photographs, wills, and building records.
• Virginia Historic Landmarks Commission Provides guidelines for historic property restoration.
• Google Arts & Culture Colonial Williamsburg Collection High-resolution images of interiors and artifacts.
• SketchUp or RoomSketcher Use these tools to plan room layouts with accurate Colonial proportions before purchasing furniture.

Professional Support

Consider hiring a historic preservation consultant or a designer certified by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Historic Resources Committee. They can help navigate local ordinances, source appropriate materials, and ensure your project meets preservation standards.

Real Examples

Example 1: The 1740s Williamsburg Townhouse Restoration

Located in the heart of Colonial Williamsburg, this three-bedroom townhouse was meticulously restored in 2018. The owners preserved original heart pine floors and hand-hewn beams. Walls were repainted using a lime-based whitewash formula replicated from paint chips found under layers of 19th-century paint.

The parlor features a walnut sideboard, two Windsor chairs, and a single portrait of a local merchant. The dining room has a 10-foot oak table with six ladder-back chairs. Window treatments are unlined linen panels, hung on iron rods. Brass candle sconces line the walls, and a wool braided rug anchors the center.

Modern updates include hidden HVAC vents under the baseboards and LED bulbs disguised as candle flames. The result is a space that feels authentically 18th-century but functions comfortably for 21st-century living.

Example 2: A Modern Suburban Home with Colonial Influences

In Charlottesville, a 2010-built home was redesigned to reflect Colonial aesthetics. The exterior was modified with a symmetrical five-bay facade, shutters, and a central entry with a pediment. Inside, the open-plan kitchen was reconfigured into a traditional layout with a butlers pantry and separate dining room.

Walls are painted in Sherwin-Williams Alabaster, with dark walnut wainscoting in the dining room. Furniture is a mix of antique pieces and reproduction Chippendale-style chairs. The master bedroom features a four-poster bed with linen drapes and a brass bed frame.

Even the kitchen includes a farmhouse sink, open shelving with pewter crockery, and a wooden bread box. The homeowners avoided modern stainless steel appliances, opting instead for a white enamel range and a refrigerator with a wood-paneled front.

Example 3: A Farmhouse in the Shenandoah Valley

This 1780s farmhouse, once a tobacco plantation outbuilding, was converted into a family home. The owners kept the original stone foundation and exposed timber frame. The interior walls were plastered with lime-based mortar and painted in a soft gray-green, inspired by historic paint analysis.

The living room features a massive fieldstone fireplace with a simple iron grate. A hand-hewn oak table sits beneath a window, surrounded by Windsor chairs. A wool blanket chest holds linens, and a single brass lantern hangs from the ceiling.

Modern amenities are tucked away: a hidden microwave in a cabinet, a smart thermostat behind a wooden panel, and a discreet speaker system. The home uses solar panels disguised as roof shingles and rainwater collection systems that blend into the landscape.

FAQs

Whats the difference between Colonial and Federal style?

Colonial style refers to homes built from the early 1600s to the 1780s, heavily influenced by British design. Federal style emerged after the American Revolution (17801820) and is more refined, with delicate moldings, fanlights over doors, and Palladian windows. Colonial is heavier and more rustic; Federal is lighter and more elegant.

Can I mix Colonial style with modern furniture?

You can, but sparingly. A modern armchair with clean lines can work if its in a neutral fabric and placed beside a traditional side table. Avoid mixing styles in the same visual fieldkeep modern pieces in secondary areas like home offices or kitchens.

Are white walls too plain for Colonial style?

Nowhite walls are historically accurate. Colonists used limewash or chalk-based paints to brighten interiors and reflect light. White creates a calm, timeless backdrop that highlights architectural details and woodwork.

Where can I find authentic Colonial-era furniture in Virginia?

Visit antique shops in Williamsburg, Fredericksburg, and Alexandria. The Virginia Museum of History & Culture often hosts estate sales. Online platforms like 1stDibs and Chairish also list verified Virginia antiques.

How do I maintain wood floors in a Colonial-style home?

Use a pH-neutral cleaner and avoid steam mops. Re-oil the floors every 23 years with tung oil. Place rugs at entryways to reduce grit. Never use waxColonial floors were never waxed; they were oiled or left bare.

Should I install central air conditioning?

Yes, but install it discreetly. Use ductless mini-splits in bedrooms or hidden vents under window seats. Avoid large, visible units. Proper insulation and ceiling fans can reduce reliance on AC.

Is Colonial style suitable for small homes?

Absolutely. Colonial design thrives on simplicity and proportion. Even in compact spaces, symmetry, natural materials, and minimal clutter create elegance. Focus on vertical storage, multi-functional furniture, and light colors to enhance space.

What colors should I avoid?

Avoid bright blues, pinks, greens, and yellows. Also avoid metallic finishes like chrome or silver. Stick to earth tones, muted neutrals, and natural wood tones.

Conclusion

Decorating a Virginia home in the Colonial style is not about replicating a museum exhibitits about honoring a legacy of thoughtful design, craftsmanship, and harmony with the environment. Its a style that values substance over spectacle, function over fashion, and history over hype.

By understanding the architectural roots, selecting authentic materials, respecting symmetry, and integrating modern needs with sensitivity, you can create a home that feels both timeless and lived-in. Whether youre restoring a centuries-old manor or designing a new build with Colonial soul, the principles outlined in this guide will ensure your space resonates with the quiet dignity of Virginias colonial past.

Remember: Colonial style doesnt shout. It whispers. It invites you to slow down, to appreciate the grain of the wood, the warmth of the firelight, the balance of a well-placed chair. In a world of noise and haste, thats a gift worth preserving.