It's the little touches thatmake the difference between a space that evokes a "wow" and a space that merits a yawn. When you are decorating your home in Victorian style, they give your space an elegant and warm look that is sometimes absent from the more formal decorating style. And you needn't spend a fortune to get that look. Small touches available from thrift and discount stores for under $20 can turn you into a Victorian design diva. Here are places to start building your Victorian look:

1. Velvet.

1. Velvet.Remnants of velvet and damask found at thrift stores and yard sales can add elegant touches to your room. Use a yard or so with the edges hemmed to sit atop a circular tablecloth on a small side table. Make a rich pillow by using velvet and trimming with remnant ribbons and lace. Even use the velvet to make a mat for a framed picture.

2. Frames.

2. Frames.Elegant frames with or without paintings or photos can add a touch of character to your space. Gilt frames especially fit into the Victorian style. You can buy inexpensive faux metallic frames at any discount store. If you want a different look, buy a thrift shop frame and stain it a dark cherry or mahogany to add a Victorian feel. Combined with a velvet mat,you can group photos in irregular styles of frames and they will look as if they belong together.

3. Candlesticks.

3. Candlesticks.Crystal or silver candlesticks and candlelight provide mood and soft color to any Victorian room. In addition, it will give a romantic glow to your bedroom or dining room. You can find all sorts of glass or crystal candlesticks at thrift stores and yard sales for under a dollar. Group them together - all heights included - on various table surfaces. Don't just group them in one part of the room. Spread them out in groups of three or more.

4. Oil lamps.

4. Oil lamps.Like candlelight, oil lamps provide a soft light that makes any woman look wonderful! (And we can all use that!) You can easily find old lamps at thrift shops for under $10. The oils can be found at discount stores in various scents. The lamps provide a romantic atmosphere - plus they are great backup when the electricity goes out!

5. Silk Flowers.

5. Silk Flowers.I know that are a lot of you that shudder at the thought of silk flowers. But in a Victorian room, flowers are a must. I don't know about you, but as much as I want fresh flowers in my room everyday, the cost is prohibitive. So silk flowers are the next best things. And roses are perfect for Victorian decor. Any thrift store will have scads of them for under a dollar. You can wash them with baby shampoo and let them dry upside down. Use them in glass vases or blue and white ceramics.

6. Fabric boxes.

6. Fabric boxes.Fabric boxes trimmed with ribbon and pearls can be bought at yard sales and thrift shops or make your own from a small cardboard box, fabric and lace remnants, and faux pearls from an old necklace. Use glue or hot glue gun to attach the fabric after cutting it to fit. Then trim as you want. You can get very creative for a very Victorian look! The price will depend on how elaborate you want the boxes.

7. Vintage handkerchiefs.

7. Vintage handkerchiefs.Vintage handkerchiefs or "hankies" can be found at thrift stores. They have fallen out of favor in the last 30 years. Disposable tissue is more convenient, but not as elegant! Hankies from the 50s are still readily available for under $5. They usually have lace or floral trim that add to the romantic feel when they are framed. You can frame one or several folded to show off the trim in a glass front frame. Or use under candlesticks or boxes to add a bit more style.

8. Vintage postcards.

8. Vintage postcards.Vintage postcards are still relatively inexpensive. You can usually get them for under $5. You can decide on holiday cards, landscapes or tourist cards. Frame them and group them as an art grouping on the wall. If you have a great deal of them, group in smaller frames in a large rectangle arrangement at the head of the bed - as a visual headboard. Or put under a glass top on the side table - a simple idea with a big impact.

9. Silhouettes.

9. Silhouettes.Victorian silhouettes are amazingly simple to make. Simply reflect your subject's silhouette on a piece of blank paper on the wall by placing a lamp behind the subject. Turn the other lights off. Trace the silhouette. When you are finished, cut out the silhouette and trace it on black paper. Cut out the black silhouette and frame on white paper. Or, as an alternative, search for silhouette clip art on the internet. Print out and cut out the silhouette. Paste on white paper and frame.

10. Rugs.

10. Rugs.
Small area rugs are relatively inexpensive compared to large oriental rugs. They can be spread around the room to give the oriental feel that the Victorians loved! You can find them at discount stores and, if you are lucky, at thrift shops.
So get your budget together, go forth, and decorate your Victorian home!