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The Gothic interior design and the medieval interior represent the same era – however, the similarities end in the Middle Ages. They are two pretty unique styles.
Often times, the term Gothic Victorian house interior makes people think of creepy, shabby mansions with black walls and windows with heavy curtains that shut out all light. The typical idea of a Gothic room makes most people shudder.
In reality, Victorian Gothic is an architectural style found as early as the 1740s with such beautiful and intricate designs that modern homeowners are trying to incorporate these Gothic interior design features into the appearance of their homes.
The modern Gothic interior design movement offers intricate, elegant, and beautiful pieces for your home. To incorporate this opulent style into your home, there are various descriptions of the style followed by ideas that will inspire your Gothic-inspired interior design.
The Gothic
Gothic architecture first appeared in the Middle Ages around 1150 AD when it became an important part of building planning. At the time it was known as “the French style”.
There are still many beautiful examples of the Gothic style in the UK and across Europe in general and in Paris, France in particular. The design is most evident in the Gothic cathedrals that were built over centuries.
Today, this work presents an opportunity for modern society to recognize the significant ability, infinite determination, and solid engineering that goes into creating these formidable structures. The “flying pillar”, perhaps the most famous Gothic element today, was created in the Middle Ages. A perfect example of an early flying pillar is the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, a Gothic cathedral famous around the world.
The “pointed” Gothic style was an ornate look used in doors, chairs, and archways in a way that medieval society had never seen before. Architects used symmetry proportionally to balance the space of the Gothic interior.
The Gothic interior design also introduced the divinely inspired, ecclesiastical style, which marked an era when the Catholic Church had triumphed over paganism across Europe. This divine movement created a new age of breathtaking Gothic-style cathedrals that spurred engineers to invent new construction methods to support the extreme bulk required for these majestic structures.
The Gothic style
Now when you think of Victorian Gothic style, imagine old, intricately decorated churches instead of dark, desolate rooms. Imagine a sanctuary with stately Gothic stained-glass windows with intricate designs made from shamrocks or roses. Majestic fireplaces hold court under the exposed wooden rafters and beams, while fluttering candlelight completes the divinely inspired look.
Gothic design was a vertical style created by the looming Gothic arch, and as the windows got larger and larger, light played a bigger role in Gothic decor. This increased amount of light and airflow enlivened the once dark and somber feel of Romanesque churches.
Distinctive features of the Gothic style
Gothic furniture – Gothic Victorian furniture was made from heavy, sturdy oak and decorated with antique patterns. The chairs, headboards, and cabinets were rich in arches, legs with spiral twists, and cushions made of heavy fabrics of dark, majestic colors. If you find inspiration in Gothic design, consider pieces from an old church, including pews, pews, altar chairs, or trestles. The Arts and Crafts era pieces of furniture share similar motifs and are an acceptable alternative for your Gothic room.
Gothic color – With majestic architecture and heavy furniture, the Gothic style is suitable for rich and dark colors. The Gothic Victorian house had somber hues of purple, ruby, black, ocher, forest green, and gold – the best addition to the rich, majestic feel of the furniture and design. Gothic patterns of flowers and green were used to cover walls.
Stencil designs, heraldic symbols, and the popular tromp l’oil 3D design effect were widely used in Gothic interior design. Gothic designers painted walls in flat colors to simulate a stone surface and covered the walls with fabric hangings and tapestries. Stained glass windows were accented with wrought iron, full armor, pewter, and candles. Carved ribs and cornices were often found in the designs.
Gothic Influences – The church was the main influence on Gothic designs, and this ecclesiastical inspiration is evident in its style. Architecturally, the Gothic was based on the Roman and Medieval styles with intricately carved wooden elements and open decorative tracery that is often found in the upper parts of stained glass windows.
Achieve Gothic interior design in your home
Dramatic elegance
Don’t be afraid to be dramatic in your Gothic interior, but keep it elegant.
This is not a design for the shy or understated. If you’re creating a gothic home, drape these high quality fabrics. Use heavy, carved wooden furniture with curved decorations. Design your Gothic living room with lots of decorative details. Your goth bedroom will be decadent, luxurious, and highly sensual.
Wallpaper for Victorian styling
Gothic houses should have wallpaper if you want them to stay true to their Gothic roots.
Choose from an ornate, patterned wallpaper to create your favorite version of the Gothic style. Other walls that have not been wallpapered should be painted with strong colors.
Colors to choose from in Gothic interior design
Use black, sparingly, or in moderation in Gothic homes. You don’t want to fall into the Gothic stereotype of a dark, haunted mansion. Focus on the rich, dramatic colors of this era. Medieval Gothic buildings have walls in dark but vibrant colors, including emerald green, deep burgundy, ruby red, or a dark ocean blue.
Fabrics to choose from for Gothic interiors
Again, you should choose bold and dramatic, yet elegant materials for your modern Gothic space.
To achieve a Gothic style, choose silk, satin, and velvet fabrics with rich and bold colors, patterns, and textures. Velvet is a nice touch for curtains or modern Gothic furniture covers. Satin works well on curtains, bedding, and pillows. Think glamor and decadence when choosing fabrics for your Gothic home decor.
Accessories to choose from for a Gothic house interior
The Victorian Gothic houses contained many intricately designed decorations. You should choose exhibits with heavy wrought iron, metal, wood, or stone elements. Some good examples are pottery, wooden lights, carved sconces, and wrought iron lamps. Add art to your home by searching for Gothic paintings.
Set the tone in a Gothic mansion interior
The tone of a modern Gothic interior design should be dark and moody while avoiding the “haunted house” stereotype. To do this, you can choose a background image from several collections with black features in unique patterns. You may also want to choose black Gothic style furniture, decorated with intricate details. After all, a single, eye-catching, standalone piece will give yours Gothic room Add focus and some color.
Final thoughts on Gothic interior design
There are so many different styles and pieces that can be added for a Victorian Gothic look. Think about how intense you want your Gothic interior style to be. Add in all of the dramatic elements we discussed including the fabric, textures, rich colors, dark wallpaper, heavy drapes, dramatic windows, moldings, and attention grabbing architecture. Don’t forget the gothic bedroom furniture for a decadent feel in your gothic style home.
If the whole Gothic package Seems a little much to your liking then use a few pieces in this style to accent your room by choosing items like dramatic curtains or an intricately carved dark wood table. A touch of Gothic home decor still gives your home sensuality.
As with any style choice, you can go in full force or take a more subtle, reserved approach.
Have you used the Victorian Gothic style in your home? What pieces did you choose to add that dramatic flair to your home?
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