30 Goth Bedrooms That Will Bring Out Your Dark Side
Gothic aesthetics are ever-changing, starting with architecture and art, moving into literature, and eventually into the amalgamation of art, music, fashion, and design we have today. Gothic as an architectural movement started in the 12th century, defined by huge arches, tall buildings, stained glass, and intricate stone carvings (via Britannica).
Gothic design and art fell out of public favor in the 1500s, only to be revived in the literary scene in the 18th century, according to ThoughtCo. Lasting from 1764 to 1840, some of the most well-known authors of the gothic literary movement include Bram Stoker, Mary Shelley, and of course, Edgar Allen Poe. This is where the modern concept for goth décor and aesthetics take their biggest inspiration, combining some of the grandiose architectural elements of the 12th century with the both physically and metaphorically darker, spookier elements of the literary revival in the 18th and 19th centuries. Decorating your home in a goth fashion involves lots of dark and rich, jewel-toned colors, heavy textiles, and mystical imagery. This heaviness creates a very intimate, cozy environment, perfect for your bedroom.
1. Dark emerald pop of color
While most people associate goth design with lots of black, there's plenty of room to play with colors. Add a pop of color to your goth bedroom with a deep emerald green bedspread.
2. Classic gothic
For a more classic, 18th-century style gothic bedroom, go for more antique and Victorian vibes, including flatter colors like brick red and vintage silhouettes. Pair this with modern gothic elements for a lovely blend of old and new.
3. Cozy and autumnal
If you want more of a seasonally gothic bedroom, consider adding some darker, Halloween-inspired elements that are also conventionally goth, including spider webs, pumpkins, and darker, warmer colors.
4. Mystical imagery
Gothic literature and aesthetics have always been heavily tied into the mystical and supernatural. Add throw pillows, blankets, or other artwork depicting all things magical and otherworldly to incorporate some traditionally gothic elements in your bedroom.
5. Vampiric vibes
One of the most well-known pieces of gothic literature is Bram Stoker's "Dracula." Incorporate some vampy, goth elements in your bedroom with dark wood tones, candelabras, and bat imagery.
6. Bright and naturalistic
In the traditional sense of the word, goth doesn't have to be all dark and dreary. If you like gothic elements but prefer a brighter and livelier vibe for your bedroom, opt for dark basics (bed post, furniture, etc.) with lighter walls and floors. Liven it up with lots of plants.
7. Black and green
Dark green is just as effective as black when achieving a goth bedroom. Pairing the two together, though, creates a wonderfully dark and moody atmosphere without being too bogged down.
8. Black and white
Don't neglect the use of whites and creams in your gothic bedroom. When paired in contrast with black, the end result is a bright but very classically goth aesthetic.
9. Rich textures and patterns
More than colors, another aspect of goth décor is rich, luxurious textiles and delicate but intricate colors. Pair dark and heavy wood tones with velvets and silks. Incorporate darker, mature floral patterns for the full effect.
10. Play with colors
You don't have to include black tones at all to achieve a goth bedroom. Instead, mix and match lots of heavy, dark tones together for a similarly effective result, including dark forest greens, rich burgundy, ruby tones, and heavier colors.
11. Red and black
For an incredibly luxurious, moody, and classic goth approach, contrast an all-black bedroom with a deep crimson red bedspread.
12. Starry bedspread
The inky darkness and mystique of the cosmos is a perfect pairing for goth aesthetics. Look for a starry patterned bedspread or other astronomical imagery to pair with your other dark décor.
13. Leaf patterns
If you want to add some interest in an otherwise one or two-toned goth bedroom, consider looking for an interesting, perhaps even contrasting, pattern. For example, a leaf-shaped patterned bedspread would add contrast to the moody atmosphere of your bedroom.
14. Heavy black tones
Of course, the most classic goth bedroom approach is going all black. Make sure to add some interest by using different tones, shades, and patterns, though.
15. Victorian goth
Because the gothic literary movement coincided with the Victorian period, a lot of Victorian elements go perfectly with goth décor. The intricate wood carvings and dramatic silhouettes pair perfectly with dark and heavy colors and textures.
16. Goth elements
If you don't want to go full-out vampiric with your goth bedroom, consider carefully incorporating elements of the aesthetic. Go for a dark color pattern instead of all black, and include motifs or goth imagery, like skulls, throughout the room.
17. Velvet bedspread
On the other hand, if you want to incorporate all the gothic dramatics in your bedroom, go for a bold, luxurious black velvet bedspread paired with an intricately carved black headboard.
18. Modern approach
The traditional, 12th-century gothic design includes lots of dramatic, intricate carvings and shapes, but your modern gothic bedroom doesn't have to. Flat, straight-lined silhouettes can help modernize gothic colors, textures, and images.
19. Boho goth
For those that are a bit too earthy and flowy for the heaviness of traditional goth design, consider mixing it with an airier boho aesthetic. Incorporate black accents and dark wood tones with softer textures and lots of greenery.
20. Damask
A pattern that was very popular in the Victorian and gothic revival periods is damask. A black damask wallpaper can create a very vampy, gothic atmosphere while offering some textural intrigue.
21. Gothic inspirations
For a fun spin on gothic design, consider taking some elements, like patterns, textures, and accent colors, and combine them into something unique and goth-inspired.
22. Tapestries
Fill up empty wall space while adding to the goth atmosphere by hanging tapestries. They'll add some textural difference from frames or art, can add to or contrast the color scheme, and add gothic imagery.
23. Gothic icons
Take inspiration from some icons in the gothic art and cultural sphere, including Frankenstein's monster, Dracula, raven imagery, etc. This can be as subtle or overt as you want it to be.
24. Goth kid's room
Goth isn't just for adults — children with an affinity for all things spooky can also partake in the aesthetic. Keep it light-hearted with lighter base colors, and add the goth vibes with bat wall decals, black bedspreads, and other child-friendly, spooky images.
25. Subtle goth
If you don't want to fully commit to the goth lifestyle, you can still subtly incorporate aspects of the aesthetic in your room. For example, switch to a black wrought iron bed frame, include subtly gothic throw pillows or blankets.
26. Flat black colors
For a modern touch on a traditional all-black gothic bedroom, opt for a flat, matte black color scheme as opposed to the traditional richer tones.
27. Gothic nursery
Even the littlest of children can be included in the goth aesthetic. Decorate your baby's nursery with cute bats, mummies, ghosts, and other Halloween-inspired gothic images.
28. Eclectic goth
Gothic and minimalistic are two designs that simply don't mix. Lean into the naturally eclectic nature of goth design with lots of competing textures, rich and vibrant dark colors, and carefully cluttered bedside tables.
29. Skull patterned bedspread
Skulls are a classic goth motif. For a more overtly gothic patterned bedspread, look for one with skull images.
30. Gothic side table
Whether it's your vanity, bedside table, or entryway table, don't neglect these spaces when decorating your goth bedroom. Include skull and skeleton imagery, spooky books, Victorian silhouettes, etc.