Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Inspiration

Here’s everything you need to know about TikTok’s whimsigothic home decor trend

90s decor, celestial motifs, and dark color palettes: Here's how to create a whimisgothic design

Amelia Wilson
By

If you’ve been perusing Tiktok for the latest trends in home design, chances are you’ve come across a new style called “Whimsigothic.” Full of 1990s nostalgia, Halloween vibes, and the beloved eclecticism of maximalism, this home decor trend blends the moody tones of gothic decor with the whimsical, cottage-inspired styles that have been taking the interior design world by storm in the last couple of years.

But what is whimsigothic home design? And how can you go about incorporating this eccentric look into your home? We’ll discuss everything you need to know about this magical trend.

Recommended Videos

What is whimsigothic home decor style?

“Whimsigothic,” “whimsy goth,” and “whimsigoth” are all terms used to describe the latest style trend that has been popping up on Tiktok recently. Originating from the fashion scene where designers and influencers took inspiration from ’90s Halloween movies to create eclectic, witch-inspired looks, the whimsigothic style garnered popularity among young people interested in ’90s nostalgia.

Related

The trend draws inspiration from ’90s movies and shows featuring witches or other supernatural storylines. Practical Magic, Charmed, Sabrina the Teenage Witch, and The Craft are all examples of media that greatly influence the whimsigothic aesthetic.

@rosehavengables

A cozy evening in at our home enjoying 90s music. #victorianhouse #darkandmoody #vintage #whimsygoth #darkacademia #romantic #dreamhome #darkdecor #maximilist #plants #plantsoftiktok #black #victorian #greendecor #chandelier #whimsical

♬ Linger – The Cranberries

One Tiktoker, @rosehavengables, shares their moody whimsigothic interior, which seamlessly pairs itself with the natural Victorian-inspired architecture. The space is dark, eclectic, and mystical, embodying this witchy-maximalist trend.

How to make your home whimsigoth

If dark color palettes, maximalist decor, elegant antiques, and celestial themes sound like the perfect fit for your space, then we have some exciting tips for inviting whimsigothic decor to your home.

And, if you aren’t ready to fully commit to this aesthetic, you might consider using it as a trendy, elegant way to adorn your home for Halloween. Since whimsigothic decor draws a lot of inspiration from classic ’90s Halloween movies and shows, it can be a wonderful aesthetic to use during the spooky season!

Still, no matter how you choose to participate in this look, these are the must-haves for pulling it off in your design.

@saraainseattle

Reply to @maya.paine0 I hope this is what you were looking for?? #whimsigoth #interiordesign #witchyvibes #nyiad #interiordesignstyles

♬ ACDC Beegees mashup – Kim Austin

Use moody, jewel tones

If you bring whimsigothic decor into your space, choosing moody, jewel tones in your color palette is a must! Shades like royal and navy blue, deep purples, rich evergreens, and black are perfect for this aesthetic. Take inspiration from these images gathered by @saraainseattle on TikTok. The rooms featured are filled with these lush colors as well as accents of black and gold.

While you don’t need to cover every inch of space in these hues, it can be a good idea to opt for one or two jewel tones for the wall and add black or gold accents throughout your design for the moody, regal look.

@_miavolk

Reply to @cece_218 heres how I’d do whimsy goth, let me know how I did ☺️ #homedecor #hometiktok #decorideas #decortiktok #designtok #roomdecor #decorfinds #homestyle #decorhelp #whimsygoth #gothicdecor #cottagecore #cottagegoth #darkcottagecore

♬ Howl’s Moving Castle – Merry-Go-Round of Life – Vitamin String Quartet

Opt for antique furniture and decor

Antique furniture like the classic wingback chair, ornate bronze or gold-painted mirrors, curio cupboards, and elegant chaise lounges are a few pieces you are likely to find in whimsigothic design. Like @_miavolk on TikTok says, Victorian-inspired art, vintage furniture, and velvet pieces can tie the look together.

Remember to choose pieces in dark wood tones like mahogany or walnut and stick with furniture items that are jewel-toned, black, or otherwise deeply colored to best suit the color palette.

@insidemymindrestoration

Now realizing 90s Antique Eclectic Witch and Whimsigothic aesthetics go hand-in-hand ??? #whimsigothic #whimsigoth #historichome #oldhousetiktok #fyp #oldhouse #design #bedroomdesign #eclectic #antique #maximalism

♬ Duvet – bôa

Look to the ’90s for inspiration

Of course, one of the easiest ways to pull off a whimsigothic room design is to look to the ’90s shows and films that inspired the look. Interior designs from the Practical Magic house, Sabrina the Teenage Witch, and Charmed can help you create the perfect ’90s decor and vintage-inspired, witchy setup. Tiktok user @insidemymindrestoration shares their collection of images from ’90s media featuring Whimsigothic decor like metal bed frames, dark tones, layered Moroccan rugs, plenty of house plants, and celestial themes, all with a bit of ’90s flair.

@magicalmysterydesigns

?My whimsigothic room decor? #whimsigothic #whimsigoth #witchtok #roomtourcheck #roomdecor #gothic #witchyvibes

♬ The Killing Moon – Echo And The Bunnymen

Find eclectic celestial or “witch-inspired” pieces

The whimsigothic aesthetic can be broken down into two parts: whimsical and gothic. While we’ve covered many ways to create dark and moody color palettes or add a maximalist flair to the space, one of the staple pieces of the whimsigothic style is celestial and witch-inspired decor.

Crystals, crystal balls, candelabras, layered fabrics, sun and moon motifs, and eccentric curios are a must-have in this design scheme. @magicalmysterydesigns on TikTok shows plenty of whimsigothic decor pieces like the sun and moon drapery above the window, a celestial tapestry, and an ornate moon wall sconce that perfectly capture the witchy and mystical vibe of the whimsigothic style.

Play with texture

Another facet of whimsigothic home decor is the use of elegant textures throughout the space. Velvet is one of the most popular elements to incorporate in a whimsigothic design. Velvet furniture, draperies, blankets, and throw pillows are a great way to bring this texture into the design. Additionally, adding other textures like lace, silk, and organic materials like stone and wood can help curate a luxe yet earthy environment that feels mystical and cottage-like. We recommend layering materials and textures on one another to integrate this dark maximalist aesthetic fully.

Whimsigothic decor may have derived from fashion trends in classic 1990s witch shows and films, but it has quickly become its own unique aesthetic in home design. Appearing to be like a blend of gothic maximalism, vintage design, and cottagecore styles, this interior design trend is quickly gaining popularity. So whether you want to create a year-round look or opt for this elegant style during this Halloween season, whimsigothic is a great way to add a hauntingly beautiful aesthetic to your space.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Amelia Wilson
Amelia Wilson
Contributor
Amelia Wilson (author pen name Amelia J. Wilson) is a content writer in Greenwood, IN. She often enjoys topics on…
Barbiecore: The glam new home design trend you’re missing out on
Dusty rose walls with pink couch and green plant

Do you love pink? Then you’ll love the newest trend in home design. Bolstered by promotional images from next summer’s Barbie movie, directed by Greta Gerwig and starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, Barbiecore first swept fashion trends and is now hitting home aesthetics. Here’s what you need to know.

What is Barbiecore?
In a word? It’s everything pink. But, it’s also more than that. Just like Barbie is the woman who can do everything — doctor, teacher, and gymnast, all while driving her friends and her beau Ken to the beach in her hot pink car for a little summer surfing — this trend is the epitome of more is more, trying to capture the enthusiasm, playfulness, and, well, fun that Barbie exudes.

Read more
Everything you need to know about framing basement walls but were afraid to ask
how to frame out basement walls shutterstock 1579542922

Having a finished basement is a dream for most homeowners. Sprucing up your basement creates more living space for your family to spread out to work, play, and rest. A finished basement also increases the value of your home, which is always a plus. If you plan to do a lot of your basement remodel on your own, you'll need to start by framing your basement walls so that drywall can be placed over those ugly cement walls. Putting up a partition wall to separate the living space is common in basement updates, but one thing any basement remodel will require is the framing of the space's exterior walls. We'll walk you through everything you need to know.

What type of wood should I use for framing a basement?
Pieces of 2 x 4-inch lumber work well for framing basement walls, and you'll most likely need at least 8 feet of length for most basements.

Read more
Vintage home decor is getting new life with these striking trends
retro vintage room design with neutral color palette

This year, we’re seeing more vintage decor taking center stage. From grandmillenialism to retro patterns, the reemergence of vintage trends has taken the design world by storm, prompting new takes on old schemes. With so much experimentation and nostalgic fun on the rise, Chairish — which specializes in vintage furniture, art, and home accessories — has shared some striking vintage home decor trends that you can expect to see this year.

A resurgence of pattern
Pattern is an essential aspect of home design, and while recent design trends have leaned toward more simplistic styles, there’s a new craving for over-the-top and extravagant vintage designs.
Marble
Marble has made a comeback and is being used in all sorts of home decor. Aside from classic tiling, marble can be found on vases, mugs, tabletops, statues, and even textiles. While the traditional black and white marble still holds center stage, designers and homeowners alike are experimenting with fun colors like blue, pink, and green to create a unique and luxe feel to their spaces.
Tortoise patterns
Tortoise patterns have often appeared on eyewear in the past. However, this unique pattern now adorns all sorts of interesting spaces in interior design. From decor to wallpaper, tortoise patterns offer a bold pattern to make a statement in your home. Maximalists may find a tortoise patterned table to be the perfect addition to their curated design, while more traditional designers will favor the striking look for an accent wall or piece of decor to spark conversation.
French and Flemish pattern
French and Flemish-style art patterns are also stepping into the spotlight this year. With a nostalgic, soft appeal, these artistic pieces bring a sense of sophistication and grace to any room. Tapestries, rugs, artwork, and specially designed furniture are the primary methods of expressing this luxurious and elegant pattern. So, if you’re looking for a touch of antiquity with a curated and regal aesthetic, this is the way to go!
Grandmillennial style takes center stage
If you’ve been perusing new designs and the latest trends in home decor, it’s likely you’ve come across grandmillenialism. A blend between modernity and vintage home decorating, this style has completely reinvented vintage home design. Here are some of the best trends within this style.
Antique florals
Antique florals are reentering the home. While traditional floral arrangements are quite popular, there’s also a new take on the use of floral patterns. From upholstery to wallpaper, vintage floral patterns are becoming a staple in many homes. You may find these floral patterns mixing and matching with one another or dominating the space to create a colorful and curated collage that feels homey and relaxing.
Regal furniture
Pieces that radiate regality have also become a trend within many home designs. Trunk chests, chaise lounges, grand pianos, statuesque busts, and ornate mirrors are among the many unique pieces that have taken prominence in vintage design. These pieces, while regal, are often quite affordable and can be found and restored from antique malls and thrift stores alike. As a result, homeowners are enjoying the ability to curate a space that feels both elegant and authentic, adoring their freedom to choose pieces that speak to their unique styles and suit the aesthetic of their homes.
Eclectic pieces
Alongside curating a space through pattern and regal vintage home decor, a common trend this year is choosing more eclectic pieces to add to the design. The weird, quirky, and obscure are favored in home design right now. With a focus on personality and authenticity, it’s no surprise that people are looking to choose pieces that reflect themselves and their aesthetic while designing the room of their dreams.

Read more