What Is Whimsigoth? A Guide to This Dark, Moody Style

Dark palettes are definitely having a moment. After years of light-colored neutrals dominating home design, the design tides are turning decidedly dark. This shift has brought many new trends, the latest of which is whimsigoth. 

“The growing popularity of whimsigoth in design is a symptom of a larger trend toward eclectic, colorful interiors,” says designer Kate Pearce. “No more painting bedrooms light and bright. These are spaces where whimsigoth style can really come into its own by embracing dark palettes and cozy elements.”

If you’re hoping to bring some whimsigoth style into your home, here’s what you need to know to get started.

The term, which blends together “whimsical” and “gothic,” was created by Evan Collins, an architectural designer and cofounder of the Consumer and Aesthetics Research Institute, to describe the distinctly bewitching spaces of the ’80s and ’90s. At the time, movies like Practical Magic and shows like Sabrina the Teenage Witch popularized all things celestial, earthy, and subversive. Now that it’s all back in fashion, whimsigoth looks as if Wednesday Addams decided to have lunch in a Nancy Meyers kitchen. 

If you’ve never seen the pop culture references that made this trend recognizable to begin with, you might want to start with a marathon. “I think movies like Practical Magic and The Craft inspire this style,” says designer Jenasie Earl. (Additional references include Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Charmed, and Sleepy Hollow — bring on the popcorn!)  

Earl notes that whimsigoth creates a mood through a mixture of dark shades and textural layers, like black paint alongside dark-stained wood or a marble bust beside a metal skull. “It’s like being a witch, but a good witch,” she says. “Add in some flowers, stained glass, and celestial designs.” 

Whimsigoth uses dramatic flair to have a little fun, so keep in mind that you don’t want the palette to bring down your vibe. The goal is to create a comfortable lair, not a confining cave. 

If black is too far into the deep end for your comfort level, never fear: Deep purples, dark blues, and rich reds fit the bill. You can use them through paint, wainscoting, or patterned wallpaper to set the tone — in fact, you can even do all three at once!

“What I like about this style is that while the overall vibe is dark and mysterious, it’s a design that doesn’t take itself too seriously,” says Amanda Wyatt from Design Insider. Wyatt notes that patterned wallpapers, like this Etsy roll featuring colorful mushrooms, are a great option. 

The true test of pulling this design off is in the details. “Play with layering fabrics like velvet, lace, gauze, and silk to create movement and interest,” Wyatt says. And don’t forget about lighting, which can either be made of dark metals, or, of course, candlesticks.

Designer Katie Zamprioli says that whimsigoth is also ideal for nooks, and she went for the look in her entryway by taking inspiration from Disney’s The Haunted Mansion. “I added a snake sconce, a painting with a haunted expression, and hands holding light bulbs,” she says. “Overall, it’s dark and vintage, but also whimsical and lighthearted.”

While there may be some overlap in color and textural combinations between whimsigoth and dark academia, they’re not quite the same. Dark academia is composed and traditional — think an esteemed professor’s office at an old university — and tends to rely on dark leather, plaids, and tweeds. “Whimsigoth brings a more lighthearted and feminine feel,” Earl says. While dark academia may create an atmosphere where getting straight A’s is a priority, whimsigoth would be more concerned about getting the ingredients of a potion just right. 

“​If you are into thrifting and DIY projects, then this is a perfect opportunity to go hunting for some playful elements to add to your space that give it that imaginative edge,” Wyatt says. “Look for ornate candlesticks and consider spray painting them an unexpected color, or find an antique frame and change out the artwork to reflect your own personality.”

Much like many other ’90s trends, whimsigoth seems to be sustaining its popularity because of its clear personality and fun use of color. “It’s such a beautiful way to combine two completely different styles, and the juxtaposition is very eye-catching when done properly,” says designer Andrea West. “My team and I love this style because it supports our belief that every designed room needs black accents throughout.”

Given that light-and-bright minimalism has been the preferred trend in recent years — and was incorporated across design styles like mid-century modern, Japandi, and Scandinavian — whimsigoth feels like a playful rebellion toward a delightfully moody maximalism. It can also effortlessly incorporate interests in secondhand finds, historic architecture, and astrology. In other words, whimsigoth can be a worthwhile way to surround yourself in a style that seems to put a magic spin on current pastimes. 

Whimsigoth is all about embracing a dark, dramatic mood. Here are some tips for decorating in a whimsigoth style.

This English home was built in 1894 to have a Victorian style, so its structure makes achieving a whimsigoth look easier than most. Nevertheless, black paint and furnishings give the space its edge, particularly because all of the finishes were covered in that color, too. The marble fireplace and cheeky artwork add to the look. 

Whimsigoth weaves in notes from the natural world, and this Austin bedroom’s wallpaper accent is an example of creating just the right atmosphere and palette to achieve the look. Bring in a real plant for movement, plus some more botanical prints in the bedding, and you’re all set. 

The family who live in this Washington home have dubbed it the “Moonlit Manor” for all of its Halloween-inspired decor, but this bedroom doesn’t adhere strictly to that holiday. Whimsigoth is achieved by layering in fabrics and flourishes, and the velvet headboard and gold frames do just that. 

While black may be an enduring theme of whimsigoth and this Manchester home, dark red can also be used to bring an eye-catching color into a space. This rouge leather sofa is undeniably moody, and coordinates with other bursts of red throughout the room. 

In a whimsigoth design, candlesticks aren’t just a light source — they’re a must-have accessory. You’ll want to scatter them throughout a space with other attention-grabbing details, from dried flowers and found feathers to marble busts and metal sculptures, similar to this North Carolina home.