Goth home decor ideas bring sophisticated, old-style, elegant characteristics to an interior. While an often misunderstood aesthetic, something is appealing about the opulent, glam ambiance in a gothic space. So, it’s not surprising that this century-old design aesthetic remains a top choice for a refined-looking interior.
Contrary to what most believe about gothic-style homes, it’s not a concept that sends shivers down the spine as soon as one enters a room. It’s not merely ghostly. It’s so much more than black wall paint, skulls, and candlesticks. Instead, a well-designed goth-style interior is sophisticated and lavish, where historical elegance and ornate elements meet.
What are the key elements in a Goth home decor?
While much of this home decor relies on a dark and macabre aesthetic, this decor style has a much wider appeal for homeowners and interior decorators alike.
Key elements that can help achieve a gothic interior may include dark and moody color palettes, antique furniture use, opulent fabric choices, and ornate pieces. One can also include gothic architectural elements in decorating, like elaborate molding, intricate woodwork, and arch windows.
Elements used in a Goth home decor aesthetic can be Victorian or modern. For Victorian gothic home decor, pieces are grander and more intricate in design, such as high-pointed arches, fences, and plenty of wooden materials.
Meanwhile, dark and sad moods have become a base aesthetic for modern gothic home decor like rich colors like midnight blue, burgundy, and black coupled with vintage accessories like mirrors, abstract wall art, and candlesticks that evoke a melancholy feeling.
7 Best Goth home decor ideas
These Goth home decor ideas can add a bit more class and whimsy to any room. Add a gothic-inspired touch here or there or go full-out goth by mixing and matching these home decor ideas for a sense of drama.
- Dark color palette
- Gothic inspired furniture
- Ornate lighting
- Moody hued wallpaper
- Luxurious tapestries
- Dark wall art
- Vintage and antique goth home decor pieces
1) Dark color palette
One of the obvious Goth home decor ideas is to pick a black paint color. Painting a room all black or installing a floor-to-ceiling all-black bookshelf can evoke that desirable darkness in gothic-style homes. However, that’s not the only option.
Any color that creates a dark and moody aesthetic works. Think of softer, dark shades that can create a moody atmosphere. That includes muted shades of gray. Deep sapphire, indigo blue, deep burgundy, and rich emerald also fit the moody, gothic color palette. Deep jewel tones, in particular, add a sense of whimsy to a gothic interior.
2) Gothic-inspired furniture
Woodworking is big in gothic-inspired homes, and they highlight the interior style’s opulence in their little intricate details. When choosing home furniture items for a goth home decor idea, try to source pieces that represent the period.
Heavy furniture with spiral and arched designs would be a good fit for this aesthetic. Their intricate curves, slopes, and grooves fit well with the elegance and old-world appeal of the Gothic style. Adding some antique oddities can also create an old castle-like style that Goth is known for. Think of ornate wood cabinets or carved wooden chairs upholstered in elegant damask and brocade fabrics.
3) Ornate lighting
Another decor item that is classic in many gothic home interiors is ornate lighting. They are the ultimate mood-setting goth home decor and accent. Maximalist lighting pieces like gold or crystal chandeliers evoke the sophisticated, luxurious allure of goth home decor.
Also consider adding:
- Candlesticks. A gothic-style home is never truly complete without an elegantly lavish pair of candlesticks. Two vintage candlesticks would look perfectly divine on top of the dining table or the fireplace mantle.
- Candle sconce. If there are no candlesticks on the table, try hanging vintage candle sconces on the wall. They are multi-purpose goth home decor pieces that can add soft, romantic lighting to the interior at night.
Read more: 7 ways to use string lights around your home
4) Moody hued wallpaper
Besides paint, using moody-hued wallpapers can create the same dramatic aesthetic that embodies a goth home decor style.
Skulls and serpents are the unofficial mascots for a Goth home decor aesthetic. Decking the wall with dark floral and damask wallpapers adorned with skulls and snakes adds a devilish background to any space. The combination of classic gothic accents and vibrant florals creates a perfect mix of elegance and sultry that fits the theme deliciously.
Read more: 7 Birch Lane classics to add to your living room decor
5) Opulent textiles
Luxurious textiles are classic features one can find in a Gothic home. These include satin, velvet, brocade, silk, and tapestries. They can be used as wall hangings, curtains, bed coverings, and furniture upholstery.
Another option for using luxe textiles as goth home decor items is black velvet pillows with tassels. While subtle, their monochromatic appeal is perfect for Japandi-style as well as goth-inspired interiors.
6) Lunar-inspired dark wall art
Lunar-inspired artwork can set the tone in a goth-inspired home because the moon is a huge symbol in gothic literature. Its feminine and mysterious aesthetic fits right in with the moody theme of goth interiors too, and there are plenty of ways to incorporate lunar-inspired home decor pieces.
Try boho-inspired wall art with moon designs and accents, but pick much darker or moodier tones. Another option is hanging a lunar calendar or sun and moon prints on the wall. Leaning bigger prints on the wall can also create an impression.
7) Vintage and antique pieces
What never goes out of style in gothic interiors, whether modern or Victorian, is using the style of the past. Hence, adding vintage pieces will look right at home in a goth-inspired interior.
A few of these antique or unique items, well-placed, can give a room a mythical gothic feel.
- Skull-shaped vases
- Gilded frames
- Sculptures
- Taxidermy
- Pointed arch mirrors
- Vintage vases
- Black ceramic dinner sets paired with black linen placemats
- Monochromatic artworks
- Skull figurines
- Baroque-style paintings
Mixing and matching these pieces can create that kitschy, old-world, gloomy aesthetic that the Goth style is famous for.
The right paint colors, opulent accessories, and the best types of fabric can all make a difference in how one adds a gothic touch to an interior design. It’s all in the details.
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