An Inside Look at Whimsigoth Décor and How to Recreate the Style in Your Spaces

Enchanting, magical, ethereal—just some of the words used to describe the mysterious whimsigoth aesthetic. Learn more about the origins of this fascinating style and get a few whimsigoth ideas for your own home with our simple inside look.

What is Whimsigoth?

Whimsigoth is a recently coined term for the unique maximalist aesthetic that combines the whimsical styles of the ‘90s and moody elements of gothic art. It can be used to describe both home design and fashion trends, with many whimsigoth lovers committing to both!

What is the Difference Between Whimsigoth and Fairycore?

Fairycore and whimsigoth can be considered two sides of the same coin. Though they’re both based on natural, fantastical, and maximalist elements, fairycore styles tend to be light and dreamy, while whimsigoth ideas are more dark and dramatic. If you want your home to feel magical, these two aesthetics are worth exploring!

Throw Back to the ‘90s with Whimsigoth Décor

If you were a kid in the ‘90s (or even just love the cozy and grungy aesthetic the decade is known for), whimsigoth is sure to bring up feelings of nostalgia. With roots in ‘90s style (as well as inspiration from other mystical eras), this type of décor is the best way to tend to your inner child while decorating your home.

Whimsigoth invites creativity, from charming color palettes and playful patterns to selecting the perfect knick-knacks for your enchanting collection. The next time you shop at a Highland antique mall for decorations, let a little magic into your adult life and consider whimsigoth ideas.

Why is the Whimsigoth Style so Popular?

Much of the whimsigoth ideas and designs in this resurgence can be credited to popular mystical ‘90s media, including Sabrina the Teenage Witch, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and Practical Magic, making a comeback. When you combine their classic outfits, charming whimsigoth bedrooms, a little gothic inspiration, and Stevie Nicks’ witchy vibes from the ‘70s, you’ve got a whimsigoth look the newer generations adore.

Exploring the 5 Main Elements of Whimsigoth Décor

Creating your own whimsigoth bedroom or living room from scratch can feel like a challenge—but it’s easy when you know where to start! When you break down the factors that make whimsigoth décor feel and look so magical, brainstorming your own whimsigoth ideas is simple. As you shop around at antique malls near Chicago, remember that all whimsigoth décor is based around these five essential elements:

1. Start with a Dark Color Palette

The very first thing to consider when creating a whimsigoth bedroom is the color palette. Drawing from traditional gothic architecture and style, whimsigoth décor always features dark and rich hues.

When thinking of whimsigoth ideas for your home, get rid of the modern whites, creams, and greys and choose more opulent jewel tones. Plum purple, emerald green, sapphire blue, and burgundy are all great choices for walls, window curtains, and large furniture pieces.

Pro tip: don’t forget the whimsy when selecting your colors! Metallic accents, whether it be a copper collectible, gold vase, or sterling silver wall sconces, pop against these deep hues and add an enchanting feel to any whimsigoth bedroom. 

2. Consider Cozy Textures and Patterns  

Whimsigoth bedrooms and living spaces should feel as luxurious as they look. As you shop for furniture, throw pillows, rugs, and more, remember that layering multiple cozy textures and intricate patterns is the key to creating the harmonious balance between elegance and mysticism that whimsigoth décor is known for.

When you shop for your home, don’t be afraid to lean into the maximalist side of the aesthetic and incorporate multiple patterns and textures in one whimsigoth bedroom. Consider pairing together patterned wallpapers, billowing sheer curtains, soft velvet armchairs, vintage tapestries, woven rugs, and more to make the home feel like an opulent safe haven.

Popular Patterns for Whimsigoth Ideas:

• Paisley

• Florals

• Damask

• Brocade

• Fleur-de-lis

3. Hunt Down Whimsical and Maximalist Accents

Similar to maximalism, when it comes to decorating your whimsigoth bedroom, more is more! Adorn your bookshelves, gallery walls, and side tables with the unique trinkets you’ve collected from antique malls, yard sales, and loved ones over the years to give your space a personal touch. Crystals, dried flowers, and candles are perfect whimsigoth ideas for any room of the house.

Popular Motifs Found in Whimsigoth Décor

Not sure what to look for when you shop for whimsigoth décor at the Melbourne antique store? Keep your eyes peeled for these popular motifs to find the perfect bric-a-brac for your home:

• Suns

• Moons

• Stars

• Flowers

• Anatomical sketches

• Vines

• Busts and portraits

4. Choose Warm and Inviting Lighting

No room is complete without the perfect vintage light fixture. Installing warm and sparkly lighting will help combat the dark colors and tones of whimsigoth bedrooms. In fact, the more, the better!

Stay away from modern overhead lighting and use a few of these low-light options to nail down your whimsigoth décor. Ornate lanterns, jewel-toned stained glass floor lamps, softly lit sconces, and even vintage chandeliers are all amazing whimsigoth ideas for creating an inviting atmosphere.

5. Decorate with Plenty of Plants

Nothing puts the whimsy in whimsigoth quite like going a bit overboard with your plant collection. The greenery will complement any color palette and bring a natural feeling into your whimsigoth bedroom. Hang vined pothos over your window, set out big monstera plants on the floor, and feature small foliage on your bedside table—the options are endless.

Finding Whimsigoth Décor At Your Local Antique Mall

Designing a whimsigoth bedroom doesn’t have to break the bank! Plenty of the one-of-a-kind pieces that fit the aesthetic can be found secondhand at your local antique mall. From the comfortable velvet furniture to the kitschy, witchy knick-knacks in the showcases, there’s a good chance that America’s Antique Mall has exactly the whimsigoth ideas you’re looking for.

If the moody and magical aesthetic of whimsigoth piques your interest, you’re in luck. After you learn about the different elements of whimsigoth décor, designing your dream home is easy. Stop in and start shopping for the mystical pieces you need to create your whimsigoth bedroom ASAP—we can’t wait to see you!