Dark Academia Design Guide: 12 Key Elements

What is dark academia?

Dark academia is a decorating style that draws inspiration from academic settings, a sense of intellectualism, and classic literature. It's characterized by its cozy and moody atmosphere and its dark color palette.

Dark academia aims to create rooms that emphasize a love of learning and knowledge, while simultaneously channeling a moody, nostalgic, gothic aesthetic with definite Hogwarts undertones.

This includes features like old libraries, candlelit study rooms, or, more generally, think walking through Edinburgh or Oxford on a rainy winter day.

1. Dark color palette

The first element that is important to nail when creating a dark academic-style room is of course a dark color palette.

Some of the paint colors you can look at bringing into a dark academia space are deep plums and burgundies, dark greens, dark blues, dark grays and charcoals, black, of course, and rich browns.

These colors set the foundation for the moody, atmospheric vibe that defines dark academia.

As a general tip, if you're going dark, I strongly suggest carrying your dark paint onto the ceiling.

2. Molding and trim

If you've already painted and our room is still feeling like it's lacking something or it's a little boring, consider adding molding and trim work.

Crown molding, picture rails, and decorative panels are all a huge part of dark academia, and everything tends to fall a little flat if you skip these details.

3. Wallpaper

Of course, besides paint, there's always wallpaper, which can be an excellent alternative. It's a great way to bring interest and pattern into your space.

You could choose a dark floral, a damask, or some kind of dark botanical motif.

4. Dark accents

If you can't change your walls, there are other ways that you can bring dark into your room. For example, your curtains, individual furniture pieces, cushions, and bedding. Those are all great options for adding dark tones to your room.

5. Textures and materials

Another important aspect of getting that dark academia vibe is to use textures and materials that feel incredibly rich and luxurious.

Consider incorporating materials like velvet, leather, and wood.

By combining these different textures and materials, you can start to create a multi-layered tapestry, which is not only visually interesting but also interesting for your senses as well.

6. Patterns

Some patterns that align with the dark academia aesthetic include damask, houndstooth, plaid, and paisley.

And, of course, you can always bring in a beautiful intricate Persian rug to add some interest to your room.

7. Furniture

If you're wondering what kind of furniture to bring into your dark academia space, think about bringing in something vintage or antique to bring character and charm into your room.

Dark academia is a dark-on-dark look, so bring in darker wood pieces as opposed to lighter wood.

A statement piece of furniture can anchor the dark academia look in your space.

8. Lighting

Dark academia is all about creating a cozy atmosphere, and lighting plays a crucial role in achieving that warm and inviting ambiance.

Opt for warm-toned light bulbs rather than cool ones. Warm light creates a cozy and intimate feel, which aligns well with the aesthetic.

Candles are a hallmark of the dark academia look. Use real candles and candle holders or opt for the fake kind that flickers.

You'll also want to use lamps with shades that diffuse the light nicely.

Wall sconces can also be a great addition.

9. Wall decor

When it comes to wall decor, choose timeless artwork, like classical oil portraits, landscapes, and still life paintings to add depth and character to your walls.

Chunky ornate gold frames are always a great touch in a dark academia-themed room. Of course, you don't have to have original paintings, you can use prints as well.

If you want to emphasize the intellectual side of the dark academia style, you could consider hanging blueprints of old buildings, vintage maps, and technical illustrations.

And, of course, mirrors are never a bad idea.

10. Tapestry

If your walls are still feeling a little bit naked, you could dress them up in a vintage-style tapestry. Not only will it add a touch of history and culture to your space, but it'll bring in some additional warmth and texture.

11. Bookshelves

Bookshelves represent the academia part of the dark academia style. They serve not only as storage for your cherished literary treasures but are also a powerful design element that can help round out a space when it feels like it's missing something.

Bookcases also help to add to that layered maximalist feel of dark academia decor.

12. Accessories

Finally, accessories are what are going to get you across the finish line. There is a huge variety of accessories that you can use to get the look.

Greek busts, globes, old photographs, handwritten letters, vintage clocks, inkwells, and typewriters are among a few.