Gothic

Let’s not pretend this style is for everyone. Gothic interior design isn’t chasing TikTok trends or trying to blend in. It’s brooding, romantic, full of shadows and stories. It’s the design equivalent of a stormy sky, a candle flickering in a cathedral, or the slow creak of a wooden floorboard in the dead of night.

If you’ve ever walked into an old bookstore and felt like you were home, this style is your soulmate.

Here’s what it actually is: Gothic design pulls from medieval architecture — castles, churches, libraries where you whisper even when you’re alone. It’s got a thing for drama. Arched windows, ribbed ceilings, carved wood furniture that weighs more than your first car.

But before you go Googling “how to install a gargoyle,” know this: Gothic can absolutely work in a modern space. You just need the right elements.

Start with color. Black isn’t optional. But don’t stop there — mix in oxblood, deep emerald, sapphire blue, burnt gold. The kind of colors that look good in candlelight. Glossy white walls? Forget ‘em. You want rich, matte textures that absorb light and make you feel like whispering.

Furniture should feel like it came from a 17th-century manor or a really well-curated flea market. Carved wood. High-backed chairs. Velvet. Leather. Pieces with curves, weight, and presence. Nothing beige. Nothing “midcentury inspired.” Gothic laughs in the face of your West Elm sectional.

Lighting is everything. You want warmth, flicker, shadow. Candlesticks (real or fake), low-hanging chandeliers, sconces if you’re lucky. That soft, glowy light that makes everything feel like a secret.

Textiles are your friend — velvet, brocade, tapestry, anything that feels a little bit extra. Heavy curtains that block out the world. Rugs with patterns so intricate they look like coded messages. A throw blanket that looks like it belonged to an 1800s poet who died dramatically.

Oh — and don’t be afraid of the weird stuff. A candelabra. A skull-shaped vase. A baroque mirror. Gothic is supposed to be intense. It’s supposed to make your guests say “Whoa.” Then lower their voice.

This isn’t a trend. It’s a vibe. A full-on, unapologetic mood. If your dream home looks like it might be haunted — but in a romantic way — Gothic’s calling.

Answer it.