Dark Academia, along with other unique styles, became an interior favorite. As for myself (a dedicated reader, writer, and artist), it was no surprise that I had a natural attraction to Dark Academia because of my love for dark colors and moody aesthetics. I became obsessed with the dark, magical, yet elegant look and agreed that it is such a genius combination. Even though this style can fit in with any season, I think it would especially be perfect for the fall and winter aesthetic. If your love of the seasons is more towards Spring and Summer, I think Light Academia would be a perfect fit for you.
I’ve curated a list for you to easily add artsy, academic, moody, and mysteriously magical décor that will instantly bring Dark Academia to life in your home. I’ve also created a mood board (shown at the end of the post), so you can see my Dark Academia vision! Note: Most of the pictures are linked to websites that have the items described in this blog. Hover over and click on each picture or link to purchase the decor you love from this list! (I do not receive any affiliate pay for promoting these products)
Mini Library
You can’t create Dark Academia without books! This style romanticizes academic study and libraries that are typically dark and moody; basically, what you’d see in the Hogwarts Library. If you have a smaller space or just want to have a smaller “library” in your home, a small Victorian or antique bookshelf can achieve this look.
Ornate Light Fixtures and Lanterns
Click on the photos to get the look <3
Vintage light fixtures and lanterns with dimmable lights will be important when creating this style because of the feel it brings to the interior style. Dark Academia depicts a time of the Victorian era, so lanterns and elegantly detailed light fixtures will enhance the look.
Ornate Outlets
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Like the light fixtures, switching out your standard outlets for Victorian-style ones will also do wonders.
Dark Painted Walls or Wallpaper
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Really take on this look by painting your walls a darker color, such as dark blue, green, burgundy, or even plum. Wallpaper with floral patterns, animals, or leaves; Victorian or Gothic-styled wallpaper will instantly turn your home into a dark academia dream.
Wall Molds
Click on the photo to get the look <3
To add, if you’ve opted to paint your walls but want a little more detail, wall molds scream elegance. This will beautifully enhance your painted walls.
Elegant Art or Artworks Before the 19th Century
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Paintings or mini statues will absolutely make the interior cohesive. Artworks in and before the 19th century, Gothic, Victorian, and Baroque are all art styles you should consider when adding art pieces to your walls. If you’ve decided to also add mini statues, Hellenistic, Baroque, High Renaissance, or Neoclassical artworks will perfectly fit this style.
Bronze or Gold Picture Frames
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Upon adding elegant paintings, frame the artworks in bronze or gold vintage antique picture frames.
Globes & Telescopes
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Because we’re highlighting the academic aesthetic, it’s only right that we include other academic-related pieces in your interior as well. Besides books, you can also include globes and vintage telescopes for decoration, or to actually use of course!
Antique Typewriters & Pen Quills
Click on the photo to get the look <3
Like globes, telescopes, and books, you can also add a vintage typewriter and paper as décor items. If you’re not wanting to purchase a typewriter, add pen quills and vintage ink bottles to your writing area or secretary desk.
Antique Secretary Desk
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Adding an antique secretary desk to your home would be ideal for this style. Not only does this complete the academic décor idea, but if you’re a writer, this is just a cute and fitting way to create a writing area.
Elegant Candle Holders
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You can never go wrong with adding elegant, vintage candle holders as one of your décor pieces. This can go with many interior styles but will certainly be fitting for the dark academia style.
Victorian & Gothic Furniture
This goes without saying that opting for Victorian or Gothic-styled furniture is very important when creating this look. Furniture practically makes the interior style, and you want to make sure your furniture choices will automatically bring character to the room. Dark wooden furniture, leather, ornated dressers, and storage chests are just a few examples.
Textured and Patterned Fabrics
To add, textured fabrics or fabrics with patterns such as plaid (dark palette), tweed, or corduroy are befitting.
Vintage Clocks or Hourglass
As part of your décor items, add a wooden or bronze hourglass or a large dark wooden clock to your home. This is modern times, yes, but I’d always take a vintage clock over digital. Besides, most of us use our phones as an alarm anyways!
Plants
Ficus trees, ferns, ivy plants, baby’s breath, and white hydrangeas are plants that fit well into the dark academia style.
One of the reasons I am a fan of white hydrangeas being part of this look, is mainly because once they dry out, it changes to a sepia color palette making this look unique and vintage. I haven’t touched these hydrangeas (below) for over two years now, and I’m completely in love!
Antique Vases
Click on the photo to get the look <3
Along with adding faux or real plants, you will need to place your plants in sepia glass vases, and large dark-colored pots for faux ficus trees. This enhances the beautiful plants while fitting in with the style.
Drapes
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And last but certainly not least, drapes! There are many ways to choose the style of drapes you want to fit the dark academia style. If you’re going for a dramatic look, choosing heavy drapes with velvet or tweed dark or patterned curtains would be fitting, but if you’d rather go for a softer feel; sheer or lace curtains preferably white or cream are perfect!
The Mood Board:
Created by me= C.Jante’ <3
Scroll down to view and click on the links to the decor shown in my mood board <3
The Color Palette (Below):
Links to the products in the above mood board:
- Sofa Remington Chesterfield Leather Sofa (A great find, but only located in WI 🙁 )
- Rug Erin Gates by Momeni Orchard Court Black Hand Woven Wool and Jute Area Rug
- Bookshelf 2 Door Black Tall Arch Cabinet
- Blanket Textured Basketweave Knit Throw
- Coffee Table Noir Stockholm Coffee Table OR Graff Coffee Table
- Bookshelf Decor Greek Statue of David
- Candlestick Holder (Brass) Vintage Solid Brass Chamber Candlestick Holder
- Candlestick Holders (Gold) Metal Gold Candle Holders Set of 3
- Candlestick Holders (Black) Black Cast Iron Taper Candlestick Holders Set of 3
- End Table Brass End Table
- Wall Plants Wall Hanging Plant Terrarium
- Pouf/Ottoman Square Woven Pouf Ottoman
- Wall Molding Kit
- Vintage Wall Art The C.Jante’ Collection
- Large Ornate Picture Frame Greyson Wood Picture Frame
- Chandelier Lisle 5 – Light Dimmable Classic / Traditional Chandelier
