The Budget-Friendly Addition That Can Give A Bathroom A Gothic Vibe

Gothic style is perhaps most widely recognized by its moody color palette and ostentatious architecture. But there's more to the look than just gargoyles and buckets of black paint. In fact, the style is steeped in romanticism, often expressed through luxe fabrics like velvet and lace, voluptuous layers, and deep shades of purple, crimson, and even emerald. Embracing the gothic vibe is embracing not just darkness but luxury. And what better place than your bathroom to give yourself a little luxury touched with romance? If you'd like to get the look but aren't ready to fork over pounds of gold for expensive renovations, there are some budget-friendly alternatives. Paint and stain, yes, but we're talking more about the details: towels, curtains, mirrors, art, and decor elements.

The Gothic style dawned in the Middle Ages and was characterized by sharp, tall, and ornately carved structures that embraced dark color palettes and ignored traditional, symmetrical design rules. One specific budget-friendly upgrade is using velvet as a shower curtain fabric to add a luxurious look to your bathroom. Embellish your Gothic-inspired shower curtain with hooks like the Sunlit Round Black Diamond Crystal Gem Shower Curtain Hooks. Continue to up the style a notch by bringing in some vintage furnishings or artistic touches to finish off your gothic bathroom. Complement the shower curtain by trading out basic bathroom curtains for faux velvet curtains; adding a black lace shade underneath will give you that rich, layered effect — and some privacy — while letting the natural light in.

It's no surprise that dark colors are a fixture of gothic-inspired design, but that doesn't mean you have to limit yourself to black. In fact, deep shades of violet or scarlet may be some of the best paint colors to bring a gothic vibe to your home. Dark charcoal grey is another, perhaps more versatile, option if you're working to incorporate dark colors in a more traditional palette. But instead of painting all the walls in your bathroom, keep the budget in check by staining or painting just your cabinets or shelves.

However, there are a variety of ways in which you can bring a touch of the ancient style to your space. Focus on the topical touches; rather than changing out your bathroom vanity, for example, simply stain or paint it. Add texture and style with extra-plush black towels. Incorporate polished metals that are signature to the gothic look by swapping out your towel bar for one in gold or brass. Layer crimson hand towels over the black ones for a voluptuous, opulent look. Add some sculptural art elements to your mirror, or use touches of gold in your color scheme. Or bring in some vintage furnishings or art. Continue to up the style a notch by bringing in some vintage furnishings or artistic touches to finish off your gothic bathroom.

Gargoyles, perhaps obviously, are synonymous with this design, but they aren't the only way to bring art or sculpture into your bathroom. Trade out your basic mirror for one with a highly sculptured frame painted in a dark color — or gold. Or, simply add ornate trim around your existing wall mirror. Bring in some extra tall, ornately designed candle sticks and arrange them around the edges of your tub. You could even find a faux fireplace with a vintage look and fill it with pillar candles. Details like an ornate stool, sconces, or a clothes hamper similar to the iEGrow Black Laundry Hamper can finish off the look.

Creating a gothic vibe in your bathroom doesn't have to cost a fortune. And when it comes to creating a lavish feel in your bathroom, the Gothic style is one unique bathroom design idea you shouldn't overlook. With its rich palette of color and textures, bringing the dark romance of the Middle Ages to your bathroom might just give you the oasis of your dreams. There are loads of gothic bathroom ideas to make your space feel like a luxury oasis.