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Design 101
Get Witchy and Romantic With the Whimsigoth Trend
A chill is in the air, whetting our appetite for dark, romantic, and moody vibes. Enter whimsigoth, the latest viral Tiktok aesthetic that combines whimsical charm with gothic elements. The unlikely pairing creates surprisingly enchanting rooms and spaces that retain a touch of edge and mystery — without tipping over into macabre and creepy territory. See how you can add a bit of magic to your home this season with the whimsigoth aesthetic.
What Is Whimsigoth?
Before diving into design specifics, it’s crucial to grasp the essence of whimsigoth. This new microtrend marries the fanciful, light-hearted elements of whimsy with the darker, more dramatic aspects of gothic design. Channel the ambiance of enchanted forests, moonlit nights, and ancient castles with a serene and harmonious space. The goal is to create a room that feels both moody and welcoming, full of feminine energy, luxurious edge, and undeniable class and sophistication.
Elements of Whimsigoth Aesthetic
You don’t need to shop in the Halloween decoration aisle to style a whimsigoth room. Instead of going for a childish and costumed look, here are five key elements to create an elegant and timeless atmosphere that can work year-round.
Dark Color Palette
The color scheme for a whimsigoth bedroom is essential in setting the tone. Deep, rich hues such as emerald green, midnight blue, rich plum, and Bordeaux red are staples, providing a lush and opulent foundation. These colors can be balanced with softer, more whimsical tones like lavender, blush, and silver to add a bit of levity and visual interest.
Whimsigoth Wallpaper & Murals
When it comes to the walls, consider dark, moody hues to create an enveloping atmosphere. For added texture and interest, use whimsigoth wallpaper with intricate botanical or celestial patterns. Alternatively, you can embrace a more intricate, gothic feel with a large full-wall mural that’ll instantly transport you to an enchanted forest.
Also, it’s time to ditch more modern window shades and coverings for the vintage flair of dramatic floor-length drapes ad curtains. Heavy curtains in whimsygoth’s deep color palette can enhance the cozy, cocooning, and romantic ambiance of your home. And if your room needs more sumptuous and cozy layers, consider hanging colored tapestries with intricate designs on your walls or draped over the furniture.
Rich Textures
It’s time to get comfy with fall textures. Embrace whimsigoth’s love of sumptuous and plush fabrics by incorporating velvet sofas with rolled arms or leather reading chairs. You can also enhance the soft and inviting atmosphere with faux fur elements, from throw blankets to decorative pillows.
If things are feeling a bit heavy, try adding some ethereal and feminine textures that still look luxe and high-end. We love using touches of lace and silk throughout the home.
Vintage Glitz & Glamour
Unlike the high-power shine of glam style, whimsigoth is more understated in its pops of shimmer and glow. These small elements can play a big role in adding whimsy to your space. Consider vintage table lamps with stained glass shades, wrought iron sconces, opulent chandeliers with hanging crystals, and twinkling fairy lights. Tall taper candles on gold, brass, or silver candleholders can also add a gothic touch of flickering light and stately allure.
Beyond your moody lighting, consider other whimsigoth decor that can add a bit of sparkle. We recommend ornate gilded mirrors, gold picture frames, and maybe even crystals and gemstones displayed on your shelves.
Botanical Elements
Though whimsigoth couldn’t be further from the quaint and nostalgic looks of rustic or farmhouse style, all three of these looks have a love of natural inspiration at its core. For a whimsigoth spin, turn to creeping vines, potted plants on your shelves, and dried flowers in vases that offer a pop of color that’s not too bold or sunny.
How To Style a Whimsigoth Bedroom
Similar to the romantic bedroom trend, whimsigoth aesthetic is often used in the bedroom. It’s a serene and soothing space that can benefit from a darker color palette and a moodier atmosphere. Here are some easy ways to decorate your whimsigoth bedroom:
Antique Furniture
The furniture in a whimsigoth bedroom should evoke a sense of history and fantasy. Look for pieces with ornate details, such as carved wood or wrought iron, that hark back to a bygone era. Consider a canopy bed fit for a queen with a dramatic headboard that’s made of tufted velvet or intricately carved wood. Layer it with lush, textured bedding like velvet quilts, silk sheets, and an abundance of throw pillows in various fabrics and patterns.
For functional yet gorgeous storage that fits into the overall whimsigoth theme, choose a vintage wood dresser, chest, or armoire with ornate carved detailing. You can also pair this with seating that invites more relaxation with an upholstered element. A classic armchair upholstered in a rich fabric or a chaise lounge draped with a faux fur throw can be perfect additions.
Layered Lighting
Lighting plays a pivotal role in creating the whimsigoth ambiance. Choose a mixture of lighting sources that can be layered for a soft glow that is both functional and enchanting. Chandeliers with dangling crystals, wrought iron sconces, and table lamps with stained glass shades can all contribute to the magical atmosphere. Consider using fairy lights or candles to add a soft, mystical glow.
Whimsigoth Decor
While the whimsigoth aesthetic encourages creativity and eclecticism, it’s important to maintain balance to avoid overwhelming your bedroom. Ensure that decorative elements are thoughtfully placed to create a magical and serene space.
Some common decorations found in whimsigoth bedrooms include celestial star and moon motifs through wall art, throw pillows, and patterned rugs. If you have some bare bookshelves, nightstands, and dressers, you can artfully style these surfaces with a display of vintage books, curiosities, dried flowers in vases, and mystical trinkets and crystals.
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F.A.Q.
What does whimsigoth mean?
he term “whimisgoth” was coined by Evan Collins in 2020 to describe the dark, yet playful decor of the late 1980s and early 1990s. Blending the words “whimsical” and “gothic” together, whimsigoth is a unique subculture that fuses gothic elegance with ethereal, dreamy elements.
The term has made a comeback thanks to social media trends, but the aesthetic itself has been around for a long time. Whimsigoth decor traces its roots back to the Victorian Goth period, characterized by lavish and ornate designs, heavy textiles, vintage accessories, and dark, rich colors. The whimsical style introduces lighter and more playful elements, creating a distinct style that celebrates the mysterious and fantastical.
This aesthetic is built on the moodiness of gothic style — dark colors, rich textures, and dramatic touches. But it also adds an enchanting feel with airy fabrics, warm lighting, organic materials, and celestial embellishments.
What is the difference between whimsigoth and dark cottagecore?
Whimsigoth isn’t the only aesthetic that takes on a dark, moody aesthetic with a playful twist. Dark cottagecore is another decor style that plays with deeper undertones and draws heavily from nature.
So what sets the two styles apart? The key difference is that whimsigoth leans into gothic imagery, while dark cottagecore focuses more on the rustic and cozy charm of the traditional cottage aesthetic — just with darker tones. Compared to whimsigoth's dramatic and playful feel, dark cottagecore feels cozy with a slightly surreal or spooky ambiance.
Dark cottagecore takes most of its inspiration from the natural world, with elements like overgrown greenery, foliage, and flowers. While whimsigoth can include natural elements, it tends to incorporate more subtle accents with a mystical theme. Think woodland creatures, moths, mushrooms, and celestial elements.
What is another name for whimsigoth?
The term “whimsigoth” has recently shot back into the spotlight thanks to TikTok trends celebrating the darky, witchy fashion of the 1990s. The style was first referred to as “whimsical mystical gothic celestial,” before being shortened to “whimisgoth.”
The word “whimsigoth” can also be broken down into two words — “whimsical gothic” — to further emphasize the fusion of the two styles. The whimsigoth aesthetic may also be known as “mystic goth,” “gothic fantasy,” “ethereal goth,” or “dark fairycore.”
What is the difference between bohemian and whimsigoth?
Bohemian is another home decor aesthetic that focuses on creative and eclectic styles. However, bohemian is all about the free-spirited, artistic, and earthy look, while whimsigoth focuses on darker, more gothic elements.
For bohemian home decor, expect flowing fabrics, layered textures, fringes, and tassels — all made from natural materials like cotton, linen, leather, and more. It also leans into the earthy color palette, with browns, tans, creams, and a few pops of vibrant colors.
While bohemian style is associated with the carefree, adventurous spirit of hippies and nomads, the gothic style leans more towards a darker, refined elegance. The fantastical elements also give whimsigoth a distinctly witchy feel, compared to the grounded and natural aesthetics of the bohemian style.