How to Achieve a Whimsigothic Decor Look
The whimsigothic decor trend is the latest look to take the internet by storm. It includes both a personal and home aesthetic style.
The home style is hard to pin down as it is a blend of cottagecore, boho, Gothic, and dark academia all mixed into one. While the whimsigothic style is hard to quantify, we see the appeal. It is lush, warm, and appealing to all of our senses.
As we head into the cool weather season, this is just the kind of style that we need to make our homes feel more snug and luxurious.
What is Whimsigothic Decor?
In its most simple form, whimsigothic decor is a combination of whimsical and Gothic design. In its modern form, it is a revamp of popular styles from the ‘80s and ‘90s in shows like Buffy, the Vampire Slayer and Sabrina the Teenage Witch. According to PureWow, the style is a “balancing act in and of itself where warm, earthy jewel tones and sprawling greenery are offset by edgy, mystical decor.”
In truth, whimsigoth will be interpreted by different people in their own unique ways. That is one of its major attractions. No two rooms or homes will be the same. They will share some similar characteristics and an overall look, but the details will change based on the practitioner.
Whimsigothic Design Tips
Here are a few general design characteristics that will give you the whimsical Gothic look. As noted, this style will look different for everyone, so have some fun with it!
Dark and Moody Jewel Tone Color Scheme
This look works well with a jeweled-tone backdrop. From dark and sultry blue to warm amber, either tone will create the ideal landscape for your other decor. Paint the walls, ceiling, and molding for an all-encompassing look.
Or, if this is a new style you are trying out, just paint one focal wall to give you the look without going all in. For other color options, consider lush emerald green, rich amethyst, or even a golden yellow.
Luxurious and Romantic Textiles
Historic Gothic decor like Victorian Gothic uses rich and luxurious textiles to warm up its spaces. The whimsy Goth aesthetic loves fabrics like velvet but incorporates patterns like stripes and florals. Embroidered quilts that work in boho styles are excellent for this style too.
For whimsigothic curtains, the more flowing the better. Use layered curtains with swags and valances. Find crocheted lace curtains for a simple style or choose velvet for a more elegant look.
In a whimsigoth bedroom, add extra layers which could include a bed canopy or a soft velvet quilt folded at the bottom of the bed. When considering textiles, don’t forget about the floor. Be sure to use a rich colored rug design that is intricate and detailed.
Add Earthy Textures
Use organic textures throughout your rooms to tap into the earthy quality of the whimsy Goth style. These include salt crystal lights, wooden sculptural objects, gemstones, and leather. This will keep your design grounded and connect it with the mystical and cottage quality that is so attractive in whimsical Goth decor.
Whimigoth Wallpaper
If you want a more layered look for your walls, try adding some wallpaper to give it some added color and textural interest. Lean into the mystical side of whimsy Goth with celestial wallpaper, or go full whimsy with a delicate floral print.
As with all whimsigothic decor, this doesn’t need to be an all or nothing thing. Choose just one wall to add wallpaper, or change it up and put it on your ceiling. That way, it can inspire you as you drift off into sleep.
Antique and Vintage Furniture
Whimsigothic is aligned with cottagecore design, so it makes sense that vintage and antique furniture works well in both styles. Find bright colored and distressed furniture to give your room the feeling of authenticity and well-worn comfort. For whimsigothic bedrooms, iron beds are preferred. They have a curvy and intricate style that figures well into both the Gothic and whimsical sides of this look.
The best way to look for whimsigothic furniture is by combing through antique and second hand shops for wooden and iron furniture choices. Distressed pieces give just the right amount of superb texture and ambience in whimsigothic inspired rooms.
Trailing Greenery
Bring your room just a bit closer to nature with the introduction of real or faux greenery. You can add a variety of houseplants to create your own indoor jungle or just trail some vines around the room to give your room a more lush appearance. Combine the greenery with fairy lights to create your own cozy paradise.
Extra Details
Add in touches of whimsigothic decor throughout your space. This may include accents from the natural world including flowers (both dried and fresh), pine cones, seed pods, and nuts gathered in bowls and jars, candles to give your home an ethereal feel, crystal sun catchers, eclectic wall art that leans toward the romantic or dark, celestial accents, and sculptural items of interest.
Whimsigothic Decor Pieces
It is wonderful that the whimsigothic style is so open-ended. But if you don’t know where to start, here are a few suggestions to kick-start this design style in your home.
Whimsigothic Flower Stand
This Gothic style flower stand is made by Alchemist Storage. This design blends the intricate and delicate look of Gothic design with test tube style vases. Its slim shape is perfect for a random window sill or ledge where you can display either fresh or dried flowers and plants.
Black Taper Candles
These black taper candles from Lichtbringer Company are not just moody and dramatic, they have a surprising red center and a spicy sweet smell. Display them in a delicate candelabra or bundle them for display. Either way, they will give your room a superb finishing touch.
Earthy Wall Decor
This beautiful mushroom wall display from Pondok Wood Carving adds just a bit more whimsy to your overall whimsigothic aesthetic. This three-dimensional piece is carved from jempinis wood from woodcrafters in Bali. The organic texture and multi-colored wood make this piece a one-of-a-kind.
Whimsigothic Wallpaper
Dark and jewel-toned wallpaper decorated with butterflies from the Wallpaper Peak Shop will satisfy anyone looking for the ideal whimsigothic background for their room. Accent this wallpaper using the other jewel tones in the design and you are already halfway to creating an overall dramatic look.
Crystal Sun Catchers
Hang these colorful sun catchers from Ripplex Love in your windows to be in a rainbow all the time. They craft these using genuine crystal gemstones and crystal beads.
Gallery Wall Art
If you want to lend a slight dark edge to your whimsygoth decor, consider these downloadable pictures from Illumina Magick Press. They strike just the right balance between Gothic and whimsy. Print the pictures in an array of different sizes to create a gallery wall that works for your space.
Celestial Pillow
Opt for anything celestial when considering decor for your whimsigothic room. Think bed coverings, wall art, wallpaper, or room decorations using these night sky themes. This 16 x 16 inch pillow cover from soul look features a classic crescent moon and star design in a jeweled blue polycotton fabric.
Velvet Quilt
If you are looking for a luxurious quilt to top off your bed or just to snuggle with on the sofa, consider a velvet quilt like these from Indo China Silk in one of the deep jewel toned colors. While this item may be pricier than some of the other options, you will feel the quality of the silk velvet that gets softer over time.
Whimsiogothic in Your Home
The quickest way to achieve this look is by creating a background and then adding decor as you get it. Create a background by painting your room a deep jewel tone or using a wallpaper. You don’t want to rush the process of acquiring decor pieces as this look is best curated over time.
The best way to look for whimsigothic furniture is by combing through antique and second hand shops for wooden and iron furniture choices. Distressed pieces give just the right amount of superb texture and ambience in whimsigothic inspired rooms.
Whimsigothic is a fun and playful style that taps into our love of textured and natural things with just a hint of luxury. Go for a full whimsigothic look or just add in some fun pieces to your home decor. This style works because it is up to each person what they make of it.