We often associate the words ‘Victorian Gothic’ with dark, decrepit interiors, gloomy decor, and haunted creepy homes. And while gothic interiors do have a sense of mystery and drama, they are not all dark and gloomy. On the contrary, you can say that gothic interiors are all about opulence and drama! The gothic interior design originated in the 12th century in France and was quite popular until the 16th century. However, the 18th century saw a revival of this style in neo-Gothic architecture and interiors. Even today, many designers and homeowners who want a grand and regal decor often go for this style. A gothic living room design or bedroom decor boasts of decorative patterns, opulent details, ornate furnishings, and a sophisticated look.
If you’re a fan of the architecture and detailing or just love the look of elegance and grandeur, this style is for you. With its grand architecture, rich fabrics, regal colors, and ornate decor, this style can give your interiors a refined look. Gothic architecture is famous for its pointed arches, rib vaults, and flying buttresses, together with large windows and elaborate tracery. While it can give your home a regal look, it is not possible to implement unless you’re rebuilding. However, you can still give your interiors a gothic feel with some subtle changes in the decor. You can introduce heavy ornate furniture, decorative elements like mirrors, grand chandeliers, and rich fabrics and colors for a gothic feel. Let us look at some examples of utterly charming gothic living room designs for inspiration.
{ 1 } French Gothic Living Room Design
Refined Look With French Gothic Detailing In Living Room By Tartaruga Design
As we mentioned earlier, the gothic design was a vertical style with high ceilings, looming gothic arches, and ribbed vaults. It also features ornate stenciled designs, symbols, and intricately detailed carvings and trims. For example, the fireplace mantel and overmantel in this living room display a detailed gothic architecture. The high ceilings with vaults and arches also boast of gothic architecture. The heavy furniture with ornate details further enhances the period feel of the decor. You can also add some vintage candle stands, chandeliers, and floor lamps to enhance the gothic feel of the room.
{ 2 } Period Charm In Brown Living Room
Detailed Woodwork In Glamorous Brown Living Room By Tartaruga Design
Another famous feature of gothic decor is its detailed paneling and columns. This cozy living room is the perfect example of this gothic wood paneling. The neat and symmetrical paneling on the walls gives the room a period look. The ornate details in the fireplace mantel and gallery balustrades also add to this effect. The abundant woodwork and the grand fireplace also give the room warmth and character. Ornate decor items like the wall frames, table lamps, and chandelier give the room an opulent look. The leather furniture and rich fabrics of throws and pillows further enhance the refined feel.
{ 3 } Traditional Decor With Gothic Touch
Curved Furniture And Ornate Decor In Living Room By Robb And Stucky
If you’re a fan of sophisticated interiors and value elegance and glamour in decor, the gothic design is the ultimate option for you. It features ornate details, rich colors and fabrics, and a traditional look in its interiors. As in this living room, heavy furniture with a traditional look and ornate details work best with this style. Curved furniture like the sofa here is also a feature of this style. You can also add ornate mirrors, stunning wall sconces and vintage wrought-iron privacy screens for added effect. Rich colors like gold, silver, and lush textiles like velvet and silk add glamour to the design.
{ 4 } High Ceilings And Gothic Arches
Beautiful Gothic Arches And Detailed Finishes In Living Room By Jeffrey Dungan Architects
Gothic architecture was all about symmetry, balance, and details. The famous gothic pointy arches and ribbed vaults were the prominent features of many famous churches, cathedrals, universities, and institutions. However, the revival of the gothic style brought this architecture into our homes. For example, the high ceiling and gothic arches in this living room give it a gothic appeal. The traditional furniture with ornate details, wrought-iron table, vintage table lamp, and other embellishments also add to the gothic feel of the room. The colorful area rug and pillows bring some color in the neutral decor.
{ 5 } Stone Wall Fireplace In Living Room
Detailed Stone Carving In Living Room Fireplace Mantel By Cravotta Interiors
Arches, vaults, a stunning fireplace, high ceiling, and period decor make this living room a spectacular example of traditional design. From the stunning wooden floors and ornate furniture to the detailed sculptural fireplace mantel and stone walls, this room is certainly grand and excessive. You can also have a similar design in your interiors. Indeed a cozy bedroom with a stylish fireplace or a living room fireplace with detailed stonework can work wonders for your interiors. For that, you need to invest in some heavy furniture with curves, detailed woodwork, and period finish. You can also add a Persian rug and some Victorian style embellishments like vases, etc. If possible, you should implement sculptural details in your home like the stone carving or millwork shown here. It will further enhance the gothic look of the room.
{ 6 } Craftsman Design Gothic Living Room
Warm And Cozy Gothic Living Room Design By M. Knight Construction
Gothic decor does not always mean ornate heavy furniture, excessive sculptural details, or detailed woodwork. It can also be warm, bright, and cozy. For example, this craftsman-style living room has a high vaulted ceiling, wooden floors, ornate fireplace mantel and wood paneling on the walls. However, the subtlety of the furniture and simple chandeliers balance the grandeur of the design. You can also strive for a balanced look in your interiors by opting for neutral shades and simple textiles. You can also add traditional yet simpler furniture, Persian rugs, and modern artwork.
{ 7 } Farmhouse Living Room Gothic Details
Farmhouse Style Living Room With Gothic Influences By Rachel Laxer Interiors Ltd.
This English farmhouse living room design is an eclectic mix of vintage and modern pieces that celebrate its true character. The architecture features pointed arches and high vaulted ceilings reminiscent of gothic design. The detailed millwork with stained glass inlays and diamond pattern give the room a gothic period look. A vintage gold mirror and gothic chandelier further enhance this effect. However, modern furniture and bright area rug offer a wonderful contrast. You can liven up the atmosphere by adding colorful pillows and throws. Also, adding some potted plants and embellishments can enliven the decor.
{ 8 } Gothic Paneling And Antique Furnishings
Detailed Gothic Paneling And Cabinetry In Living Room By M Design Studio
The gothic style paneling and free-standing gothic cabinets in this gorgeous rustic living room design are certainly the highlights of the design. They give the room a gothic look while bringing a natural warmth to the decor. The gothic design of the wall panels and the gallery balustrades give a refined look to the decor. Ornate chandelier and wall sconces further enhance the gothic feel. You can add one or two vintage decor pieces like an ornate mirror, candelabra, or traditional furniture to create a gothic appeal in your living room. Go for period finishes, detailed works and curvy furniture for a luxurious effect.
{ 9 } Opulent And Dramatic Living Room
Elegant, Sophisticated Decor In Living Room By Catherine Boswell Designs
We often associate opulence and luxury to the Victorian era. However, the gothic designs are also full of grandeur and luxury. And you don’t always need heavy furniture with elaborate details or ornate decorations to achieve this style. Any interior decor with regal castle-like elegance and sophistication can easily replicate the gothic feel. For example, this living room looks grand without the heavy furniture or ornate tracery and finishes. The royal colors, rich fabrics, and vintage furniture easily give the room a gothic opulence. If you want, you can add decorative items like candle-holders, ornate tables, etc. However, rich fabrics and statement lighting can easily give a grand effect.
{ 10 } Refined Elegance In Gothic Decor
Gothic Style Woodwork And Wainscotting In Living Room By Cravotta Interiors
When decorating in gothic style, paying attention to details is a must. You should try to incorporate as much woodwork, stonework, and natural materials as possible. If you have high ceilings, add rib vaults and pointed arches with scrollwork if possible. Elaborate tracery, ornate millwork details, antique furniture, and natural materials can easily give a gothic feel to any interiors. You can also go for gothic lighting with detailed metalwork to make a grand statement. For example, this traditional living room design has everything you need for a gothic look. The traditional style of furniture with antique pieces like the round side table further enhances the gothic feel of the room.
{ 11 } Contemporary Living Room Gothic Design
Gothic Touches In Contemporary Living Room By Beckwith Interiors | Photo By Kim Sargent
Many people find it a bit intimidating or elaborate for their taste. You don’t have to go all out with the decor to get the gothic feel. Simple decor items and subtle changes can give your interiors a gothic feel without going above board. For example, this contemporary living room design is very current and chic. But, it still carries gothic influences that give it some character. The gothic arch on the full-length doors with detailed tile work give the room a traditional look. Gothic style chandeliers and traditional table lamps further enhance the gothic feel. Modern style furniture like the Lee sectional and resin coffee table balances the decor with their contemporary look. The juxtaposition of traditional style and modern touches brings old-world charm to the interiors!
