So you want your space to feel darker, moodier, and unapologetically gothic, but you’re not about to drop a fortune on store-bought stuff.
Here’s how you can pull off some goth-inspired décor with easy DIY projects that’ll add character and style to every corner. Whether you’re after a few subtle accents or a bold statement piece, it’s all about shaping a vibe that’s personal and, honestly, a little bit wicked.
1) Black lace LED candle holders with dripping wax effect
Wrap some glass jars or plain candle holders with black lace, and suddenly they feel a lot more mysterious. The lace softens the candlelight, but still keeps the vibe moody.
If you want to push it further, use candles with a dripping wax effect. The uneven wax trails make it look aged and a little eerie, like something you’d find in a crumbling crypt.
Mix up jar sizes for a bit of variety. Cluster them together for a stronger, layered glow that really deepens the atmosphere.
2) DIY skull-shaped planters painted matte black
Using clay you can create a skull shape and hollow it out just enough for soil or a small pot. Hit it with matte black spray paint and you’ve got a planter that instantly feels goth.
If you’re using real plants, drill a drainage hole. If not, faux greenery works just as well and you won’t have to worry about watering. Either way, the black finish makes everything pop.
Set your skull planter on a shelf or windowsill. That matte paint keeps it subtle, but the shape? All attitude.
3) Hand-painted gothic tarot inspired card wall art
Grab some blank canvases and sketch out classic tarot cards – The Moon, The Hermit, Death – whatever feels right, but with your own dark twist. Black paint with sharp white highlights makes everything stand out.
Toss in some metallic silver or gold accents if you want the symbols to catch the light. If your brushstrokes are a little rough, even better. It just adds to the raw and moody look.
Hang a few together for a mini gallery wall that’s personal and a little bit spooky.
4) Distressed black velvet throw pillows with DIY embroidery
Throw some distressed black velvet pillows on your couch or bed and the room just feels heavier, in the best way. The texture keeps it from looking too polished.
Silver embroidery is enough detail to make them interesting, but not so much that they’re flashy. It’s a subtle contrast, very goth but still chic.
Mix these with plain black cushions so things don’t get too busy. That way, the look stays sharp and intentional.
5) DIY wrought iron-inspired wall sconces
You can totally fake wrought iron with stuff like plastic garden fencing or old metal bits cut from a trellis, or from old items you can repurpose from the thrift store. Matte black spray paint gives them that gothic, aged look.
Mount them on wood scraps or straight onto the wall. Pop in a candle holder or LED light for a moody glow.
If you want them to look older, lightly sand the edges or brush on a bit of silver. Suddenly, your sconce feels like it’s been around for ages.
6) Dark red velvet drapes with tassel tiebacks
Looking for drama? Dark red velvet drapes are where it’s at. They make your room feel instantly richer and fit right into a gothic vibe. The color is deep, and the fabric just screams bold.
Adding some thick tassel tiebacks keep things from getting too heavy and add a nice texture break.
Against black or dark wood walls, that red really pops. You get luxury and a bit of an edge, without much effort.
7) DIY black feather chandeliers
A black feather chandelier isn’t as complicated as it sounds, just a wire frame, some hot glue, and a bunch of feathers. The result? Moody edge for days.
Hang it above a table or in a hallway and the vibe shifts immediately. The feathers add depth, but the whole thing stays light.
Try LED candles or string lights inside the frame. That soft glow against the feathers is just… perfect.
8) Antique brass candelabras repainted in matte black
Find an old brass candelabra at a thrift shop and hit it with matte black spray paint. Suddenly, it’s not shiny and old-fashioned, but dark and dramatic.
You don’t need any fancy tools, just painter’s tape and a steady hand. Once it’s dry, it goes from antique to gothic statement real quick.
Pair it with black taper candles or even deep red ones for extra drama.
9) DIY Victorian-style mirror frames with cracked paint finish
Grab an old mirror frame and sand it down, then go in with a dark base coat, black or burgundy works.
After that, layer on a lighter color and use crackle medium so the base peeks through. The effect is pure worn Victorian.
A little dry brushing or metallic on the edges helps finish it off. It ends up looking perfectly aged and moody.
10) Black roses in glass cloche displays
Trap black roses under a glass cloche and suddenly, they feel like a centerpiece instead of just another flower. The dome focuses all the attention.
Mix dried and crafted roses for different textures. The cloche also keeps everything in place, so your setup lasts longer.
Lay down a dark base or velvet underneath for extra drama. You can go with a single rose or a whole bunch, depending on how bold you want to get.
11) DIY spiderweb macrame wall hangings
Twist some black or white macrame cord into a spiderweb shape on a hoop or wooden frame. The knots don’t have to be perfect – basic loops work.
Add a fake spider if you’re feeling playful. No need for fancy knotting skills; the web effect is what matters.
Hang it above your bed or in a hallway. It instantly adds that gothic, slightly eerie edge.
12) Painted black vintage books stacked as decor
Take a stack of old hardcovers and paint them matte black. Let some of the worn edges show through for a haunted look.
Tie up a few with twine, ribbon, or distressed leather. Stack them on a shelf or coffee table for an instant gothic vibe.
Top them with a candle, skull, or dried flowers if you want to push the mood even further.
13) DIY gothic calligraphy quotes on parchment paper
Write your favorite gothic quotes in calligraphy on parchment paper. The texture of the paper makes everything feel more dramatic and old-school.
Use a calligraphy pen and black or deep red ink, and try out different gothic lettering styles. Even if it’s not perfect, it’ll look striking.
Frame them, tack them to the wall, or scatter them on shelves for a vintage vibe.
14) DIY black leather-bound journals with embossed symbols
Make your own black leather journal by cutting a leather cover and stitching in blank pages. A hand-sewn binding with waxed thread gives it a rough, handmade feel.
Stamp or emboss symbols, runes, sigils, whatever speaks to you, into the leather. Heat or a 3D printed stamp works for this.
Keep it matte or a bit distressed for that darker look. It’s personal, practical, and just a little mysterious.
15) DIY skull drawer pulls
Swap out boring handles for skull or bone-shaped pulls. Use resin molds, thrift store finds, or even lightweight Halloween decorations as a base.
Drill a hole, add a screw, and you’ve got an instant upgrade. Paint them matte black, go metallic, or leave them raw.
Suddenly your dresser or cabinets have a serious gothic attitude.
16) DIY black crystal terrariums with dried flowers
Make a black crystal terrarium with a glass container, some black sand or gravel, and a few jagged crystals. It’s surprisingly easy and looks super moody.
Drop in dried flowers, roses, thistles, lavender, whatever keeps its shape and color.
Move things around until it feels right. Go minimal or pack it full. Either way, it looks like something out of a gothic curiosity cabinet.
17) DIY gothic stained glass window decals
Get the look of stained glass without the price tag. Use stained glass decals or printable templates and stick them right onto your windows.
If you want to get crafty, paint clear acrylic sheets with glass paints and frame them. You’ll get the vibe of cathedral windows, minus the weight.
Temporary clings are great if you like to change things up. They peel off easy, so you’re not stuck with one look forever.
18) DIY black velvet coffin-shaped storage boxes
Take a wooden coffin box and wrap it in black velvet. The fabric makes it feel way more gothic than just paint.
Line the inside with felt or patterned fabric to keep your jewelry or trinkets safe. Hot glue works fine – no need to overthink it.
Add metal clasps or handles if you want it to feel more like a keepsake chest. It’s décor and storage all in one.
19) DIY black lace dreamcatchers with onyx beads
Wrap a simple hoop in black lace and weave a tight web. The pattern looks best when it’s neat and sharp.
Add onyx beads for a heavy, shadowy vibe. Let them dangle or thread them through the web.
Finish with lace strips or black feathers. Hang it up and you’ve got a dreamcatcher that’s pure goth.
20) DIY gothic garden trellis
Thinking about giving your garden a bit of a darker vibe? You can purchase a regular trellis and give it a gothic makeup with black paint and plastic glued on spike additions! There’s just something about black metal, it gives off that moody, gothic energy, but it doesn’t scream for attention.
Plant climbing roses, ivy, or maybe even black hollyhocks and let them tangle their way through the frame. The way the green twists around the dark metal? Pretty striking, honestly.
If you’re just starting out, it’s probably best to keep the design simple. Even a plain arch with clean lines can totally set the mood for a gothic-inspired outdoor spot.
