Cosy, moody, and magical: Your guide to the whimsigoth aesthetic

Move over Barbiecore and Brat summer — whimsigoth is here. 

What is whimsigoth, you ask?

The name itself is a portmanteau of ‘whimsy’ and ‘goth’, coined by Evan Collins, architectural designer and cofounder of the Consumer Aesthetics Research Institute. 

For the uninitiated, this aesthetic combines the dark mystery of goth and the spirited feel of fairies.

Collins noticed moody yet playful decor elements in the 80s and 90s and called it, “whimsical mystical gothic celestial,” which was later shortened to whimisgoth.

Think rich velvets, celestial motifs, jewel tones and mystical vibes paired with cosy corners and playful charm. 

That’s whimsigoth — an aesthetic that’s part gothic, part bohemian, and entirely enchanting. 

It embraces layers, textures, and patterns that are bold yet inviting. 

It’s where a little witchy drama meets soft comfort, making it an ideal vibe for those who love creative expression in their homes.

Where did the whimsigoth aesthetic come from?

For those of us born in the 90s, whimsigoth is deeply familiar — it’s the look we grew up with, thanks to shows like Sabrina the Teenage Witch and Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

These hit series embraced this style by bringing together the best of Victorian gothic with comfy boho chic. 

The 1998 cult classic Practical Magic epitomised this aesthetic with its stunning set design.

Its set design, as described by Architectural Digest, featured “darkly romantic Victorian manor filled with dark wood accents, lush velvet textiles, well-worn Persian rugs, and ornate candelabras.”

While this style is not new, it has made a resurgence of late, and not just because Halloween is around the corner. 

This aesthetic has been trending across social media, with over 55.7K posts on TikTok and more than 111K posts on Instagram, showing that its appeal is as strong as ever.

The cast of Marvel’s recent mini-series Agatha All Along — which revolves around witchcraft and magic—has declared that it’s officially time for a witchy autumn.

It is dubbed as the best fall aesthetic for 2024, encouraged by the resurgence of spooky films such as Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, the latest edition of The Crow. 

This aesthetic has also bled into the world of fashion with icons such as Chappell Roan have been spotted embracing the look, combining elements like draped velvet and suits of armour.

Whimsigoth is where charm, a little bit of witchcraft, and comfort intertwine, and honestly, who doesn’t want their living room to feel like it’s ready for a tarot reading or a casual spell?

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Whimsigoth decor is for EVERYONE — except minimalists

This aesthetic has something for everyone, and that’s why it is one of our favourite interior design trends for this year. 

While many elements may double as subtle Halloween decorations, if styled correctly they are evergreen. 

If you love expressing your personality through bold colours, rich textures, and eclectic design, whimsigoth is for you. 

Think curated chaos, where every corner tells a story, from vintage furniture to mystical trinkets and enchanting artwork. 

It’s a style that welcomes individuality and depth, far from the clean, stark lines of minimalism.

But let’s be honest — this look isn’t for the minimalist at heart. 

If you thrive on decluttered spaces, muted tones, and sleek simplicity, this trend may feel a bit overwhelming. 

The magic of whimsigoth lies in its more is more approach, celebrating abundance in decor, texture, and personality. 

Expect shelves brimming with curiosities, bold, dramatic art adorning the walls, and layered textiles creating a cosy, lived-in feel.

While whimsigoth might seem like it leans more into the moody, witchy side, it’s easy to adapt for a family-friendly environment. 

With the right balance of textures, durable materials, and pops of colour, you can create a space that’s both magical and functional. 

Whether you’ve got kids running around, pets lounging on the furniture, or simply appreciate a low-maintenance lifestyle, whimsigoth can work beautifully in your home.

It can add character without sacrificing comfort.

Whimsigoth aesthetic: 7 easy tips to incorporate it into your home

1. Go bold with rich, moody colours

Introduce deep, dramatic hues like burgundy, forest green, and midnight blue in your furniture, walls, or decor. 

If you want specific shades, we’ve picked out a few swatch colours from Pantone to get you started:

• Pantone 167 (burnt orange)
• Pantone 1810 (burgundy)
• Pantone 5463 (dark teal)
• Pantone 2617 (dark purple)
• Pantone 289 (midnight blue)
• Pantone 378 (army green)
• Pantone 469 (rich brown)

Jewel tones, and variations of them, set the perfect backdrop for the whimsigoth aesthetic, evoking both mystery and warmth.

While we didn’t include black, hints of onyx and charcoal would be great choices too.

Remember that whimsigoth does not have to be all dark and moody.

Adding pops of brighter colours will make the aesthetic feel more inviting and approachable, especially for families.

You don’t need to commit to a full design overhaul to embrace these shades.

Instead, opt for a burgundy throw, midnight blue photo frames, or a forest green sofa cover.

By incorporating these rich tones in doses, you can achieve the whimsigoth look without feeling overwhelmed.

2. Embrace your inner maximalist

Whimsigoth loves texture, so layer your textiles for a cosy feel.  

Mix and match soft throws, patterned cushions, and vintage rugs to create a comfortable, lived-in atmosphere. 

Layering textiles brings depth to the space while keeping it inviting.

Take the Sedona throw from Seek & Swoon, for example—it strikes the perfect balance of texture and colour. 

It is also a great chance to reach for floral and botanical patterns, especially those with moody undertones. 

These patterns beautifully juxtapose gothic elements with nature, a contrast central to the whimsigoth aesthetic

Consider this floral rug  or raven rug from Etsy, and pair it with these mushroom botanical pillow covers.  

Top it all off with a jewel toned sofa cover and your space will feel both cosy and enchantingly witchy.

3. Incorporate celestial accents

Celestial symbols — such as moons, stars, and constellations — bring that touch of whimsy and magic. 

Add them through decor items like throw pillows, framed artwork, or even delicate hanging mobiles for a cosmic vibe.

If you prefer a useful statement piece, opt for the YUBAIHUI Boho Moon Phase Mirror Set from Amazon. 

Bring in playful elements like quirky artwork, patterned rugs, or fun, vintage trinkets to keep the space feeling warm and welcoming. 

The worry with this is that it can make your space feel gimmicky or too child-like. 

How to strike a balance? Start with subtle and small. 

For instance, this moon phase wall hanging is a perfect addition that works with any wall colour—bringing a hint of magic without overwhelming the space.

4. Curate your candles and crystals

Nothing says whimsigoth like flickering candles and shimmering crystals. 

Use these items as both decor and functional accessories to evoke a mystical feel while adding a soft glow and natural beauty to the space.

Black candles are a classic choice, but if you’d prefer colour, these dipped moss taper candles will work perfectly. 

Pair them with the gold Normandie taper holders for a grand look.

If you prefer something more understated, go with these Milano clear glass taper holders.  

For a more witchy, vintage feel the St. Jude Vintage Bell Candles are a standout option that brings character to any room.

For collectors of crystals, finding a snazzy way to display your collection is a must.

The Moon tray set gives you more celestial elements, while these antique brass stacking bowls give you more versatility when it comes to styling. 

This Pottery Barn Bellem Handcrafted Marble Bowl On Brass Stand is another great option, especially if you only have one or two crystals to display.

5. Lean into your vintage furniture

Bring in pieces with history and character, like an ornate mirror, distressed wood table, or an antique armchair. 

Here’s your chance to visit your local thrift store to find unique pieces that you would love to have in your space. 

Vintage furniture can anchor the whimsical aspect of whimsigoth, adding old-world charm to your home.

Some of us already have choice furniture at home that just needs sprucing up. 

An old couch can easily get a whimsigoth makeover with Comfort Works’ sofa covers. 

Make the aesthetic practical for everyday life by choosing machine washable slipcovers in rich textures. 

Our velvet couch covers or chenille sofa protectors are great choices for adding luxury and durability. 

This way, you can embrace the dark, moody vibe without worrying about spills, pet hair, or wear and tear.

6. Have fun with lighting

Lighting plays a huge role in setting the mood for whimsigoth interiors, so choose warm, ambient options to create that magical atmosphere.

Table lamps offer pockets of light so you have the flexibility to adjust the vibe depending on the time of day.

The whimsical VARMBLIXT lamp from IKEA can add a playful pop of colour, while the MARKFROST/MOLNART lamp can lend a moodier feel to your space. 

For those who would like to lean into the drama, the eye-catching chandelier Sculptural 7-Light Geo Chandelier from West Elm is a bold statement.  

If you’re looking for something softer, string lights with warm bulbs are a perfect choice. 

In fact, why not repurpose your Christmas fairy lights to bring a cosy, enchanting glow to your room all year round?

These lighting options add depth and create a cosy, inviting glow perfect for relaxing evenings.

7. Add plants with a magical flair

Plants like ferns, trailing ivy, or Monstera deliciosa (Swiss cheese plant) bring a lush, overgrown feel to your space. 

Their dramatic leaves and flowering vines evoke an enchanted forest vibe, making your home feel more like a hidden, magical sanctuary. 

Display them in vintage pots or hanging macrame plant holders to enhance the gothic, bohemian aesthetic.

For an extra fun touch, you could also consider:

• String of Pearls: With its delicate, cascading beads, this plant looks like a whimsical garland of pearls, perfect for this aesthetic.
• Alocasia (Elephant ears): Its large, heart-shaped leaves give off an otherworldly vibe, adding drama to your space.
• Purple Oxalis (Shamrock plant): Its deep purple, almost black leaves bring a pop of gothic colour and resemble a magical, lucky charm.

These plants not only add life and texture to your home but also enhance the mystical, enchanting vibes of this witchy style. 

Consider placing them in unique planters—like vintage cauldrons or ornate gothic pots—for an extra touch of creativity.

By incorporating these elements, you can turn your home into a whimsigoth haven that’s as practical as it is magical. 

Whether you have kids, pets, or just want a space that’s easy to manage, whimsigoth is a versatile and stylish choice.

Ready to make your home a little more enchanting?