The whimsigoth trend is everywhere - here's how to get the look

Whimsigoth is the latest interior design style making waves in the design world – and for good reason. Filled with layered textiles, warm hues and a sense of collected style, it’s the perfect way to create visually appealing, personalized interiors.

If you can follow this year’s interior design trends, lived-in style is the epitome of great design. And as this new style emerges, combining the softness and layered elements of whimsical decor with the moody drama of Gothic interior design, it’s clear that it’s an aesthetic that will endure into 2025 and beyond.

If Whimsigoth sounds like your style, we turned to experts to uncover the elements at the core of the design aesthetic and share a few inspiring spaces that hit the trend.

What is the Whimsigoth trend?

(Image credit: Katie Charlotte / Isabel Ladd Interiors)

Eclectic and cozy are two words that perfectly describe the Whimsigoth style. It’s not as dark as Gothic, but still has moodier tones and a softer feel, giving it a more calming and homey feel.

“Gothic decor tends to be more serious and sombre – often with hard surfaces and a cold color palette – while Whimsigoth conveys a sense of enchantment and joy, adding a warmer, more playful touch to the aesthetic.” It’s like being in a Gothic setting give a sense of childlike wonder, which I think is very appealing to younger generations and anyone who is not afraid to embrace their inner child,” says Aino Heinäsuo, design director at Redecor.

The timeliness of this trend is no coincidence – this time of year reminds many of us how much we love the darker details in our homes. “Those who have a penchant for Halloween and darker aesthetics have discovered an interest in whimsical gothic decor as it allows them to find balance and keep these designs vibrant all year round,” adds Aino.

What are the key design features of Whimsigoth interiors?

A maximalist seating area in a maximalist kitchen with a gallery wall

(Image credit: Kristin Karch / rad Interiors)

The 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 purple and black with vibrant jewel tones like peacock green, turquoise, and lots of gold as accents.” “It’s dark and moody, but also sexy and glamorous,” says Annie Sloan, paint and color expert and creator of Chalk Paint.

Beyond the color, the furniture, fabrics and textures are really important to create an authentic overall concept. The furniture is robust and made of a lot of wood – they are often second-hand or vintage finds, while textiles and upholstery are intended to convey a touch of luxury.

“When it comes to furniture, look for ornate pieces with intricate carvings that are upholstered in luxurious fabrics like velvet or silk.” “Complete the look with antique chandeliers and rugs, dark oil paintings, whimsical jewelry and stacks 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 every element of the interior design contributes to the overall look, be it the way fabrics are used or how they are can be combined with the wall decoration.

“This style often includes intricate patterns such as damask, paisley or florals, combined with luxurious textures such as velvet, lace and brocade. The result is a harmonious mix of softness and elegance, with an added touch of mysticism and the fantastic,” explains Aino.

5 examples of whimsical interiors

Wondering how to bring all the elements of the Whimsigoth trend together to create a cohesive space? These five examples embody this eclectic, cozy design style.

1. A whimsical living room with wooden details and collected pieces

A living room in a whimsical Gothic style with intricate wooden furniture, layered textiles and a rich color palette

(Image credit: Annie Sloan’s house, photographed by Jesse Wild)

The approach to the Whimsigoth style begins with the basic framework of the room. If you’re working with an older property that already has intricate details installed, you’re in the clear. But even without historical details, artistic details can be introduced through furniture, furnishings and even wallpaper and textiles.

“I love the Whimsigoth aesthetic.” “It combines the dark mystery of the Gothic with the whimsical romance of fairy tales and folklore – two trends that I fully support,” says Annie, whose home, pictured above, really captures the essence of the aesthetic .

“I’ve also heard Whimsigoth call it moody maximalism, and I think that’s exactly the case for my house.” I love the Victorian look. It’s dramatic and beautiful and the complete opposite of minimalism. “I’m a collector and love dark-painted furniture with gold accents,” she explains.

2. A bedroom decorated in luxurious, whimsical tones

Atmospheric bedroom in dark green with touches of yellow and gold

(Image credit: Matthew Williamson/Damian Russell)

The right colors immediately create the luxurious coziness that represents the whimsical style. Imagine bold, moody tones paired with lighter hues – 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 lots of fun pops of color with bright hues like magenta, burnt orange, sage green, and rich blue.” “These colors can be applied to walls to set the overall mood of the room,” says Aino.

“Deep, rich tones create a dramatic backdrop, while vibrant and pastel colors work well as accents or accent walls.” Overall, Whimsigoth decor uses a rich and varied color scheme across all elements, including paint, wallpaper, textiles and accessories.

3. A side table full of whimsical gothic decor

Whimsigoth decor on a side table

(Image credit: Annie Sloan’s house, photographed by Rachel Smith)

As with any interior design style, decorative pieces are the finishing touches that tie everything together. But in Whimsigoth’s case, it’s another opportunity to layer and decorate with vintage pieces.

“I would incorporate decorative elements throughout the room to enhance the magical atmosphere, such as crystals, wall art, unusual sculptures, and natural elements such as dried flowers or twigs,” says Aino.

This side table shows how a curated selection of decorative pieces—statues that bring in Gothic elements and flowers and porcelain for the whimsical—bring a scheme to life. There is also the opportunity to showcase celestial pieces, bohemian motifs and nature-inspired designs.

Eloise table lamp made of glass

Grandfathers tree wall art

Celestial Greek Bust Cement Pot

Heavenly Greek bust pot

4. A formal lounge with layered furniture and decorations

Living room full of gothic style things and dark colors

(Image credit: James McDonald)

A collected, layered design is at the core of the Whimsigoth trend. From layered rugs to different fabrics on furniture to dramatic hung wall decorations, 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 classic pieces, Whimsigoth incorporates a mix of eclectic and vintage items to create a distinctive, whimsical style.” In a quirky room, the furniture can be vintage to bohemian and often have dramatic or artistic accents. “Expect pieces with carved wood, intricate detailing, and soft, comfortable cushions that add to the unique and inviting character of the space,” says Aino.

In this room, examples of layering can be seen in every corner. Wallpapers, tapestries and works of art are layered on the walls, white different patterns and textures are superimposed on furniture and create a cozy, relaxed atmosphere. The space is lively without feeling crowded, and every item has a story.

5. A living room with luxurious fabrics

Retro living room with warm wood paneling and velvet couch with green accents

(Image credit: Soho Home)

When it comes to textiles, think luxury and luxury. Thick fabrics show off well, while delicate fabrics add decorative details and enhance the layered look. “Ideal fabrics for edgy gothic decor evoke luxury, comfort and a touch 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 creates a dramatic effect, or layering lace curtains under heavier curtains can add a soft, ethereal touch.” For throw pillows, I combine fabrics such as silk, velvet and lace in different shapes and sizes, to add to the whimsical, eclectic feel. And I would even add deep velvet sofas in bold hues to elevate the space.”

While velvet adds a fair amount of luxury, consider how you can balance this thicker fabric so that the room doesn’t feel cluttered. In this living room, a velvet sofa is combined with a more organic material through the carpet and wooden elements through the paneling and tables.

Bixby chair

Minerva velvet cushion

Trova washed velvet curtain

Whimsigoth is a trend that is here to stay, combining the best of several aesthetics that are considered timeless for many reasons. Whether you’re envisioning luxurious textiles, a cozy style, or a serene aesthetic, there are many design elements you can adopt from this transformative trend.

The whimsigoth trend is everywhere – here’s how to get the look

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