A Gothic bedroom does not have to be jet black and blood red.
When people think of Gothic decor, the things that spring to mind tend to be lots of black, skulls, bats, and a generally depressing atmosphere. This is, of course, unsuitable for a tween girl. A Gothic-style bedroom can be created without painting everything black. In fact, a light and airy Gothic-style room can look all the more striking for the lack of stereotypical black decor. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
Walls
1. Paint the walls in light, airy colors. Consider cream or magnolia shades, or even a very light gray. Alternatively, use half paint and half wallpaper. For example, a light gray/silver wallpaper for the bottom half of the walls, and a cream paint for the top half. There are no rules on colors. For example, if your tween's favorite color is pink or green, use pink or green.
2. Keep the ceiling white. When darker shades are used on the ceiling, the whole room shrinks in size and feels instantly darker.
3. Use a dark woodstain or black paint for the skirting boards. Do not take this further to include the door surround and window frame, the idea is to have subtle splashes of black here and there.
Soft Furnishings
4. There are many different styles, shapes and textures of cushions to consider.
Use cushions to add splashes of darker colors to the room such as reds and black. This is also a chance to add texture to the room, and again, don't be afraid to use lighter colors like pink. Pink works beautifully with splashes of black, if that's what your tween wants. It is also a great substitute if you don't feel comfortable using deep reds.
5. Choose a curtain material to match the other colors used in the room. A silvery material will tie in with the wallpaper. Consider a pattern like fleur-de-lis (stylized lilies). Also consider a pull-down blind in black, or hang a sheer black voile material.
6. Use a light color for the bedding. White will make the colorful cushions stand out, and if you use a wrought iron, Gothic-style bed, this will be a striking center piece for the room. Also consider a throw for the end of the bed in darker colors such as red or black. This will create a grown-up appearance for the bed--which will usually please tween girls.
Accessories
7. Candles can make a beautiful addition to any room.
Use black and red candles to add in those darker splashes of color. Free-standing wrought iron candle holders look beautiful placed at the foot of the bed. Alternatively, look for a Gothic-style wall sconce to hold candles. If you want to keep it a little lighter, use white or silver candles. Ensure the child knows these are decoration only.
8. Black silk roses can look attractive placed in a vase, or even mounted on the walls and framed, and of course flowers give any room a feminine appearance. For pictures, choose ornate-style frames, and choose artwork that includes the colors already in the room. This does not have to be dark, scary art.
9. Add some Gothic-style items for dressing tables and other surfaces or shelves. Consider goblets, trinket boxes and ornaments to set off the Gothic style.
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