I say that Dark Academia is our favorite fall aesthetic, but, in reality, it’s my favorite aesthetic, no matter the season. Why? It brings a cozy, warm, inviting vibe into any space. I want my work environment to spark creativity. I want to be cocooned away from outside demands on my attention. That’s what a room that embraces the Dark Academia trend does for me. Intrigued? Read on for how you can introduce one of this popular fall aesthetic.
What is the Dark Academia Design Trend?
Do you remember the library at Hogwarts? That’s at the extreme end of the Dark Academia design trend. Often employed in offices, libraries, or book nooks, this design approach merges moody palettes and rich furnishings with inspired accents from classic literature. This fall design idea strives to create a space that has a somewhat romanticized view of academia.
The Dark Academia Color Palette
Deep hunter greens, burgundies, rich browns, and moody blues appear in our favorite Dark Academia refreshes. Where Light Academia might move towards neutrals accented by florals, Dark Academia is balanced by dark gray, brass, gold, or anything with a patina. Antique finishes are always on point.
Vintage or Antique Furnishings
You don’t have to make your space literally feel like Hogwarts or the library from “Beauty and the Beast” (secret doors and two-level libraries with rolling ladders are always winners in my book). And you don’t want the space to resemble a museum so filled with antiques that nobody wants to use it for fear of damaging something. Instead, consider adding a single, large focal piece (or a couple of smaller, storied furniture items). Vintage leather couches, club chairs in moody velvets, and wooden desks are all great options. Of course, if you use this look in a home office, library, or book nook, floor-to-ceiling bookshelves in a dark stain will always be celebrated.
Rugs, Drapes, and Throws
Thrift (or buy) the best quality rug your budget will allow. A lot of designers recommend focusing on color and buying something inexpensive. If that’s what works for your budget, go for it. However, if you can splurge, spend on something high-quality and handmade. Not only is it better for the environment, but a natural fiber rug (like wool) will stand the test of time and wear beautifully.
Wools, velvets, and tweed are great options for textiles in a space embracing the Dark Academia design trend this fall. Thrift stores frequently offer high-quality drapes that have been donated during someone else’s home refresh. Weighted blankets or cashmere throws are fantastic accents that can bring an extra level of cozy luxury to your new space. Houndstooth or plaid patterns are welcome here!
Classic Accents
Books, particularly older bound volumes, make wonderful decor accents. Plus, you may find yourself loving the feel of a physical book as you sink into your luxurious couch with a glass of wine or tea for an evening read. Green glass lights with brass elements fill libraries for a reason — the look beckons patrons toward scholarly pursuits.
Antique globes fit right in with this fall aesthetic. Vintage maps, classical paintings, and antique clocks are all ways to express your history and interests while embracing this design approach. Even a chandelier would not be out of place. Quills? Well, that might be pushing it, but I love physical journals, so if you can make exquisite stationery, notebooks, and ink wells work for you, try it.
Here is the good news: You don’t have to make all these changes to introduce a Dark Academia vibe into your home. This fall aesthetic is all about designing a moody, creative atmosphere. Whether that means choosing dark shades for your wall color or swapping in deeply-hued textiles, you will notice the difference.
For more design pieces that might fit with your target fall aesthetic, visit us here.