How to Design the Second Reception Room in a London Victorian Home
One of the most distinctive features of a London Victorian home is its clever proportions. Many properties were built with not just one, but two reception rooms — a rare luxury today. And in terraced Victorian houses, those receptions room are often back-to-back.
Many have been knocked through in previous times. Practically, this much better suits the way we live our lives now, but, depending on how we treat those two spaces, we risk ruining the proportions that the Victorians worked out so carefully.
And in terms of usage, the front reception usually becomes the formal sitting room, but the second reception room can feel like a design puzzle - often little more than a glorified thoroughfare to another part of the home. Should it be a snug? A study? A playroom? Or something else entirely?
As an interior designer in London with much experience of working in Victorian properties, I’ve seen how this “extra” room is often either underused or becomes a bit of a dumping ground. But with thoughtful planning, it can be transformed into one of the hardest-working and most characterful spaces in your home that still fits consistently with how the property was designed originally.
Step One: Understand the Spatial Challenges of Your Victorian Home - and How to Cheat Them
Because Victorian houses in London are typically tall and narrow, how you move through them really matters. The second reception room often sits between the front living room and the kitchen/dining area. The challenge of width can be resolved by treating the second reception room as part of the hall. By exploiting decorative finishes consistently through the hallway and the second reception room, and purposefully making them different to those in the first reception room, this area takes on an almost lobby-like quality, providing the width-ways space that the hallway lacks. Furniture can still feature here - it’s just not furniture options that invite you to linger and relax as you would find in a living room.
Step Two: Define a Clear Purpose
Making the second reception room part of the hallway isn’t for everyone, especially when general living space is at a premium. The best second reception room ideas are the ones that have a strong identity. Some favourite transformations include:
The Family Snug – A cosy, informal room with deep sofas, warm textures and perhaps a log burner or statement rug. Perfect for family film nights.
The Library or Study – With bespoke joinery, a reading chair by the window, and a desk, this space can feel elegant and productive.
The Playroom – Ideal for young families, this setup keeps toys contained but still close enough to the kitchen for easy supervision.
The Grown-Up Retreat – A yoga room, music room or even a chic cocktail lounge for entertaining guests.
Step Three: Think About the Original Proportions Victorian Character
While decorative schemes across the first and second reception rooms can be complimentary, creating a distinction between these spaces is important to visually preserve the independence of the areas to avoid ending up with the visual of a disportionately long, thin corridor-like room. That doesn’t mean to say you cannot mix modern and more traditional features - though typical Victorian hallmarks are easy to work with and provide natural focal points. When approaching Victorian interior design, with original features in tact, I always recommend highlighting the period details rather than hiding them. Think ceiling roses, fireplaces, and tall skirting boards. Even in a modern scheme, restoring and celebrating these features creates richness and depth. A fireplace, for instance, can become a natural focal point for the entire room.
Step Four: Light and Colour Strategy
Usually relying on borrowed light from adjacent spaces, second reception rooms can sometimes feel darker than the front or back of the house, so lighting is key. Layer ceiling pendants, wall lights and table lamps to create both function and atmosphere. In terms of colour, you can embrace intimacy with deep cocooning shades like navy, green or burgundy, or you can brighten the space with lighter tones to bounce natural light. Both approaches suit Victorian homes, depending on the mood you want to create.
Step Five: Future-Proof Your Design
Life changes, and your second reception room should adapt with you. What serves as a playroom now might later become a teenager’s hangout or a home office. Flexible furniture, clever storage and timeless finishes will make it easy to evolve the room as your needs shift.
Final Thoughts
The second reception room in a Victorian house is an exciting opportunity — a chance to design a space that truly supports your lifestyle. By defining a clear purpose, honouring the home’s period character and thinking practically about light, flow and flexibility, this “extra” room can become one of the most loved in the house.
If you’re planning a renovation or simply want expert guidance on how to reimagine your second reception room, I’d be delighted to help. As a London-based interior designer with a passion for Victorian homes, I work with clients to create spaces that are both functional and beautiful. Please contact us for more information.