Gothic Inspired Home Decor (20 Goth Interior Design Ideas)

There is a movement in the interior design space that is taking over and shifting to a dark and moody design style. Gothic home decor, much like steampunk decor, is in stark contrast to the minimal and soft aesthetic that we have seen gain popularity over the last three years. 

Dark interior design doesn’t have to mean creepy, decrepit and witch-like, in fact when done correctly I believe it can be elegant and aesthetically pleasing. 

Gothic interior design is predicted to be one of the top interior design trends for 2023. Whether you want to go all-out goth or just add touches of goth-inspired elements, this design style is sure to make a bold and dramatic statement. 

Where Does The Gothic Style Come From?

The gothic style of architecture, home decor and art find its origins in the Middle Ages. This is the period between the 12th century and the 16th century. Although its style varied slightly from century to century, its key defining characteristics were dark colors (black), pointed arches, flying buttresses, stained windows, and ornate embellishments. It saw a resurgence in the mid-1700s and through the Victorian era, what is now known as The Gothic Revival Era, as people began to crave architecture inspired by the medieval period. You will find many examples of this in the United Kingdom and Europe, particularly in cathedral architecture such as the Notre Dame in France. 

What is Gothic Decor?

Gothic home decor is an interior design trend that is influenced by the architecture and design styles of the Gothic Revival Era (1700s to early 1900s). It emphasizes the use of dark moody colors (namely black), heavy furnishing, and ornate over the top embellishments. The careful selection of furniture, art and color palettes is crucial as there are key characteristics that need to be considered when curating a goth-inspired home. 

This style is certainly a maximalist design. “The next big thing in home design is overstuffed, garish, and glorious,” states Rebecca Jennings from vox.

If you are wondering how to incorporate the gothic vibe into your home I’ve prepared a simple guide that will make your decorating journey a lot easier! 

20 Gothic Home Decor Ideas

Add Black

The easiest way to add the goth aesthetic into your space is to use black. Black symbolizes darkness, gloom and mystery so it’s no wonder why this is the primary color choice for gothcore enthusiasts. When adding black to your goth-inspired home you can incorporate it into your furniture, art, walls and/or accessories. You can choose to use black sparingly (but strategically) or as your main color, it simply depends on personal preference. Joey Skladany from apartment therapy highlights how to incorporate black into any room and gives his expert advice. 

Create A Moody Color Palette

When most of us think of the goth culture we automatically assume that black is the only color they incorporate into their style. However, there are many different colors and shades that fit perfectly with gothic-themed decor. Red, dark grays, silver, deep purples, greens, dark browns, are all colors that you can infuse into your home. According to HGTV, when you choose the right colors for your space it can “create mystery and romance in dull areas”.  I’ve created a gothic color palette for you as an example.

Select Victorian Style Furniture

Design characteristics of gothic furniture are ornate, pointed, heavy fabrics, woods, brass, intricate carvings and dramatic details. Tufted velvet or leather couches and chairs are also a great choice as it is a classic Victorian style. To incorporate the gothic vibe into your dressers and cabinets consider updating the hardware (the knobs and pulls) to brass, silver or gold finishes. You could also incorporate some decorative mirrors to further enhance the luxurious feel. One of the best ways to find unique furniture is by browsing antique boutiques and thrift shopping. You could also find some one-of-a-kind handmade or vintage furniture pieces on Etsy.

Stained Glass for A Touch Of  Elegance

Stained glass is one of the defining characteristics of the gothic-inspired cathedral churches. Pay an ode to the gothic age by incorporating this into your home decor. Buying stained glass isn’t cheap so for those who are interested in DIY the experts on windows, WCMA NET, have provided some excellent stained glass DIY  tips.

Choose Pieces That Have Pointed Arches

Another defining characteristic of gothic architecture is the pointed arches that were so common during the gothic era. You can easily infuse this into your space by selecting bed frames, couches, chairs and accessories that have these points incorporated into them. This will give your space the grand and dramatic feel of the gothic aesthetic. 

Lancet Windows and Mirrors 

Lancet-style mirrors and windows are those that have a pointed curve or arch at the top. If you don’t have these types of windows, you can simply incorporate mirrors with the lancet shape to capture the architecture of the gothic era. Wayfair has a large selection of gothic-inspired lancet mirrors. 

Add Flowers For A Charming Vibe

We all love some plants and flowers in our space and just because you are designing goth doesn’t mean you need to leave these out. In fact there are several types of flowers that are perfect for this style. If you want to go along with the dark theme Mr. Planet Geek wrote an article about 13 Gothic Flowers and says that  “there are gothic flowers that appear black in certain lighting” Rose and purple flowers also pair well with this decor style. Here is a list of purple flowers that go well with goth for you to consider. 

When adding flowers, consider drying them and putting them on display as they are just as beautiful as living ones but with minimal maintenance. If you would like to forgo the flowers you can add some branches instead. You can add a touch of charm and romance by adding some of these into your home. 

Incorporate Ornate Pieces 

Ornate pieces are those that are decorated with complex patterns and shapes which was a common design style of gothic architecture. You can incorporate this by selecting wall frames, the backs and legs of chairs, couches, mirrors, and bed frames that have ornate embellishments. These intricate pieces will give your home an elegant and opulent feel which is what we are going for with the goth design style.

Paint Walls A Moody Color 

The obvious choice when picking a color for your walls is black, of course. But there are a ton of other colors that you could use that will also give off a moody vibe. I understand that not everyone wants black walls and would rather incorporate black into other areas of the home such as furniture and accessories.  Instead, you could opt for dark purple, navy blue, deep red, forest green, dark shades of gray, rich browns, creme or burgundy. These are all colors that give off a somber vibe which is what we are going for with the gothic design style. 

If you decide to create an accent wall, consider the 60-30-10 rule.  “Using the 60-30-10 rule can make choosing color simple, and help you achieve balance in decorating.” says Diana Hathaway Timmons from the spruce. 

Add Some Crown Moldings To Your Walls 

The use of moldings helps to make a room appear grand and luxurious, which is always a nice touch. By adding this to your walls it will create a space that is rich in character instantly adding interest and elegance. Expert Sal Vaglica of This Old House states that “In the world of trim, crown is king. Loading high over casings, chair rails, and baseboards, it cuts an impressive profile with elegant curves and distinguished angles. It also elevates a room’s stature, drawing the eye up to the ceiling and echoing design motifs seen in other moldings to create a cohesive and polished look for the space.” Consider adding crown moldings to your goth-themed home for a dramatic yet sleek look.

Add Dark Wallpaper

Adding molding can be expensive so for those of us looking for a more affordable way to capture the elegance of the goth-style wallpaper is an excellent option. You could add it to any space in your home or you could choose an accent wall to incorporate it into. For a truly moody vibe stick to darker colors such as black or navy blue with lighter prints such as gold or silver so that the pattern creates contrast. 

Choose Dark Area Rugs 

Another way to add dark elegance to your space is through the use of patterned area rugs. This is an easy way to combine the intricate design style that is characteristic of gothic art and architecture. You could also just select a solid black area rug without the pattern if you prefer.

Pick Fabrics Associated With Luxury 

In addition to capturing the goth aesthetic through architectural elements, the use of luxurious fabrics is another way to express elegance throughout your home. These are fabrics such as silk, velvet, and cashmere. Incorporate these into your throws, pillows, blankets and drapery for a lavish goth look.  My personal favorite material is silk and as stated by Masterclass, “Silk is incredibly soft with a flattering sheen, giving it a high-end and luxurious appeal”

Use Wood Where Possible

Incorporate lots of wood furniture into your home such as dressers, side tables and coffee tables. Consider those pieces that have intricate carvings on them as it pairs well with gothic home decor.

Incorporate Brass And Other Metals

The best way to incorporate brass and other metals into your gothic home are through the legs of chairs and couches but also through the cabinetry. You could also opt for accessories made of metal to put on display.

Choose Ambient Lighting 

Choosing the right lighting for any space is important for setting the desired vibe. When it comes to the gothic style the selection of the correct lighting is absolutely crucial.  “Ambient light has the largest impact on mood; this is why it is also known as mood lighting” states Simona Ganea from Homedit. Consider chandeliers, pendants or wall-mounted fixtures for your space. 

Use Candles To Decorate

The gothic style isn’t complete without incorporating some candles into your space. It’s a simple way to capture a moody and dark vibe. Consider some pillar candles as those are more representative of Victorian-goth.

Consider Heavy Curtains 

When choosing curtains for your space ensure that it is heavy, elaborate and intricate for a luxurious vibe. Having layers of curtains will ensure that natural light is filtered creating an ambient feel to your home. According to experts at The Home Depot  “Floor-to-ceiling drapes and curtains are a stylish option that creates the appearance of elegant space” So get creative with your drapery to create the ultimate goth look. 

Use Goth-Inspired Wall Art 

One of the easiest ways to capture the design style of a home is through the use of wall art. Gothic-inspired wall art is characterized by intricate, dark, mysterious and elegant designs. When choosing your wall art, consider those that are bold and eye-catching. When picking the frames choose those that have ornate embellishments. Think of art that depicts skeletons, skulls, crows, cats, astrology, the moon, black cats, dark paintings, and mystical creatures.

Add In A Few Creepy Details 

If you’d like to blend elegance with a touch of spooky vibes then you can add some gargoyle sculptures, bones or skulls on display, 

So for those of us that crave the moody vibe of gothic decor consider infusing some or all of the above items into your home. I hope you enjoyed this article and have inspiration for making a unique space that will sure be a conversation starter for your visitors.