Add Instant Drama to Your Home with the Western Gothic Aesthetic

This decorating style mixes deep hues and ornate details with classics from the American West.

Western Gothic is an emerging style that combines somber Goth decor pieces with the nostalgic feel of the Wild West. Highlighted in the 2024 Pinterest Predicts list of rising trends, this decorating style has risen to popularity alongside moody color schemes and Western decor.

“The spaces that I design using this style seem to blow up on Pinterest and Instagram, so I can tell that people are resonating with it,” says Mollie Renteria of Mollie Makes It Pretty. “Think black leather, ranch-inspired decor, natural woods, and muted metallics,” she says.

Western Gothic is in line with other drama-driven decorating trends grabbing our attention recently, like dark academia, whimsigoth, and the vampire aesthetic. This contrasting style mixes classic Western and country themes with sultry notes from Gothic’s more dark and ornate elements.

Related: Whimsigoth Is the Moody Style Your Home Needs

What Is the Western Gothic Aesthetic?

“The Western Gothic home look is equal parts vintage Americana and moody—think Ralph Lauren with an edge,” says Heather Goerzen, design director and lead interior designer for Havenly.

Both Western and Gothic aesthetics have signature style elements, and you can expect to find many of those in Western Gothic decor. “Key elements include vintage furniture and textiles (especially rugs), dark wood tones and hints of black, dramatic candelabra-style lighting, and dramatic details like fringe, pleating, faux fur, rich leather, and hints of suede,” Goerzen says.

The look fits best in “smaller, conversational spaces,” says Renteria, who explains that the aesthetic it translates well to spaces like bourbon rooms and wine cellars, powder rooms, libraries, offices, and hallways. “If you're afraid to dive head first into this trend, start with a dark paint or cool piece of Western Gothic art. Paint and art can be easily changed out over time,” Renteria advises.

How to Get the Western Gothic Look

For inspiration around how to use the trend in your own space, check out Pinterest’s Western Gothic trend board. When you're ready to embrace the aesthetic, follow this guidance from Goerzen and Renteria to create a sophisticated cowboy crypt of your own.

1. Use Deep Colors

Dark, deep colors are necessary for the Western Gothic look, and paint is the most dramatic way to incorporate the palette. “Painting your trim, stairwell, walls, or all of the above in a rich black shade helps check the 'moody' box,” Goerzen says.

Renteria suggests dark, muted colors like charcoal, olive green, mocha, or rust. And if you’re interested in more texture, she recommends a roman clay wall treatment in the same shades. You can also try it out on your room’s focal points, like fireplaces, furniture, or artwork. Textiles are another opportunity to bring in moody hues.

Related: 5 Expert Tips for Pulling Off a Dark Color Palette in Your Home

2. Incorporate Vintage and Ornate Accents

“I’d say one of the most important features here is a little vintage,” Goerzen says. "Whether in the form of dramatic lighting, an ornate wooden side board, pleated accent chairs with fringe detail, or decorative details, like vintage candleholders, an American flag, artwork, and books.” But don’t forget the ornate details of the Gothic style, Goerzen warns. “Think gilded picture frames and mirrors, plenty of candles, a little velvet, and dramatic lighting.”

Related: How to Find the Best Vintage Home Decor, According to a Pro

3. Mix, Don’t Separate

Any time you're combining two decorating styles, it’s important to make sure that you’re using pieces intentionally. Layering elements of both Western and Gothic styles works well for this trend. “Get a cowhide rug, throw it under a dark leather chair and add in a metallic end table,” Renteria says. This will highlight the juxtaposition of rugged pieces in more polished spaces. 

4. Hang Western-Style Art

Both Renteria and Goerzen recommend committing to something classically western when it comes to decor. “Add a few antler accents, and voila,” Goerzen says. Look for other signature elements like snakes, hides, cacti or vintage cowboy art. “They even have really cool tumbleweeds you can buy online if you want to go all out,” Renteria says. You may also find these motifs offered with a deeper, more Gothic palette. For a finishing touch that combines both elements of the Western Gothic aesthetic, Renteria often recommends a moody print featuring a single longhorn.

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