Goth Bedroom Ideas for Teens

If your teen is into the gothic style (or "goth" if you're cool) your first impulse might be to run screaming into the night. Take a breath-decorating a goth bedroom can be an interesting creative challenge that could bring you and your teen closer together.

Goth Bedroom Basics
Originally developed in music, the goth style has moved into movies, literature and fashion. Loosely, goth style is fascinated with the dark side of societal norms. The Victorian and Medieval periods of history form strong touchstones for goth design and motifs.

Aside from turning a bedroom into the set of a Bela Lugosi movie, what options do you have bringing the goth look to your teens room? Here are some pointers:

• Less is more. As with most decorating, a little goes along way. The elements you decide to include in your goth bedroom should be used with restraint. You're looking to decorate a room, not create a museum.
• Furniture. Heavy is the look you're going for here. Think wrought iron beds and massive, iron-strapped trunks for storage. For a lighter look, consider distressed Victorian-era furniture in ivory or gray.
• Oh, the colors! Although black is the dominant color in goth fashion, it is absolutely terrible as the primary color of a room. Try to limit black to bedding and accessories or at most to an accent wall. Deep (blood!) red is also a popular color, but should also be used with restraint. Consider silver or cool grays as primary colors and try to work in the stronger colors in accents and accessories. For an edgy look, consider accents in lime green or neon purple to liven things up.

Goth Bedroom Accessories
Accessories give your teen a chance to really get creative. Goth style has several touchstones that all bedroom designs should consider including:

• Skulls - Skulls can be creepy or cute but will probably have a place of prominence in your teen's goth décor. Skull patterned bedding; rugs and posters are all available. You can even find skull cabinet pulls and skull-shaped paint sponges!
• Candle - Heavy, ornate candle holders fit well in a goth bedroom. You should strongly consider electric or battery-powered faux candles for use in the bedroom as a safety precaution.
• Gargoyles - Straight from a medieval cathedral, gargoyles can be an interesting addition to goth décor. These moody little guys are available as statues, bookends and other art objects.