With moody interiors on the rise and the fear of making a space feel small no longer keeping us up at night, the interiors scene has taken what can best be described as a dark turn.
Christmas is no exception. “Gothmas”, coined by the Etsy team, refers to dark, gothic interiors and decor at Christmas time, against the grain of the usual cheerful and fun look. According to their research, it is the decor trend that will dominate the festive season this year.
It is the lovechild of Halloween and Christmas, characterised by lace, velvet and Victorian or straight vampiric style.
“Gothmas is a dramatic yet romantic twist on festive traditions,” Dayna Isom Johnson, Etsy trend expert, says. “Many are leaning into the dark and mysterious, craving something a little more…magical. Think celestial motifs, layered lace, and candlelit corners that bring a touch of enchantment.”
How To Do Gothic Christmas Right
Gothmas isn’t Halloween 2.0. To avoid making your home feel costumed and create an “elegant and mysterious” atmosphere, Dayna advises starting “with an ambient glow from flickering candles delicately placed throughout your home.” The candles also help to create distinct zones in the home if you experiment with their arrangement. However, not all places are suitable for live candles—opt for LED candles which are safe but just as charming.
Moody colours aren’t reserved for the walls. Dayna suggests “adding rich, dark hues into your textiles and tableware” to get the look. “You can also adorn your space with antique decor which has seen searches soar more than 17 times on Etsy,” Dayna continues. “To add a hauntingly elegant touch, gothic wallpaper sets the perfect moody backdrop.”
“For an extra sprinkle of brooding elegance, layer in sun and moon accents, plush velvet cushions, and gold details. Whether you’re celebrating Christmas or the Winter Solstice, this season is all about embracing the dark with a dash of spooky chic and a whole lot of charm.”
Top Picks For a Tight Budget
This piece makes a traditional statement without being too literal. Available in various metal tones, the Sacred Heart statue is a gorgeous touch to any tablescape, fireplace mantle, sideboard or console. It is also available in greens, blues and pinks for those who don’t lean gothic but love the style.
These rose wall plaques would add contrast to dark walls and work well around antique or vintage mirrors for an enchanting look. Also consider using these to adorn plain wooden furniture to create an old-world charm.
The Mildred pillar candles are so detailed. The ornate Victorian repeat pattern makes them feel like they could be on the set of A Christmas Carol. Coming in black, grey, ivory and plum, there is a colour to suit any interior tastes and add some visual interest to the tablescape. If you’re stuck on ideas for Christmas tablescaping, why not read our guide?
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