If you’re into dark, vampy vibes, it can be really hard to resonate with modern design trends. Popular design trends of today tend to emphasize bright, open spaces with plenty of natural light, bold color palettes, and expressive decor. To make matters worse, many of the popular design publications overlook highlighting gothic designs in favor of cleaner, brighter ones. This makes DIY-ing a gothic space a lot harder to do with no inspiration.

How To Create a Gothic-Inspired Room: The Basics

Fortunately, designing a macabre space doesn’t have to be so hard. To help you get started, here are five elements to consider when creating a gothic-inspired room:

Color Palette

In order to design the perfect gothic-inspired space, you need the right color palette. Deep, dark shades such as black, dark reds and purples, or metallic are great to use on the walls and furniture.

Lighting

You can’t have a vampy space without the proper lighting. Add a dash of gothic charm with chandeliers, desk or floor lamps, and wall sconces that give off a warm glow. To create a brooding effect, you can also try decorating with black lampshades or stained glass.

Texture

Texture plays a significant role when designing a gothic-inspired space, so opt for lots of heavy, luxuriant fabrics such as velvet, brocade, or leather. And to kick it up a notch, you can incorporate other textures, including wrought iron, stone, and marble accents through furniture and decor, too.

Decor

Decorating your space is the fun part, so try to tap into your creative side for best results. You can do this by showcasing inspired decor such as candelabras, antique mirrors, ornate picture frames, and other forms of artwork. For even bolder decor, try making a dark floral arrangement the centerpiece for your dining table, or decorate your shelves and bookcases with creepy skulls, gargoyles, or taxidermy.

Furniture

The key to creating an inspired space is having the right furniture. Opt for tufted leather sofas, clawfoot tubs, or canopy beds to help create your desired aesthetic. Also, ornate, carved wood pieces are the perfect way to promote a spooky yet sophisticated vibe.

Vampy, Gothic-Inspired Room Designs for a Dramatic, Macabre Space

It’s important to keep in mind that a macabre space doesn’t have to be dark and depressing. Instead, by using inspired decor elements — i.e. dark colors, black fabrics, ironwork, etc. — you can have an opulent and attractive space with a touch of gothic charm.

If have a flair for the dramatic, there are many ways to incorporate that drama into your home. For vampy design inspo, here are seven gothic-inspired room ideas to try out:

A Dark and Dreamy Gallery Wall

This dark and dreamy gallery wall uses dried floral bouquets to not only create a beautiful aesthetic but also smell good, too!

A Dramatic, Cozy Living Room

To create a super macabre space, decorate your room in varying shades of black. Then, for a pop of color, add a few houseplants or dried flowers to spice up your design.

An Eeerie Portrait Vibe

Use vintage portraits to create an eerie, antiquated vibe. You can also decorate tables and shelves with dried floral arrangements to add an undead touch.

A Neutral yet Gothic Color Palette

Gothic doesn’t have to mean just black. You can incorporate other colors like brown or gray to achieve the look as well, just like this mysterious space.

A Simple Vampy Bathroom

Macabre meets minimalism with this simple gothic-inspired bathroom design. Add a few gold accents and your vampy bathroom is ready for action.

A Classic Black and White Space

Black and white is the name of the game when it comes to this neutral space. Not only does this minimalist color palette look great, it makes decorating super easy!