Your space reflects your aesthetic and curates your mood.
Dark academia is an aesthetic and cultural movement that draws inspiration from academic and literary traditions, often focusing on introspection, intellectualism and a love for knowledge and learning. It emerged as a trend online and has gained popularity on platforms like TikTok. Maybe you’re inspired by this aesthetic and hoping to decorate your home. Where can you get started with dark academia room decor to enhance the moody, scholastic vibe? We’ll explain more here.
Dark academia in modern media
While dark academia is not an easily spotted decorative style, it’s more prevalent than we think. Shows like “Wednesday” feature dark-toned decor, vintage furniture and an overall dark aesthetic that lends to dark academia. Tim Burton films and Harry Potter movies — along with films like Dead Poets Society and Atonement — famously feature this moody, serious aesthetic as well.
The key features of dark academia room decor
Dark academia is all about embracing the love for learning and intellectual pursuits. It’s showcasing and emulating a deep appreciation for literature, philosophy, history and the arts that really sets it apart from other decor styles. Because of this, there’s also a strong sense of nostalgia that comes with dark academia: Think vintage books and antique furnishings that transport you to a different time. Let’s delve into some of the key characteristics of dark academia decor.
Deep colors
Dark academia room decor features a color palette full of deep, rich tones. Colors like dark brown, burgundy, forest green, navy blue and black create a sense of drama and depth. These colors are often used on walls (when allowed by apartments), furniture and accessories. Elements like furniture colors, wall decor, blankets, pillows, floor rugs and bedding reflect these colors in smaller spaces like apartments.
Antique furniture and vintage tchotchkes
With such baroque influence, antique and vintage furniture are seen in dark academia-decorated spaces. Things like dark wooden bookshelves, leather armchairs, carved desks and unique tables help curate the aesthetic.
The furniture tends to have a sense of history and character, nodding to the sense of nostalgia dark academia creates. These pieces can prove as budget-friendly as they are beautiful, antique furniture is found easily at thrift-type shops, second-hand resale stores and vintage retailers.
Literature emphasis
Books play a central role in the dark academia asthetic, whether this be through floor-to-ceiling bookshelves filled with classic, leather-bound books or smaller, vintage book nooks filled with academic texts. The books are often arranged eclectically and intentionally unorganized, creating a sense of charm and uniqueness.
Artwork
Dark academia decor often includes artwork that reflects classical and intellectual themes. Think of old-world paintings, portraits and other traditional art styles. People can take it one step further by displaying this art in vintage frames or dark frames in a gallery-style fashion. The artwork element really contributes to the overall ambiance of nostalgia and a love for more decadent things in life.
Dark lighting
One of the easiest ways to spot dark academia decor and to create this ambiance is through lighting. Table lamps and floor lamps with warm-toned bulbs create an intimate and cozy atmosphere. Candles and soft string lights add a touch of warmth to living spaces.
The opposing side: light academia
Light academia is a contrasting style to dark academia. While dark academia embraces a moody and dark atmosphere, light academia takes a brighter and more optimistic approach. It embodies the love for learning and intellectual pursuits, just like dark academia, but with a lighter and airier feel.
Libraries, gardens and the beauty of nature offer inspiration within light academia. To curate the desired vibe, people incorporate pastel colors, soft fabrics and floral patterns through furniture, wall decor and plants. You can find this style represented in several shows like “Bridgerton,” “Anne with an E” and “Gilmore Girls.”
Explore this scholarly, gothic style in your apartment
By creating a space that reflects the aesthetic and ambiance of dark academia, individuals can immerse themselves in this realm that celebrates the pursuit of knowledge and the beauty of the past.
Whether through the arrangement of books or by filling the room with vintage furniture, decorating for dark academia combines literature, art and Romanticism perfectly. Find your dream apartment to fill with dark academia today!
Source: rent.com