Interior Design for Tudor Homes

History of Tudor Style

As the final stage of medieval era architecture, the Tudor design style developed in England during the late 1400’s and remained through the early 1600’s. Tudor dynasty rulers like Henry VIII and Elizabeth I were influential players in this surge of home design and décor. As the power of the Church waned, resources usually funneled to the construction of cathedrals was redirected to domestic housing design. Permanent houses with nice amenities replaced the rustic cottages and sparse furniture of the Middle Ages.

During this time frame, England began to construct distinctive Tudor style homes. The exterior of this architectural design featured plaster walls, dark half-timbering, and diagonal reinforcement beams. Because space was tight in medieval streets, upper stories were added which often protruded over the lower story. Chimney tops were a new addition in Tudor design, so they were substantial in size and accented with decorative brickwork and a curved shape. Roofs were steeply gabled and covered with slate or wood shingles.

Taking cues from Gothic design, the Tudor arch was a flattened version of the Gothic arch and was used for the shape of doorways and occasionally windows. Another Gothic influence was the oriel window which is a “floating” bay window that protrudes past the home’s structural walls and is usually supported by corbels. Glass during the Tudor period was now readily available for use as window panes, so homes were adorned with ample windows. Tudor style windows were often mullioned with wood or stone, and the panes were commonly leaded in diamond or grid patterns. The heavy wooden entry doors were also surrounded with stone or timbers and featured weighty iron hardware, hinge straps, and iron studs.

Tudor Style Inside

The natural materials used for exterior Tudor architecture—oak, stone, plaster, brick, iron, copper, and slate—also had an influence on interior design for Tudor homes. The main elements of a Tudor interior are wood paneling, stone hearth surrounds, and plaster ceiling panels. Walls are most commonly covered in rich oak paneling which adds warmth to the home. The wood panels may feature carved linen-fold designs, botanical themes, or geometric patterns. Tudor style paneling usually extends up the wall about two-thirds with stone or plaster above it for a nice contrast in color and texture. Walls are also adorned with hanging rugs or tapestries for additional cozy texture.

Other important Tudor design elements include crests, coat-of-arms, stained glass, and painted glass. The ecclesiastical influence from churches and cathedrals lead to homes with stained or painted glass window panes. Popular stained glass window designs include heraldry and portraits. Vibrant colors are common such as jewel tones, reds, blues, golds, and oranges. Rich fabrics like velvet, brocade, and damask are used as window treatments for a comfortably elegant feeling.

Flooring is typically a hard surface like wood, brick, or stone. Wool rugs in soft, neutral colors can add a lot of luxury underfoot. Tudor style wood furniture tends to be heavy with carved details and iron hardware like pulls, hinges, studs, and latches. Headboards with carved designs and canopy beds reflect the romance of the Tudor era. Built-in sideboards and cabinets along with storage benches were often seen in classic Tudor homes. Pewter dishware and glassware are often displayed in open cabinet shelves with the occasional exotic porcelain piece. Books with leather covers are another elegant Tudor accessory.

Interior Design for Tudor Homes Resources

Tudor Artisans – This company specializes in period Tudor architectural design and products made of authentic materials.

CNN Money – Article on Tudor style homes with photo gallery.

Furniture Styles – More info on Tudor furniture room-by-room.