Living Room Decorating Ideas With A Gothic Theme

The Gothic architectural and design style was predominant during the Middle Ages, with its pointed arches, stained glass windows, rich colors, and intricately carved patterns. It regained popularity in Victorian times, and again in modern day interior decorating. Think of medieval castles and cathedrals when designing your living room in a Gothic style.

Painting and Decorating Walls

To imitate the stone walls of Gothic interiors, give your walls a stone-textured look with faux painting. Sponge paint grey tones on black or beige tones on brown to achieve this finish. Alternatively, paint your living room walls a deep shade of blue, red, or another rich color.

Medieval style wall tapestries are great ornamentation for your walls. Some typical Gothic patterns include Celtic knot work, fleur-de-lis designs, stylized dragons or lions, and the tree of life. You may also want to hang wallpaper on an accent wall in the room. Keep the pattern ornate and in colors like red and gold.

Looking for Gothic Furniture

Furniture in Gothic style can be found at antique stores or yard sales selling old church furniture. Look for items that are heavy and bulky, in dark wood with intricate carvings and wrought iron embellishments. Sofas upholstered in rich brocade fit in with the Gothic theme, as do wooden chairs with pointed arches and carved designs on the tall backs. Benches that have an antique look can provide seating as well.

You may also like to include a display cabinet or armoire in your living room. Gothic furniture may feature carvings of lions’ heads or medieval castle scenes. Since these pieces are large and imposing, keep them to a minimum, especially if you don’t have a very large living room.

Romantic lighting

Illuminate your Gothic living room with candlelight and an elaborate chandelier. Candleholders made of pewter or wrought iron can be paired or clustered on end tables and cabinet surfaces. Wrought iron wall sconces in scroll or fleur-de-lis designs enhance the Gothic theme. Hang a large black metal chandelier from the ceiling to complete the look.

Stone fireplaces and stained glass windows also add to the Gothic theme. Replace a small glass window with a panel of stained glass, or mount the stained glass panel on an easel in front of a light source.

Gothic accessories

When selecting accessories for your living room, look for metal plates and dishes, and earthenware bowls and vases. Wall decor and decorative wall grilles with heraldic designs like shields, crowns, and stylized lions are characteristic of the Gothic theme. If you are able to find a medieval suit of armor or sword, it can be dramatic addition to the room. Gothic stone art is another popular accessory, featuring gargoyles in different poses and characteristics.

The fabrics in the room should be heavy and thick, such as velvet and damask. Look for curtains with fringe trimming and deep colors. Area rugs should have traditional, floral, or heraldic patterns. Framing for mirrors and pictures can be solid wood or decorative wrought iron.