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Recently updated on March 12th, 2024 at 09:47 pm
From dark wood furniture to classic literature art prints concepts. This post is all about the best dark academia decor ideas.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you.
Have you ever watched The Riot Club or Dead Poets Society, and suddenly craved dark wood interiors, candles and books? Well, you’re not alone.
Maybe it’s the books and libraries references. Maybe it’s dark interiors. Or maybe it’s the dark academia aesthetic’s popularity on TikTok. But dark academia is both cozy and mysterious
Your home should be a reflection of you. After all, you spend so much time at home. Especially now so many of us work from home. Whether you’re after dark academia bedroom decor, living room decor or art prints. I’ve got you covered.
In this post, I shared enchanting dark academia decor ideas to transform your home.
If you’re a dark academia fan, check out some of the related posts below:
The 20 best dark academia gifts
23 Captivating Dark Academia Books you’re Guaranteed to love
This post is all about the best dark academia decor ideas
Vintage French Style Candlestick Set
More Dark Academia Decor ideas
1. Beautiful clothbound books
Special collectable editions of books are an excellent choice. Any dark academia will be proud to display a beautiful edition of their favourite classic on their shelves. Barnes and Noble, Penguin, Puffin and MinaLima all do beautiful clothbound editions of classics.
You can find special editions of many books online. A stunning edition of their favourite book is sure to make any bookworm happy. The editions featured are the Penguin Clothbound Classics – the beautiful War of the Worlds edition is linked below.
2. Retro Bluetooth Gramophone
This is probably the most expensive item on this list. But just look at this gramophone record player! How gorgeous would this look in any dark academia inspired room?
This gramophone record player is able to play records but can also stream songs via Bluetooth. So it’s perfect for streaming both classic music and modern favourites.
3. Book Light
I’m obsessed with this cute book light. This would work in most decors and is perfect for book lovers. However, I think this would be really atmospheric in a reading corner of a dark academia room.
When closed, this mini urban grey linen smart Book Light masquerades a natural looking mini urban grey notebook. But when opened It transforms into a sculptural light emitting a wonderful ambient warm white soft LED light through the pages
4. World Map
Maps are magical! Seriously, I always look for a map in the front of my books ( who doesn’t?!)
The artwork that goes into them is so incredibly beautiful.
Vintage map prints make great decor for dark academia lovers. They come in all different sizes.
Likewise, you can get download options online.
5. Antique style globe
If you’re looking for dark academia decor, then you need an antique style globe. This globe makes the perfect finishing touch to any dark academia room.
Etsy and Amazon both have tons of options for antique style globes depending on what style you like – from light up globe lights to this globe drinks cabinet (I’m obsessed!).
6. Vintage Style globe and telescope bookends
These beautiful bookends will make an excellent edition to any dark academia bedroom.
Whether you’re a seasoned book lover with hundreds of books, or have a curated collection of a few classics, these vintage bookends will add a dark academia touch to any room.
These bookends are from a star seller and a small business in the UK. Etsy has tons of stylish bookends that are a great pick if you’re after dark academia decor ideas.
7. Luxury Handmade Wooden Chess Set
If you want to buy a gift that will be used – a chess set could be a really good option. There are some truly beautiful chess sets to fit every budget on Etsy. Handmade, vintage and even magnetic.
This chess set has a Walnut and mother of pearl inlay on the playing surface. The top is hinged so chess pieces can be stored inside. It’s a really luxurious gift and a great option for chess fans.
8. Whisky Decanter Set
Personally, I’m not a whisky drinker. But there is something so decadent about a whisky decanter set.
These are an excellent way to add a touch of dark academia to a room. When you’re taking a break from work or studying, pour yourself a nightcap.
I’m also obsessed with this Globe Wine storage from Wayfair. You pull up the top to reveal glasses and drinks. The most beautiful liquor storage and very dark academia. You can buy the Globe wine bar here.
9. Vintage style gold mirror
If you’re searching for dark academia decor, try adding an antique mirror. These add a touch of vintage charm to any bedroom.
This small vintage style mirror is handmade and has lovely gold detailing. You could also find some beautiful mirrors second hand at antique stores.
10. Dark green velvet curtains
Curtains are an easy way to completely transform a space. For dark academia decor or dark academia bedrooms, try dark velvet curtains. These dark green velvet curtains are a great budget option.
Curtains in dark colours such as dark green or navy will complement the dark tones of this look perfectly.
11. Dark wood writing desk
Dark wood furniture complements any dark academia room perfectly. This dark wood writing desk would make the perfect addition to any dark academia room. Especially when paired with vintage trinkets and classic literature.
Dark wood furniture can also be found second hand online, in antique stores or even charity furniture shops/thrift stores.
12. Touch control table lamp set
Subdued lighting is the way forward when creating a dark academia inspired room. Subdued lighting gives that moody and mysterious vibe.
Whether it’s from table lamps, fairylights or candles – just make sure you don’t turn on the overhead lights!
This pair of table lamps is perfect for creating a dark academia aesthetic. However, you can find tons of antique style lamps online.
13. Golden Pothos House Plant
No matter the aesthetic, plants make any room look so much more cozy and homely. This Golden Pothos plant is easy to look after.
Dot various plants around your space to make it look instantly lived in and creative. Studies have also shown that plants can improve stress and productivity. What’s not to love.
14. Dark forest bedding
Bedding is one of the most important items. After all, you rest your head there every night.
Dark bedding will set the tone and help create a dark academia bedroom. From brocade to botanical prints, there are tons of beautiful options to choose from.
If you’re after more affordable bedding, you could buy a blanket to put on top of your existing duvet set. Etsy has tons of options, including this bookshelf blanket.
15. Skeleton home decor
Skeleton and ghost accents are perfect for dark academia decor. Especially when paired with dark walls. They add a gothic touch to room decor.
You can find tons of skeleton themed decor online. The ring holder above would look beautiful on a dark wood dressing table.
16. Vintage typewriter
Vintage typewriters are an excellent way to add a touch of dark academia to an area. They encompass that love of intellectual pursuits, history and classic literature.
You could scout antique shops or ebay for vintage typewriters to include as decor. You can also buy new typewriters from Amazon. Combine with old books for an academia inspired display.
17. Dark academia wall collage
Easy, affordable and beautiful. A wall collage is a simple way to incorporate the dark academia aesthetic into a room. Collages look especially good behind a desk or near a bed.
Many use pages from old book. You could search for your old unwanted books or buy some cheap from thrift stores. You can also find many dark academia inspired prints online.
Feeling lazy? You can buy packs of dark academia postcards designed to make a stunning wall collage on Etsy.
18. Dark Academia armchair
After a long day, you need somewhere to relax and read. A dark academia armchair makes the perfect addition to a room.
Choose luxurious fabrics such as velvet and dark or jewel-toned colours. Shades of green work well in dark academia rooms. Combine with pillows, clothbound books and wall art for a stunning academia reading nook.
19. Dark Academia Amber jar candle
Candles make rooms cozy and comfortable. The light from a candle is moody and ideal for dark academia fans.
Candles of any kind look good in dark academia rooms. Amber jar candles look beautiful paired with books and dark wood.
But I also love traditional stick candles. You can get these in a variety of colours and shades. These twisty stick candles from Amazon are stunning.
20. Peel and Stick wallpaper
Wallpaper brings a room together. It can add a different vibe too any room. The problem is you can’t always wallpaper a room. Especially if you rent. The answer? Peel and stick wallpaper.
You can find tons of options for beautiful peel and stick wallpapers online. But this botanical print screamed dark academia to me. Pair with dark wood and decor to get the aesthetic at home.
