Dark Academia Bedroom Aesthetic: The Trend You Need to Try

Dark Academia Bedroom Aesthetic: The Trend You Need to Try

The dark academia bedroom aesthetic is quite the rage right now. However, if you haven’t been introduced to this trend yet, don’t worry! We’re going to break it down in this post. In short, the style takes inspiration from traditional hallways and classrooms, filled with wood, rich deep colors, and moody lighting. Dark academia décor can give your bedroom an air of sophistication and mystery, perfect for those who want something a little different. So, why should you try this trend? Let’s take a look!

What Is the Dark Academia Bedroom Aesthetic

Classic dark academia bedroom atmosphere
Classic dark academia bedroom atmosphere

The dark academia bedroom aesthetic is inspired by the classy, refined spirit of education and heritage. It’s a blend of influences, ranging from ancient cultures, classic European architecture, art, literature, and history, to pop-culture Gothic vibes. Thanks to cinematography, it also received a notable portion of romantic mystery and dramatic sophistication—and that also makes one of the main reasons why people enjoy this décor scheme. 

The deep, rich dark academia colors and elaborate accessories add a bit of fairytale fantasy to everyday life. At the same time, they create a warm and inviting interior oriented toward quality. 

So, why the dark academia room décor might be the right choice for your own bedroom? Here are four reasons:

1. It’s Cozy and Comfortable

Cozy dark academia bedroom elements

The combination of dark academia colors and moody lighting conveys a special kind of atmosphere in your bedroom. It makes the overall flair more private, helping you relax and unwind in return.

2. It’s Sophisticated and Mysterious

Dark academia bedroom decor

The dark academia room trend is perfect for those who want to inject a little bit of vintage mystery and romance into their bedroom décor. Depending on your choice of furniture and accessories, it’s possible to convey a range of different auras, from whimsical to gothic. 

3. It’s Great for Relaxing Both Body & Mind

Dark academia bedding

The comfy, alluring atmosphere of the dark academia bedroom elevates the relaxation to a whole different level. Whether you’re taking a nap in your bedroom or just spending some time reading, feeling warm and tucked in will certainly help you unwind.

4. It Can Be (Relatively) Easy to Create

Dark academia decoration

You don’t have to break a bank or spend a lot of time in order to achieve this look. Depending on the existing condition of your bedroom, changing the wall color and adding the right accessories might do the trick.

How to Achieve Dark Academia Bedroom Look on a Budget

Deep green dark academia color mood board by Homilo
Deep green dark academia color mood board by Homilo

The rich and classy aura typically connected with dark academia houses might provoke certain dilemmas. For instance, you might now be wondering whether it’s possible to achieve a similar result without making too many significant changes or renovations. The answer is: yes. The dark academia bedroom aesthetic is easy to achieve even on a budget. You don’t need to make any major investments to create this look in your bedroom. 

Start by choosing the right color palette for your walls and furniture, and complement it with some moody lighting fixtures. There – you’re already well on your way to creating a dark academia bedroom of your own!

Some of the best dark academia colors are black, dark green, and navy blue. You can also use darker shades of other colors, such as shady gray, warm burgundy, or deep purple. It’s best to start with something close to your overall style and use extreme shades such as black for accent only. Think picture frames, lighting fixtures, or mirrors. Speaking of lighting fixtures, even a set of candles can do wonders for a dark academia bedroom atmosphere.           

Key Pieces of Furniture and Décor to Pull off the Dark Academia Bedroom Look

Blue dark academia color mood board by Homilo
Blue dark academia color mood board by Homilo

Some key pieces of furniture and décor that will help pull off the dark academia look in your bedroom include:

  • Dark academia statement bedding: Choose bedding in deep, rich colors, such as black, navy blue, or burgundy. Look also for sets embellished with signature gothic patterns.
  • Gothic mirrors: Mirrors are a great way to add a touch of sophistication to your bedroom, also making one of the fundamental elements of the dark academia décor scheme. Look for intricate, Gothic, or Baroque-inspired designs in brass or matte gold finishes. 
  • Candles: Candles are a must for creating the perfect dark academia ambiance. Look for unique candelabras, carved votive candle cups, hurricane lamps, or even candle chandeliers.  
  • Lampshades: Lampshades are another great way to add some moody lighting to your space. Look for lampshades in rich hues and appropriate decorative patterns. 
  • String lights: String lights can greatly enhance the coziness of your bedroom. Look for themed designs for a cohesive look. 
  • Taxidermy: If you’re feeling bold and adventurous, try adding a touch of mystery to your bedroom with a piece of creepy taxidermy.

With these key pieces of furniture and décor, you’ll be well on your way to creating the perfect dark academia bedroom!                                  

How to Avoid Dark Academia Bedroom Feeling Too Dim or Dreary        

Burgundy dark academia color mood board by Homilo
Burgundy dark academia color mood board by Homilo

Naturally, not everyone is a fan of this type of décor style. The good news is that the modern dark academia bedroom look is not subject to rigid style rules. In other words, you can apply what you like and avoid what you don’t, as long as the overall scheme is cohesive.

Use Light Strategically

Lighting sources for dark academia bedroom

One of the best ways to keep a dark academia bedroom from feeling too dark or dreary is to add plenty of light sources. Candles, string lights, and a variety of lamps—the choice is yours.

Incorporate a Few Bright Accents

Dark academia aesthetic in a modern bedroom interior

You can also brighten up the space with pops of color. Curate some bright accessories, such as pillows or throws in muted shades of pink, yellow, or orange. However, be careful with the hues and ensure that they will not collide with the rest of the scheme.

Add Greenery

Dark academy bedroom decor with plants

This is an excellent way to liven up a dark space. Plants can add a lot of life to a dark academia bedroom, eliminating any unwanted spookiness while keeping the overall results trendy and on point.      

Bend the Rules & Make it Your Own

Modern dark academy bedroom elements mood board by Homilo
Modern dark academy bedroom elements mood board by Homilo

There are many other ways to personalize a dark academia bedroom and make it feel custom and unique. 

Wall art is a proven method of bringing personality to interior design. You can find wall art in gothic or dark academia-inspired designs. Even if you don’t really vibrate with gothic themes, you could set up a spectacular gallery wall made of curated empty frames. Try patinated brass on a burgundy background for an extra stylish dramatic effect. 

Alternatively, you can customize your room design with different DIY projects. With a little bit of creativity, you can easily make your dark academia bedroom feel fresh and fully in line with your character and lifestyle. 

Do you love the dark academia bedroom trend?

Will you be trying it out in your own bedroom? Let us know. Or, consult our experts online free of charge and get professional results in no time!      

Featured images credits: [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 89]