With My Chemical Romance touring in 2025 and the rebrand of the scene emo kid (modern day e-girl or e-boy), it’s only right if we made a gothic interior design guide. Inspired by medieval architecture and characterized by its dark, dramatic, and mysterious aesthetic, this style is definitely bold, to say the least. If you’re looking to transform your rental home in Portland, OR, apartment in Detroit, MI, or home in Baton Rouge, LA to an interior oozing with history, grandeur, and a touch of macabre, just keep reading!
What is gothic interior design?
Opposite the minimalist aesthetic, “gothic interior design is all about creating a dramatic, mysterious atmosphere through dark colors, ornate details, and a sense of grandeur,” says Mermaid Venom’s owner Elise Sorrentino. Here you’ll find the use of deep shades like purple, black, and red, the use of candles and chandeliers to offer dramatic light, and ornate pieces made with luxurious materials like velvet, leather, and dark wood.
While we’ll get into these aspects more in this article, it’s also important to note that gothic interiors are not simply a Halloween trend. In fact, this aesthetic takes much of its inspiration from medieval architecture – think cathedrals and castles with pointed arches and intricate carvings. Although rooted in history and seemingly tied to fall months, this style is actually quite timeless. In fact, “gothic interior design is making a strong comeback [as its] timeless style remains elegant and classic, transcending trends across every era,” says ArchSynth’s founder Krishna Kanth. Gothic interior design is the “perfect style for those who appreciate moody, timeless, and otherworldly interiors,” notes Elise.
Dark and dramatic colors
“Gothic design is all about drama and romance. Start with a dark moody color palette,” says Amy Chang, owner and principal designer of Amy Augustine Interiors. Forming a solid foundation of these rich hues makes the perfect backdrop for other gothic interior staples. For example, “complex blacks and rich plums contrast beautifully with gilded ornate frames, cabinet hardware and accessories,” notes Amy.
To incorporate this somber palette, you can “use dark patterned wallpaper on the walls [or] bring in navy or black paint on the trim and ceiling to saturate the entire room,” suggests Mallory Thorburn, lead designer Brown Avenue Interiors. If you do want to paint the walls, opt for “deep hues like black, burgundy, and midnight blue,” recommends Elise. And remember, this design style isn’t just limited to main rooms. In fact, “A small powder bathroom that lacks natural light is a great place to play into a dark and moody aesthetic,” says Mallory.
Photo courtesy of Brown Avenue Interiors
Light (or lack thereof)
“Lighting plays a crucial role in enhancing the dramatic atmosphere,” says Okeli Lights director Monch Liu. As gothic interior design relies heavily on its dark color palette, lighting helps to enhance both these deep hues along with adding drama.
“Utilizing ornate fixtures such as wrought iron chandeliers or candle-style sconces not only illuminates the space but also adds to the architectural grandeur typical of this style,” adds Monch. Consider using “opulent crystal chandelier and sconces [to] complete the effect by adding warm ambient light,” suggests Amy. “Emphasizing soft, ambient lighting can create enchanting shadows, accentuating the rich textures and colors found in gothic decor,” continues Monch.
Luxurious textures and fabrics
In gothic interiors, the use of rich materials is essential for creating an atmosphere of opulence and dramatic elegance. “Incorporate fabric textures such as velvet, lace, and faux fur in moody hues – deep purples, blacks, and burgundies – to add depth and richness to the room,” suggests Goth Mall’s Molly Deville. A good rule of thumb is to “look for pieces with elaborate details, such as filigree patterns, gargoyles, or fleur-de-lis motifs, to capture the essence of Gothic style,” says Molly.
For furniture, choose “statement furniture pieces [made with] various types of wood [like] ebony, walnut, [and] mahogany,” recommends Soumen Chanda, owner of Smc Guide 21. “You can use canopy beds, throne-like chairs to give you a vintage-inspired vibe,” continues Soumen. These three elements will truly make your space scream gothic. Specifically, using colors like “charcoal and burgundy walls, paired with wooden and leather pieces, are particularly popular [and useful] for adding an air of mystery and grandeur to spaces,” adds Krishna.
Photo courtesy of The Dope Art
Dramatic art prints
Beyond painting the walls or using wallpaper, “Gothic art prints are a stunning way to bring a dramatic, moody atmosphere into any space,” says Durazza’s Tina S. If you’re unsure of what to pick, “think of dark, haunting imagery that evokes a sense of mystery,” recommends Jesse Johnson, CEO and founder of The Dope Art.
Regardless of the space, “Macabre wall art is a fantastic way to bring a gothic atmosphere into any room – perfect for creating a bold statement on your walls,” says Jesse. Opt for pieces with “intricate details, dark tones, and often haunting imagery that features skulls, ravens, and ornate architecture,” suggests Tina. Adding “pieces with skeletal figures, shadowy landscapes, and eerie elements draw the eye and add a sophisticated edge to your space,” Jesse continues.
A simple and easy way to incorporate this aesthetic, featuring gothic wall art is sure to “evoke a sense of mystery and dark elegance [in your space while adding] depth and timeless beauty to your walls,” notes Tina. “Perfect for anyone who loves a dark, vintage aesthetic, gothic art prints are a striking addition to elevate your interior design,” she adds.
Small touches
Besides the big pieces like a black wall, grand chandelier, canopy bed, or big wall piece, we’d like to remind you to not forget about the small touches. These “small touches will make a big impact and adding the lighter colors mixed into the moody hues will keep it from feeling cavelike,” says interior designer Heather West of Designs by Heather.
Think of “featuring motifs like skeletons, bats, and candle-lit rooms [to] embrace both elegance and the macabre,” says Elise. Incorporating elements like “antique mirrors, candelabras, lanterns with metal grills and stained glasses [can also help] transform the space for those who revel in the beauty of darkness,” adds Soumen.
While we did note the importance of a dark color palette, Heather reminds us that the gothic aesthetic is a “fine balance of heavy and light.” For example, consider “adding heavy dark furniture pieces mixed with a few lighter color pieces [for] a beautiful blend.”
Alongside a dark color palette, dramatic lighting, and lots of textures, incorporate small details as well. Balance the light and the dark, add whimsical items, and remember to make the space yours.
