Edwardian Ecstasy: Our "Downton Abbey" Addiction

By Lexi Green
January 23, 2012

Downton Abbey

The cast of "Downton Abbey" on PBS

Downton Abbey The buzziest show to hit TV screens these past few seasons isn't a reality dance competition or a national security thriller. It's an Edwardian period drama by PBS' Masterpiece Theatre. "Downton Abbey," now in its second season, centers on the aristocratic British Crawley family, their many servants, and the swirling events both outside and within their grand estate as World War I begins.

left: Highclere Castle

Against a backdrop of a strict class divide pitting the aristocratic family who lives "upstairs" against the servants dwelling downstairs along with the looming changes brought on by the War are star-crossed romances, a surprise heir to the Crawley title, a murdered Turkish lover, a back-stabbing lady’s maid and more mesmerizing plot twists.

But it’s not just the passion and scandal that have viewers glued to the television; the show's set and costume design that have fans embracing a fervent love of all things Edwardian, from engraved lockets to Edwardian-style engagement rings to high lace-ups boots In fact, as a testament to the show's popularity, sales for "Edwardian" items on eBay are up 46 percent in the past 90 days, while listings are up 36 percent and average prices are up 21 percent in the same period.

Below, a few of our favorite scenes from the show, along with eBay finds to help you recreate the look.

Downstairs: The Kitchen

Downton Abbey

Sophie McShera as Daisy, Lesley Nicol as Mrs. Patmore, Jessica Brown-Findlay as Lady Sybil

Here’s the downstairs kitchen of Downton Abbey, where servants concoct grand banquets to be enjoyed by the Crawleys and their guests. Borrow the industrial-meets-homey feel with copper pots, vintage mixing bowls and a large farmhouse table to eat around.

Roll over items for details

Victorian Antique Copper Tea Kettle

(buy it now price, $124.99)

English Farmhouse Refectory Kitchen Table

(buy it now price, $3,466.80)

Vintage White Organdy Apron

(buy it now price, $5.99)

Antique Yellowware Mixing Bowl

(buy it now price, 85)

Upstairs: Décor

Elizabeth McGovern as Lady Cora

Compared to the downstairs, the upstairs of Downtown Abbey is all about upscale opulence. Intricately carved, deep mahogany furniture, plush chairs and new-fangled electrical lights enclosed in pre-Art Deco era fixtures dominate the look.

Edwardian Mahogany Dining Chairs

(buy it now price, $3,844.30)

Pulaski Edwardian Mans Chest

(buy it now price, $1,215)

Edwardian Painted Mahogany Wardrobe

(buy it now price, $795)

Murray Feiss Edwardian Two Light Bath Vanity

(buy it now price, $225)

Fashion

Downton Abbey

Dan Stevens as Matthew Crawley and Michelle Dockery as Lady Mary

The Edwardian era was evolutionary for fashion. For women, not only were hemlines raised to the ankles, but dresses also became less restrictive and more billowy, ushering the beginning of the "Flapper" era. The Art Deco style also began to creep into fashion and can be seen quite a bit in the intricate jewelry of the day. WWI brought in a new style of Officer's dress. And of course, women and men often wore hats: Bowlers for the gents and wide-brimmed hats with lots of flourishes for the ladies.

Vintage Men's Oval Lipman Wolfe Hat Box

(buy it now price, $99)

Fanny Claret Fur Felt Hat

(buy it now price, $285)

Antique Edwardian WWI Lace Flapper Dress

(buy it now price, $460)

Estate 1940's Edwardian Art Deco Ring

(buy it now price, $295)

WWI Items

Downton Abbey

Rob James-Collier as Thomas

The onset of World War I is a central plot point throughout the show. Not only do male characters from all social classes go to the trenches and fight side-by-side, but also the great Downton Abbey estate becomes a convalescent home for wounded soldiers.