Whimsigoth is the latest decor style making waves in the design world – and for good reason. Filled with layered textiles, warming hues, and a sense of collected style, it's the perfect way to create visually appealing, personalized interiors.
If this year's interior design trends are anything to go by, lived-in style is the epitome of great design. And as this new style emerges, blending the softness and layered elements of whimsical decor and the moody drama of Gothic interior design, it's clear this is an aesthetic that will last into 2025 and beyond.
If whimsigoth sounds like you're kind of style, we've turned to experts to discover the elements that are core to the design aesthetic and showcase a few inspiring spaces that nail the trend.
What is the whimsigoth trend?
Eclectic and cozy are two words that perfectly describe whimsigoth style. It's not as dark as Gothic but still features moodier tones, and it has a softer feel that gives it a more comforting and homey appeal.
'Gothic decor tends to be more serious and somber – often featuring hard surfaces and a cold color palette – whereas whimsigoth introduces a sense of enchantment, joy, and offers a warmer, more playful twist on the aesthetic. It’s like infusing a sense of childlike wonder into a gothic setting, which I think is very appealing to younger generations and anyone who isn’t afraid to embrace their inner child,' says Aino Heinäsuo, head of design at Redecor.
The timeliness of this trend is no coincidence – this time of year reminds many of us how much we love those darker details in our homes. 'Those who have a love for Halloween and darker aesthetics have found an interest for whimsigoth decor as it allows them to find balance and keep these designs alive all year round,' Aino adds.
What are the main design features of whimsigoth interiors?
Whimsigoth style encompasses a few different aesthetics, so it's about taking the right elements from each and blending them seamlessly. 'It combines rich dark colors like purples and blacks with vibrant jewel colors like peacock greens, turquoise, and lots of gold as an accent. It’s dark and moody but sexy and glamorous too,' says Annie Sloan, paint and color expert and creator of Chalk Paint.
Beyond color, the furniture, fabrics, and textures are really important to creating an authentic scheme. Furniture is robust, featuring lots of wood – often pieces are thrifted or vintage finds, while textiles and upholstery should introduce an err of luxury.
'Furniture-wise, look for ornate pieces with intricate carvings upholstered in luxurious fabric like velvet or silk. The look is complete with antique chandeliers and rugs, dark oil paintings, quirky trinkets, and piles of old books,' adds Annie.
How you style each piece together is just as important as the designs themselves. Remember that whimsigoth is a layered, cozy style, and each element of the interiors adds to the overall look, whether it's how fabrics are introduced, or how they pair with wall decor.
'This style frequently incorporates intricate patterns like damask, paisley, or florals, combined with luxurious textures such as velvet, lace, and brocade. The result is a harmonious blend of softness and elegance, with an added touch of the mystical and fantastical,' explains Aino.
5 examples of whimsigoth interiors
Wondering how to bring all the elements of the whimsigoth trend together to create a cohesive room? These five examples are the embodiment of this eclectic, cozy design style.
1. A whimsigoth living room with wood details and collected pieces
Approaching whimsigoth style starts with the bones of the room. If you're working with an older property with intricate details already installed, you're onto a winner. But even without period details, ornate details can be introduced through furniture, cabinetry, and even wallpaper and textiles.
'I love the whimsigoth aesthetic. It combines the dark mystery of gothic with the whimsical romance of fairy tales and folklore – two trends I fully embrace,' says Annie, whose home, pictured above, really captured the essence of the aesthetic.
'I’ve also heard whimsigoth called moody maximalism and I think that describes my house exactly. I love the Victorian look. It’s dramatic and gorgeous and the complete opposite of minimalism. I am a collector, and I love dark-painted furniture with accents of gold,' she explains.
2. A bedroom decorated with luxurious whimsigoth tones
The right colors will instantly introduce that luxurious coziness synonymous with whimsigoth style. Think rich moody tones paired with lighter shades – in this bedroom, a darker color on the walls pairs beautifully with red and yellow textiles on the bed.
'Whimsigoth has a very maximalist approach and plenty of fun pops of color with vibrant shades like magenta, burnt orange, sage green, and rich blue. These colors can be applied to walls to establish the room’s overall mood,' says Aino.
'Deep, rich hues set a dramatic backdrop, while vibrant and pastel colors work well as accents or feature walls. Overall, whimsigoth decor employs a rich and varied color scheme throughout all elements, including paint, wallpaper, textiles, and accessories.'
3. A side table filled with whimsigoth decor
As with any interior design style, decorative pieces are the finishing touches that tie everything together. But in the case of whimsigoth, it's another opportunity for layering and decorating with vintage pieces.
'I would incorporate decorative elements throughout the space to enhance its magical ambiance, such as crystals, wall art, unusual sculptures, and natural elements like dried flowers or branches,' says Aino.
This side table shows how a curated selection of decor pieces – statues that bring in the gothic elements and florals and china for the whimsical – bring a scheme to life. There's also an opportunity here to introduce celestial pieces, bohemian motifs, and nature-inspired designs.
Table lamps are functional and aesthetic. A design like this one introduces a moody vintage feel to your decor, perfect for whimsigoth interiors.
Wall art is a must, and this design perfectly encompasses the dark tones of gothic decor and the nature focus of whimsical style.
Take inspiration from Annie's interiors with this celestial bust pot. We love the fact that rather than being a just decorative statue, you can add a plant, too.
4. A formal lounge with layered furniture and decor
A collected, layered design is core to the whimsigoth trend. From rugs laid on top of each other to different fabrics on furniture to wall decor hung dramatically, showcasing a mix of old and new, big and small, really adds to the aesthetic.
'Unlike traditional gothic decor, which often focuses on uniform antique or classical pieces, whimsigoth embraces a mix of eclectic and vintage items to create a distinctive, whimsical style. In a whimsigoth space, furniture can span from vintage to bohemian, often featuring dramatic or ornate touches. Expect to find pieces with carved wood, intricate details, and plush, comfortable cushions that contribute to the room's unique and inviting character,' says Aino.
In this space examples of layering can seen in every corner. Wallpaper, tapestries, and artwork sit on top of each other on the walls, white different patterns and textures layer on furniture to create a cozy, collected feel. The space is busy without feeling overfilled, and every item has a story.
5. A living room dressed with luxurious fabrics
When it comes to textiles, think luxurious and sumptuous. Thick fabrics come into their own, while delicate ones add decorative details and add to the layered look. 'Ideal fabrics for whimsigoth decor evoke luxury, comfort, and a hint of fantasy. These often feature rich textures, ranging from delicate to opulent, including velvet, lace, and silk,' says Aino.
'Adding heavy velvet curtains in deep, rich colors will create a dramatic effect or layering lace curtains under heavier drapes can add a soft, ethereal touch. For throw pillows, I would mix and match fabrics like silk, velvet, and lace in various shapes and sizes to enhance the whimsical, eclectic feel. And I would even add deep velvet sofas in striking shades to enhance the space.'
While velvet adds a serious dose of luxury, think about how you can balance this thicker fabric so the room doesn't feel overwhelmed. In this living room, a velvet sofa is paired with a more organic material through the rug, and wooden elements through paneling and tables.
This chair combines the luxurious upholstery element (hello velvet) with the dark wood details typical of the whimsigoth style.
If you want to give an existing sofa a whimsigoth touch, this red velvet throw pillow fits the bill perfectly. The subtle pattern ties into vintage style, too.
Velvet curtains don't just look great, they keep the warm in, too. This design comes in four sizes and is offered in eight beautiful colors.
Whimsigoth is a trend that's here to stay, combining the best of several aesthetics that are considered timeless for many reasons. Whether you introduce the luxurious textiles, cozy style, or the collected aesthetic, there are plenty of design cues to take from this transformative trend.
