"Gothic interior design style is all about mystical charm."

You may wonder, “Is Gothic interior design still popular in the twenty-first century”? It may seem surprising that a decorative style prominent in the Middle Ages would have devoted admirers today, but it shouldn’t be. There is much to love about this style’s compelling, mystical charm.

When you think of Gothic style some images that come to mind might be stone castles, soaring cathedrals featuring intricate architectural detail, tall, arched windows and stained glass. Maybe your mind even pictured the cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris.

But how does Gothic style fit today’s interior environment? After all, we typically don’t live in castles and cathedrals. At least…nobody that I know does. It’s probably best to not take this style too literal when planning the décor of a space. You can incorporate elements of it to establish a clear link to Gothic style while still allowing your space to function in way appropriate to your lifestyle.

You can inject a Gothic feel in your interior through a combination of furnishings, fabric choices and visual motifs for example. Here’s how…

Choose fairly heavy, wood furniture pieces with intricate details to serve as end or side tables and other display areas. A Gothic inspired dining room might feature a solid, carved wood table, for example, with wood chairs featuring upholstered seats. The chair backs might include an engraved or cut-through quatrefoil design - a four leaf clover shape popular in the Middle Ages and evident in the wall covering and upper window panel of the photo above.

A heavy weight fabric, like velvet, for window draperies can lend support to your Gothic theme. Choose drapery rods with finials in the shape of a fleur de lis or trefoil for added emphasis.

Don’t forget the benefit of using wall tapestries. They are a sure fire way to help build a distinctly Gothic look.

You can also help convey a Gothic feel in your interior by having some faux or real wood beams installed overhead. Elaborately beamed ceilings were an important part of Gothic architecture.

And lighting? Look for something eye catching like a chandelier, for example. Try a rustic style made of metal that exhibits a pointed arch design – a common form in the Gothic period. A traditional, brass, candelabra chandelier can work with a softer Gothic look when more distinct lighting options can’t be found.

In creating a Gothic interior design style, you might feel as though you are being transported back to an age of mystery without ever really leaving the twenty-first century.

Style Tips:

• Add a fireplace screen or some window cornices with a pointed arch shape to evoke the architecture of the Middle Ages.

• Incorporate some stained glass accents or accessories.

• Prominently feature some elaborate, metal candlesticks. They played an important role in those medieval castles.

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