The Gothic decor ideas and architecture are an intensely visual expression that dates back to mid-12th century France. It came to light only in the 16th century,inspite of its origin in the Middle ages. The “Gothic architecture” spread to other North European regions, as confirmed by ‘Britannica’ editors. Gothic has taken a place to express a more Victorian and European angle to an old-world aesthetic. With the rise in popularity of vintage rustic-inspired spaces, furniture, and clothes. Gothic takes a front seat and it introduced more intricate details to the picture.
After loosing its prevelance, the Gothic style decor idea has seen growth in its familiarity. As a result, there is a newfound love for gothic home decor ideas. One only needs to have a keen eye in finding the suitable characteristics of a Gothic-inspired interior.
Building Blocks of Gothic Decor Ideas Styling Character
There might be many nuanced details that often pass the eye in Gothic design and architecture. Architecture History researchers ‘Khaled, M & Dewidar, K ‘ did in-depth research on “Gothic Architecture and Style”. Six points that surfaced from the study are as follows:
- Stained Glass
- Ornate Decorations
- Mystic Statues
- Design Connections
- Cruciform Layout
- Rich colours in interiors
Now, this gives you an immediate sense of the theme of the above aspects.
01. Massive Stained Glass
With windows that run the length of walls, they become an essential feature that distinguishes Gothic aesthetics. The window illustrates stained glass, depicting instances from the Bible in a designed manner. The window poses as a representative art of spiritual belief. Additionally, providing a colourful charm to the interiors.
It gives the stories painted on it the mythical and whimsical effect. The Good Samaritan window of the Cathedral Notre-Dame de Chartres depicts holistic impact of the same. The panel connects 24 stained glass panels to represent the Second Coming on Judgement Day.
02. Ornate Decorations of Gothic Decor Ideas
The origin of the aesthetics is from mid-12th century Europe, giving it plenty of details to work. From furniture to wall textures, every element has intricately designed details that bring out the old-world charm of its theme.
The use of materials like sheen velvet or silk fabrics and dark stain wooden furniture takes credit for the ornate feel of Gothic decor ideas. Undeniably, a rich addition to grand spaces such as Castles and Churches.
03. Mythical Statues
Mythical statues used in Gothic aesthetics are present in interiors, façades and extensively in gargoyles, which form an integral part of the building’s exterior. They are the protectors of the churches saving from evil spirits. Their structural purpose is to prevent the rainwater from ruining the walls.
04. Historical Connection & Importance
The historical charm connects the era of the origin of the gothic style decor ideas. With the amalgamation of English and Gothic Architecture, structures like Canterbury Cathedral arose, along with several other churches. This picked progressively with every Gothic Era until the Late Gothic. This historical charm has attracted people worldwide to stand in awe of the Gothic detailing that never gets old. If different architectural styles excite you, take a ride of the
05. Cruciform Layout
The layouts of most churches form a cruciform in their arrangements. It depicts the form of a Christian cross, with long halls and narrow paths. It is a way of representing the death of Jesus Christ, engraved onto the church. Each wing takes care of different spaces in a church, with the long spinal corridor leading the user to a grand ending at the altar. The narrow and tall form of the cruciform gives the space a dramatic effect, adding to the ceiling details of Gothic decor ideas.
06. Dark Gothic Decor Ideas with Rich Colors Interiors
Gothic is a word that immediately brings in the picture of darkness. It uses the same theme colours. There is a sense of darkness in the huge space as the structure consists of iron and stonework.For gothic decorating ideas living room can utilize richly coloured curtains, carpets, furnishing etc. break this monotony. Taking it a step forward is the mood-setting lighting fixtures that are grand and decorative Chandeliers and scones for the ceiling and walls, respectively. Culture and design share an indispensable relationship; to know why that happens, check out
Modern Adaptation of Gothic Style Decor Ideas
Gothic aesthetics incorporates into contemporary households with a new-age twist. With the essence of Victorian prints, rich drapery, and aesthetic detailing, one can find immense pleasure in being a part of this setting.
10 Decor Inspiration for a Modern take on Gothic Decor Ideas
Architectural academician ‘McIntyre D’ has researched “From Medieval to Modern: The Relationship between Gothic and Modern Design in English Architecture”. It sheds light on the modern adaptation of Gothic architecture and its elements. If the Gothic elements mesmerised you, let’s explore the key ideas to create your Gothic paradise.
01. Victorian Gothic Wall Decor Idea Prints
The intricately designed details throughout space are a popular element of gothic aesthetics. You can bring in the same feature using a simple tool like wallpaper. For creating a simple Gothic wall decor idea, place the centrepiece among the more subdued wall. Choose colours like emerald green, blood-red or royal blue. These colours give out royal vibes!
You can use a lighter colour to stamp on prints on a solid base of the paint. These will be a single design that loops in itself, creating a complex design that will be repeated throughout the surface. The print, combining the rich colour palette, will embody a Grand and royal spatial quality. If you wish to create such a wall for gothic decor on a budget, check out how to do a colour block for DIY instructions.
02. Rich Drapery oozes Elegance
Rich colours and textures are always related to the Old European castles. The same features can also be brought into drapery, with thick velvet curtains over lighter ones. The curtains can be either printed with a similar pattern as the feature wall or left plain with rich textured fabric for gothic decorating ideas living room.
Furniture is upholstered with rich and beautifully printed textiles that are smooth to the touch and of the highest quality. Other forms of drapery will include carpets and tablecloths that can have similar intricate detailing on them. It can be a tedious task to take care of them, make sure to look at the care and maintenance of curtains to ease the task. In the gothic room decor idea, the colour palette of the curtains can continue with rich colours like reds, blues, and greens. On the contrary, furnishing, tablecloths, and carpentry can take a contrasting creamy beige or golden colour to complement the same Gothic room decor idea.
03. Intricate Moldings
Crown moulding and arcs further embellish the details in the space. You can achieve a similar grandeur using artificial stone walls, faux hearth mantle, or even scones inspired by a castle aesthetic. As these are the features seen in most houses, changing textures and colours to a deeper or subtler one in balance with a rich gothic room decor ideas can be suggested.
Moulding in the house can run as a Chair Rail on the non-feature walls and follow a simple design for a subtler look. Additional mouldings are added to the bottom, also called wainscot; just in case you want to go all out. Have a look at the Wainscot guide to get an in-depth idea.
The key is to find the balance in the gothic wall decor ideas between all the rich colours and intricate detailing, as too much of the same can ruin the whole setting.
04. Ambient Lighting & Fixtures for a win
Gothic aesthetics in the modern world require you to find the most ambient lighting on the warmer side. Chandeliers inspired by a royal palace in Europe can be the obvious choice. But relying on other modern interpretations of the same to create a similar effect can also be used for gothic bedroom decor ideas. Recessed lighting of an ambient warm hue and scones is used as well. Gothic bathroom decor ideas include these ambience lighting tones.
05. Minimalistic with Black Accents
Bringing in the darkness of the Gothic aesthetic, the addition of dark or black feature accents that run throughout the space can add to the theme. That would make it light and minimalistic yet Gothic-inspired without overcrowding it like the original aesthetic. For one, you can go for a feature gothic wall decor idea; black with a lighter shade for the intricate detailing.
Furniture frame is made up of simple darker wood. Additionally, the lighting option can have fixtures or pendants of black accents. Also, provide a contrasting adjacent colour to the black accents you use. If you go for a darker furniture set, the flooring can be a lighter wood or marble, accentuating the same. If the walls, flooring, and curtains are darker; the furnishing has to of a lighter shade of brown. In gothic bathroom decor ideas setting, floor and wall tiles are light in the shade while the furnishings are dark.
06. Dark Themed Antique Furnishing
Spaces are filled with vintage furniture framed in intricate designs. That will categorize the area into the Gothic decor ideas theme and tie the added elements into an old-world charm. With the increased interest in recreating this ambience, several online stores have popped up with vintage-inspired modern furniture. These come with the essential features of an antique piece that is rendered to be a simpler version of it.
You can also find them in your go-to furniture stores, although the options for the same might be comparatively fewer. Of course, if nothing works, you can always go to the nearest second-hand or vintage furniture store that sells authentic ones. It will be a great help if you want to create gothic decor on a budget. The furniture that goes well with Gothic bedroom decor ideas will also become an investment you will hardly regret in the coming years.
07. Dramatic Effect with Candles and Showpieces
Adding to the Gothic decor ideas theme, you can even accentuate the spatial decor with candles and candlesticks. It brings out authenticity even further. These can be placed in shared spaces as decor for the mantlepiece or the centre adornment for the dining tables.
Mythological deities’ showpieces, antique storage boxes, and vases are used to decorate common areas. An element like a clock can represent the Roman numerals to merge with the theme. In addition, innovative and creative tips are available for brightening a room.
08. Maximalism in Gothic Decor Idea
The actual body of a Gothic aesthetic, especially for an interior, lies in the elements in the room. It is an aesthetic of maximalism, where there is no limitation in design expression. It features old patterns with vibrant colour palettes. Along with it, various accessories adorn the space. These include wall paintings and sculptures to all forms of drapery and furnishings.
The maximalism that may come from adding these features is a trait of the Gothic room decor ideas, as it uses similar design features. The darkness and the use of interiors rich in patterns, colours and accessories contribute to the similarities in both gothic style decor ideas.
09. Go out of the box with a Detailed Ceiling
Traditionally, Gothic decor ideas ceilings have featured ribbed vaults, which can be challenging to replicate in a household. But the critical aspect is that the roof is also a canvas for decorations and design. Following the same, you can incorporate simple to intricate designs that complement the space’s lighting fixture. The presentation of ancient mythologies as just repeating patterns can be a starting point for the same. It is an essential feature for gothic decorating ideas living room, especially if you have a tall ceiling.
10. Wooden Textures tying up the Theme
Wood, a prominent element in mid-12th century homes, can add to the theme. Wood flooring complements dark interior spaces. It is a critical element in the furnishings that is also a part of Gothic Interiors. The reclaimed wood is used for building storage space around the house. While vintage furniture can bring in an antique charm.
The type of wood used can be Oak, Maple, Teak, etc. The hue of the wood is a critical aspect irrespective of the type of wood. A bright shade of fabric furnishing gives a subtle complement to the dark shade of maple. Perfect beds carved from these woods enhance the gothic bedroom decor ideas. Meanwhile, a light oak can complement the entire dark theme of the space. To regain the charm of scratched wood, follow the tips to remove scratches from wood furniture.
Doubts about Gothic Decor Ideas
The exciting elements of Gothic decor ideas are presented to you. Also, different ways of appropriating in modern times. But, there are some frequently asked doubts.
FAQs about Gothic Architecture & Décor
Let’s have a look through a few and decipher them.
01. Are there subcategories in the Gothic style that I can explore?
Following its time of origin, Gothic architecture has different eras as Early, High, and Late Gothic. Early Gothic followed the typical characteristics of Gothic architecture, while the High Gothic was more decorative. The intricacy of geometrical element details grew over time. These features are visible in the designs of the moulding and windows, etc. The later gothic style decor ideas were even further intricate with the usage of s-shaped stone window tracery.
02. Can lighter elements make Gothic interiors?
Yes, of course. It is easily done using not bright light but muted and subtle light colours. That way, the theme of a dusky interior is maintained. Darker decor elements are used to accent the general light interiors. Furnishing, lighting fixtures, feature gothic wall decor ideas, etc., can contribute to the same.
03. Will it be an expensive decor to achieve?
To achieve a true Gothic interior will be expensive as that would require you to include luxurious elements and one-of-a-kind vintage pieces. If the resources and time allow, there is a possibility to find these at affordable rates. To create gothic decor on a budget, you must look for second-hand garage sales.
04. What floor heights do you need to create Gothic interiors?
The floor heights needed to achieve a Gothic decor ideas interior that goes beyond the standard 10′ as that signifies an element of luxury and space. However, correct decor elements can transform any space into a Gothic-inspired one.
Final Gothic Decor Ideas Detail
There are so many layers to Gothic decor ideas architecture that realizing and including all of them might become a burden. But, your goal is to achieve that ultimate aesthetic. In that case, the only way to go is by including luxurious elements and textures in all the decor items. Incorporating those key components can also help it remain mellowed by not overcrowding. You can choose some or all features depending on your interpretation of a modern 21st-century setting. As intricate detailing is a constant feature, this can be a single element around which all other aspects are built. It’s a choice that will be the basis of the modern Gothic home decor idea for you.
If you are looking for ways to ace your interior game, do not miss the following:
Elevate Your Living Room Design With These 4 Hacks!
Image Courtesy: Image 1(a), Image 1(b), Image 1(c), Image 1(d), Image 1(e), Image 2, Image 3, Image 4, Image 7, Image 9, Image 10, Image 11, Image 12, Image 13, Image 14, Image 15, Image 16, Image 17, Image 18, Image 19, Image 20, Image 22
Author Bio
Saili Sawantt – She is an Architect and Interior Designer by profession. Writing is what she treats as her passion. She has worked as an Architectural Writer, Editor, and Journalist for various design as well as digital portals, both national and international. Formerly she has also worked with Godrej Properties Limited (GPL) Design Studio, Mumbai, due to her keen interested in learning about Sustainability and Green buildings. Apart from this, she runs her blog ‘The Reader’s Express’ and is a practicing Architect & Interior Designer.
