Victorian Gothic Revival

Victorian gothic décor is having its long-overdue revival! Add classic flair to your home with dramatic, sultry, and chic design features.

Not All About Black

Victorian gothic doesn’t have to be dark and dreary. Choose navy blue, plum, and pewter colors as your focal point for your color palette. Mix matte and gloss for rich contrasts and visually striking aesthetics.

Patterns

Victorian gothic décor isn’t Victorian gothic without dramatic wallpapers. Damask is as Victorian as it gets, but floral patterns and paradise birds can shake things up. If you want to lean into the macabre, opt for beautifully designed skull and snake patterns, or black bat patterns. For rooms with wallpaper, keep all other furnishings simplistic. If you plan to paint your walls with rich, deep colors, bring bold patterns in with fabrics and wall décor.

Accents

The devil is in the detail when it comes to a well-designed gothic space. Think glass knobs and intricate scrollwork on furnishings. Spray paint your picture frames black, and add pops of gold, pewter, or silver to bring a bit of glam to your gothic aesthetic.

Furnishings

When furnishing your space, look for overstuffed, high-backed, and tufted couches and armchairs. Bring in some drama with a heavy, intricately carved fireplace mantle and opt for classic side tables and lamps. Don’t forget the fainting couch or chaise lounge in your home library.

Materials And Fabrics

Victorian gothic décor can easily feel heavy and lend an oppressive air to a room—balance thick velvet with light and airy chiffons. Layer your curtains, and be sure to let the light in by keeping the curtains open during the day. No one will see your chic décor in dark and drab lighting.

Speaking Of Lighting

Set the ambiance with wall sconces, chandeliers, and candelabras instead of garish overhead lighting. Use elaborately framed mirrors to amplify the lighting in dark-walled rooms. Set the mood in your sitting room with beautifully crafted lamps, or just toss a log on the fire to add some warmth to your space.

Fine China, stem wear, table linen

Set the mood for a midnight meal (or any meal, really) with an exquisite set of fine china, stem wear, and table linens. Every meal can be a feast when your table is always set. Create a space in your home for high tea and take time each day to enjoy an afternoon tea and crumpets in style.

Go Green With Black And Purple

Bring some life into your home with beautiful and dramatic plants. Gothic gardening is tres chic this year, and you’ll have an easy time finding some of the most stunning plants to add to your décor. Zamioculcas zamiifolia “Raven” is a waxy, shiny and black beauty of a houseplant, with lower water needs. “Burgundy Ripple” Peperomia caperata is a dark purple, broad-leafed plant that can sit short and pretty in any room. Persian Shield plants offer drama all their own with gorgeous, glossy black and purple leaves.