One of the most misrepresented subcultures; Goths are not all into having everything black, gloomy, depressing, or death-related. In this article we’ll explore home decorating ideas for one of the perhaps original types, the Medieval Goth.
A man’s home is his castle, as the old saying goes, and this decorating style strives to make it a reality. Candles cast a soft glow over tapestries and suits of armor standing at attention. Gargoyle and dragon statues grace the shelves, while sword displays hang on the walls. Stained glass, wall sconces, chains, faux stone, and Gothic arches and are also design elements.
Colors would be burgundy, gold, black, hunter or forest green, and navy or midnight blue. Fabric choices could be heavier weights including velvet, tapestry, wool, fake fur, and linen. Curtains and wall hangings would use iron or pewter rods.
Furniture could be a mix of wood and stone. Throws and slip covers could be used to conceal modern style sofas. Iron hardware may be added to pieces to lend a medieval Goth flair. Simple hooks and chains can suspend tea light candles in pretty glass containers.
Now that we have an idea of what we are trying to achieve, the next question is where to find what we need?
For the fabrics, any local fabric store should have what you need. You might even find some good tapestry fabric to make your own wall hanging. If you’re an internet shopper these sites may be useful.
http://www.european-wall-tapestries.com – There are some gorgeous medieval tapestries here, perfect for Goth décor and many very reasonably priced.
http://www.housefabric.com – This website carries tapestry fabric and chenille tapestry in several rich patterns.
For the furniture and accessories; yard and estate sales and thrift stores are good places to look for items you can modify to fit your medieval Goth castle. Home improvement stores like Lowe’s and Home Depot should have iron hardware, chains, and rods. Home décor and craft stores such as Garden Ridge carry wonderful suits of armor. Statues and other medieval collectibles can be found at various places online.
http://www.designtoscano.com – Their items are a little expensive, but they are beautiful. From Excalibur to dragon wall sconces to several gargoyle sculptures and much more; even if you don’t buy something you’ll enjoy browsing.
http://www.mwart.com – This website is a great resource for medieval home decorating. I found the small touches such as the set of castle keys and helmet desk organizer very nice.
http://www.thesteelsource.com – This site has some very nice statues of dragons and gargoyles, figurines of gallant knights, banners, sun catchers, and much more.
There are so many craft projects and resources for this style! Here I’ve highlighted some of them.
http://painting.about.com/library/blpaint/blfreestencils-heraldry.htm – Free heraldry stencils including lion rampart and fleur-de-lis. These can be used to make your own shield, customizing a lampshade, or any other idea you can think of.
http://www.rencentral.com/sept_vol1/fauxstonewall.shtml – Step by step directions for creating faux stone walls.
http://www.greydragon.org/furniture.html – Not just one tutorial, but several different plans for various pieces of medieval furniture
Don’t be afraid to turn your home into your own Goth medieval castle. It is possible to create your escape into the bygone days of chivalry on a small budget with some time and creativity.
