Whimsigoth Is Fall's Biggest Design Trend—Here's How to Add it to Your Home

Halloween is just around the corner, and it’s bringing a spooky new home trend along for the ride. Enter whimsigoth, a look that incorporates some ghoulish elements without feeling too scary. 

Whimsigoth as a term has existed for a few years, having been originally coined by Evan Collins via the Consumer Aesthetics Research Institute in 2020. A portmanteau of “whimsical” and “gothic,” whimsigoth marries lush florals and playful patterns with moody hues and layered textures. In many ways, it makes the stark gothic aesthetic more approachable—so you can fully enjoy the trend sans black lipstick and platform boots (unless that’s your thing, of course). 

What makes the look so popular now? Whimsigoth primarily draws references from ‘90s pop culture, which has seen a resurgence as of late. Spooky movies from the era have seen remakes aplenty, like Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, the latest edition of The Crow, and Netflix’s Wednesday series. Practical Magic is even getting a redo in the coming years. Musicians have embraced the look as well. Stevie Nicks and her draped sleeves are an obvious reference from decades ago, but new artists—like Chappell Roan in her suit of armor and her sweeping velvets—have dipped their toes into the look as well. 

Of course, since whimsigoth is rooted in maximalism, it can be hard to know where to begin when implementing the look in your own décor. Here, we take a look at how you can transform your home into a gothic–yet flower-filled!–paradise.

Play With Patterns

Whimsigoth is not for minimalists. It incorporates a wide range of color, texture, and, most importantly, pattern. "I’ve heard it called moody maximalism, and I think that describes my house exactly," says Annie Sloan, the creator of chalk paint and an expert on all things color and style. "I love the Victorian look. It’s dramatic and gorgeous and the complete opposite of minimalism."

One of the easiest ways to bring in the prints and floral motifs that whimsigoth is known for is through wallpaper. Popular picks include Spoonflower's Art Nouveau Poppies, as well as heritage prints like Morris & Co.'s Chrysanthemum, which you can spot in Hocus Pocus 2. Selections from House of Hackney, such as the surrealist Moon Garden or the leafy Arborea, are also great go-tos.

Keep an eye out for patterns that either date back to or draw inspiration from the British Arts and Crafts movement. The era's penchant for flora, fauna, and stately neutrals makes for the perfect mix of gloom and gusto.

Stick to Jewel Tones

Obviously, since whimsigoth draws on elements of gothic design, it should prioritize dark hues—but that doesn't mean you have to paint your living room black. "It combines rich colors like purples and blacks with vibrant jewel tones like peacock greens, turquoise, and lots of gold as an accent," says Sloan. "It’s dark and moody but sexy and glamorous too."

In terms of individual colors, Behr's 2025 Color of the Year, Rumors, makes for a great pick with its deep, dramatic red pigments. Similarly, a coat or two of Glidden's COTY, Purple Basil, or C2's cool brown pick, Raku, can breathe new, gothic life into a bedroom, powder room, or lounge.

Add Florals

There's no reason not to have flowers in every room, but they're an especially big part of a whimsigoth scheme. Naturally, though, you won't be using bright tulips or a soft daffodils. Instead, we recommend a vampier option, like red roses, purple dahlias, and black calla lilies. Another route is dried flowers, which give a more autumnal look and feel.

Try Thrift Store Décor

When it comes to whimsigoth furniture and accessories, there's a lot you can find at the thrift store. "In terms of furniture, keep an eye out for ornate pieces with intricate carvings upholstered in luxurious fabric," says Sloan. "Complete the look with antique chandeliers and rugs, dark oil paintings, quirky trinkets, and piles of old books."

In particular, the aesthetic relies on celestial motifs, so much so that it's sometimes been called "celestial chic." Decorative elements that fit into this theme, like a sun-shaped mirror or a trinket tray adorned with your zodiac sign, can often be found by scouring the secondhand shelves.

Layer Fabrics

Whimsigoth is all about luxe fabrics. Its inspirations, after all, include fanciful fairy tales full of windswept gowns, majestic tapestries, and towering castles. Velvets and silks make for ideal upholstery options, according to Sloan, whether it's a sofa, chair, or even just a throw pillow. Fringe can also add to the look, so don't be afraid to throw a fringe skirt or lampshade into the mix.