The Two Flavors of Goth Style
When I started research on the Goth style I expected to find skulls and lots of black. I found that and more. Although Etsy has Goth listed as a style category, its roots probably start in Victorian Gothic. The Victorian Gothic architectural movement dates back to the 1740s. Fastforward to our century and you’ll find one flavor of Goth decor that makes for a fun, funky dorm room or the flavor of a glamorous, decadent of Victorian Gothic. While writing this I had an unexpected realization and found an interesting twist.
The Basics of Goth Home Decor
Either flavor of Goth style will have many opulent details. It is meant to be comfortable and relaxing. At the same time the dark, enchanting beauty of Victorian Gothic might make you feel like you are in a fantasy room. The architecture is ornate with heavy moldings, wainscot, square panels, thick crown molding, arched doors and windows, and stained glass windows. Wrought iron accents are found in stair railings, windows, and doorways.
Gothic Textures
The fabrics of goth style are dark and heavy. While the fabrics of Victorian Gothic are grand, rich damask, brocade, silk, flocked velvet, and velvet. You’ll also find white or black lace. Drapes are long, heavy, fringed with thick tiebacks. Other goth decor textures include dark marble, heavy wrought-iron, and dark woody browns.
Gothic Color Palette
Goth home decor colors are dark — black, red, silver, deep purple. Add in royal red, dark ocean blue, gold, deep burgandy, emerald green, and other jewel-tones for the Victorian Gothic flavor of goth style.
The Details of Goth Decor
Furnishings in a goth styled home are imposing, carved and ornate, such as dark wood beds with fabric hangings or huge arched bookcases. Walls would be covered with murals, tapestries or mysterious works of art. Goth style accessories would include:Strange but appealing ornaments
Haunted pictures
Lots of candles
Heavy metal or iron light fixtures
Plants plants in pretty silver, white or dark pots, with white, red flowers for a romantic goth look
Masks
Mosaics
Pottery bowls
Carved sconces
Carved stone statues of gargoyle or cherub
Heavy area rugs
Decor Twist
The interesting twist I found to this style is that several blogs I read mentioned playing music. I’ve never thought of playing music as part of the decor. I like to play music during parties, it’s especially nice during dinner parties, but never thought of it as part of the decor until now. I’m going to think more on that twist. It does add to the ambiance of gothic home decor which is meant to be both comfortable and intriguing.
Victorian Gothic is Close To Home
I specifically chose to write this article in the style defined series about goth this month, because it is the Halloween season. My unexpected realization was that Victorian Gothic is very much the style of the Biltmore House in Asheville, NC, which my mom, sister and I visited in September. You can read about that here. We were not allowed to take pictures of the inside, but you can see from these pictures the gargole and other architectural details of the house definitely fit. I’m so happy to share these pictures taken by my sister (she’s pretty amazing and super talented).
Do you decorate your home with a goth or Victorian Gothic style? Maybe just a few elements of goth? I’d love to hear so share in the comments section below if you love it or if it’s just not for you.
Blessings,
Lauree
…keep dancing the dream
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