Dark academia is an aesthetic and cultural movement rooted in the romanticization of academic and literary traditions. It emphasizes intellectual pursuits, introspection, and a deep appreciation for knowledge. First gaining traction online, particularly on platforms like TikTok, dark academia has since evolved into a popular lifestyle, influencing everything from fashion to interior design.
When navigating the design world, whether you’re buying a home in Boston, considering a rental in Portland, or renting an apartment in Philadelphia, everything you ever wanted to know can be found within this Rent. dark academia decor guide, full of expert opinions and tips to curate a space that blends literary charm with vintage elegance.
What is dark academia?
Dark academia is a moody and intellectual aesthetic inspired by classic literature, historic architecture, and the allure of scholarly pursuits. Rooted in imagery like ivy-covered universities, candlelit libraries, and vintage fashion, it features a rich, muted color palette of deep browns, forest greens, and burgundies. The aesthetic often romanticizes subjects like philosophy, poetry, and the arts, evoking a sense of mystery and nostalgia. Whether through decor or personal style, dark academia fosters a connection to the past and a contemplative way of life.
“From the defining text of dark academia — Donna Tartt’s ‘The Secret History’ — we find its aesthetic: low-lit rooms, dark jewel tones, oak furniture (bookshelves, for example, overfilled with thick ancient philosophy books), long candles dripping with wax, and outside the window, gloomy, misty weather,” Elsa Doig with The Novelry explains.
“Dark academia evokes a near absence of light, proximity to darkness, symbolizing the impenetrable fog of cultural history that overcomes the characters in a dark academia novel. Their struggle is one of clarity, one of understanding how to exist within this modern moment with the weight of the literary tradition.”
Dark academia in modern media
While dark academia is not an easily spotted decorative style, it’s more prevalent than we think. Other shows like “Wednesday” feature dark-toned decor, vintage furniture, and an overall dark aesthetic that lends to dark academia. Tim Burton’s films along with films like ‘Dead Poets Society’ and ‘Atonement’ — famously feature this moody, serious aesthetic as well. Additionally, the incredible success of the new Taylor Swift album, ‘The Tortured Poets Department,’ further boosted interest in the dark academia look.
“To truly immerse yourself in the world of dark academia, draw inspiration from films and books that capture its essence,” Christine Lustig with Studio Xtine recommends. “For example, Harry Potter is an excellent example of enigma and gothic elegance. Lean into your senses – what do you see, feel, smell? Visually, colors in dark academia are on the richer, darker side of jeweled tones or aged metallics. Layer these hues with tactile materials like velvet, damask, or antique tapestries.
Tease your sense of smell and look for candles or incense with moody and macabre names. By incorporating these elements into your space, you can create an aesthetic that reflects the intellectual and mysterious spirit of dark academia.”
The key features of dark academia room decor
Dark academia is all about embracing the love for learning and intellectual pursuits. It’s showcasing and emulating a deep appreciation for literature, philosophy, history and the arts that really sets it apart from other decor styles. Because of this, there’s also a strong sense of nostalgia that comes with dark academia: Think vintage books and antique furnishings that transport you to a different time. Let’s delve into some of the key characteristics of dark academic decor.
Dark colors
Dark academia room decor features a color palette full of deep, rich tones. Colors like dark brown, burgundy, forest green, navy blue, and black create a sense of drama and depth. These colors are often used on walls (when allowed by apartments), furniture, and accessories.
“The dark academia aesthetic is best managed by taking the ‘dark’ literally,” author Steve A. Wiggins shares. “Dark burgundy walls (if possible) with a leather wingback chair in either burnt umber or chestnut, create a collegiate look.
Books are essential; the bookcase should be wooden or have a wood veneer. As for the books, the older the better; if you don’t have your own there are online vendors that sell old books by the foot. A vintage floor globe makes for a wonderful accent piece.”
Antique furniture and vintage tchotchkes
As Wiggins previously mentioned, antique and vintage furniture is seen in dark academia-decorated spaces. Things like dark wooden bookshelves, leather armchairs, carved desks and unique tables help curate the aesthetic.
“We love dark academia books such as the ‘Atlas’ series by Olivie Blake and the ‘Crave’ series by Tracy Wolff. These books conjure up old library vibes full of antique leather tomes and bookends made of iron, wood, or marble,” Thatcher Wine, founder and CEO of Juniper Books.
“An oak side table with a vintage typewriter and a brass candelabra coated with wax from half-burned candles never fail to transport us to a different time and place. The furniture tends to have a sense of history and character, nodding to the sense of nostalgia dark academia creates.”
Pairing moody elements with timeless antiques creates a captivating atmosphere, setting the perfect tone for a dark academic-inspired room. “As a singer, songwriter, and playwright, my environment seeps into my work. Writing a haunting melody by the light of taper candles on an antique wooden desk helps set the mood,” Grace Piper Fields, founder and creative director of Moon Piper Productions, LLC shares.
The dark academia aesthetic can capture the backstory of each item in the home. The brass clock from an antique store lived many lives before it ended up on the table next to the jade divan. Other places to look for stories include estate sales and flea markets. When one is lost in thought, the ceiling becomes a focal point of inspiration. To add a touch of intrigue, try painting the ceiling a jewel tone or covering it in wallpaper.”
Literature emphasis
Books play a central role in dark academic decor, whether this be through floor-to-ceiling bookshelves filled with classic, leather-bound books or smaller, vintage book nooks filled with academic texts. “To nail that genuine dark academia aesthetic, return to its roots. Donna Tartt’s book ‘The Secret History’ is the book that started the genre,” Marija Perinić with Word Nerd explains. “It’s an inverted murder mystery set in an elite college that explores the darker side of humanity and the obsessive pursuit of knowledge, with the academic setting being the natural place to explore these themes.”
“To translate that into interior design, think of museums, libraries, and halls of elite Ivy League colleges — all the places where humans seek knowledge,” Perinić continues. “When emulating the dark academia aesthetic in your home, mirror the signature elements of these spaces. Introduce Greek statues, a home library filled with hefty tomes and literary classics, candles, thrifted antiques, and Renaissance paintings. The dark academia aesthetic is in carefully handpicked details that, when placed together, make a comprehensive whole.”
Artwork
Dark academia decor often includes artwork that reflects classical and intellectual themes. Think of old-world paintings, portraits, and other traditional art styles. People can take it one step further by displaying this art in vintage frames or dark frames in a gallery-style fashion. The artwork element really contributes to the overall ambiance of nostalgia and a love for more decadent things in life.
Dark lighting
One of the easiest ways to spot dark academia decor and to create this ambiance is through lighting. Table lamps and floor lamps with warm-toned bulbs create an intimate and cozy atmosphere. Candles and soft string lights can also be used to add a touch of warmth to living spaces.
The opposing side: light academia
Light academia is a contrasting style to dark academia. While dark academia embraces a moody and dark atmosphere, light academia takes a brighter and more optimistic approach. It embodies the love for learning and intellectual pursuits, just like dark academia, but with a lighter and airier feel.
Libraries, gardens, and the beauty of nature offer inspiration within light academia. To curate the desired vibe, people incorporate pastel colors, soft fabrics, and floral patterns through furniture, wall decor, and plants. You can find this style represented in several shows like “Bridgerton,” “Anne with an E” and “Gilmore Girls.”
Explore this scholarly, gothic style in your apartment
By creating a space that reflects the aesthetic and ambiance of dark academia, individuals can immerse themselves in this realm that celebrates the pursuit of knowledge and the beauty of the past.
“The defining qualities of dark academia come from the most idealized and romanticized facets of a bookish life — it’s moody, quiet, warm, and full of a sort of artful clutter only a reader, writer, or student could accumulate,” Madison Arsenault with House of Cadmus concludes. “There’s a distinguished quality to dark academic decor; it’s fine, but subtle, not opulent. Let that deep appreciation for the academic lifestyle, literature, and history make its way into your decor with pieces that reflect your literary tastes.”
Whether through the careful arrangement of books or the addition of vintage furniture, dark academia decor seamlessly blends the worlds of literature and art, creating a space that inspires both intellect and creativity.
