Gothic Baroque Interiors

Elements of Gothic Style

• The signature elements of original Gothic design became the inspiration for the Gothic revival movement of the late 19th century. Gothic revival furniture features heavy, intricately carved pieces made from rosewood, mahogany, walnut and oak in dark-stained or black paint finishes. Wrought-iron furnishings are prevalent in Gothic style as well. The pointed arches and steep sloping roofs of Gothic architecture are reflected in tall, sharply angled chair backs and an emphasis on tall, vertically designed pieces. Long, arched windows with leaded or stained glass are often covered from floor to ceiling with velvet drapes.

Elements of Baroque Style

• Baroque furnishings and decor often feature intricate carvings of plant life with scrolling foliage and garlands of flowers. Veneers of thin, multi-colored wood strips and occasional inlays of bone, mother-of-pearl, ivory, turtle shell or brass, which are called marquetry, cover the surface of furniture. Other common motifs include Italian putti, which are small, naked, chubby toddler boys, similar to cupids or cherubim, and family crests or monograms. Ornate, gilded gold frames surround mirrors and wall art. Luxurious fabrics cover furniture, walls and windows with classic damask or floral patterns.

A Marriage of Gothic and Baroque

• Gothic design style tends toward a darker, more masculine feel than the lighter, artistic Baroque style with its curvy, slightly feminine-styled furniture, divine motifs and opulent textiles. However, a pairing of these classic, over-the-top, indulgent design styles creates a romantic, Old World look with undeniable elegance and sophistication. Imagine a room with a black-beaded crystal chandelier and highly lacquered, Louis XV-style furniture in pristine white or deep ebony with gilded gold detail. A crisp, black and white area rug covers a dark walnut wood floor. Light gray- and charcoal-colored walls feature ornately framed wall art. If this simple, monochromatic black-and-white color scheme doesn’t appeal to you, picture the space with deep tones of a few of your favorite colors mixed in with burgundy, deep red, fuchsia, plum, aubergine, royal purple, navy, emerald green, burnt orange or lavish gold hues.

More Decorating Ideas

• Additional must-have accessories for a Gothic Baroque room include medieval, candelabra-style candleholders, candle lantern wall sconces and a large wall mirror with an intricately carved, gilded gold frame. Drape a wall in luxurious fabrics such as velvet and satin, hang a large, medieval wall tapestry or cover a wall with velvet flocked damask wallpaper. Layer windows with velvet, satin or cashmere drapes and a decorative pelmet or lambrequin topper. Real stained glass windows are quite costly; an affordable alternative such as stained glass window film gives you the same look for much less. A French provincial- or Gothic Revival-style armchair makes a nice accent piece. Create a focal point by flanking the chair with Renaissance-style sculptures, vases or urns displayed on column pedestals.