by: Michael Holland

Gothic décor is often associated with medieval designs, which is not

surprising considering the two are quite similar.

However the major difference between gothic and medieval, is that

gothic décor is usually much darker, and perhaps in a modern sense, a

little more "stereotypical".

When it comes to gothic décor you need to think dark. Everything

considered gothic is void of bright colors. The major gothic colors

include black, deep purples such as eggplant or violet, black, deep

greens such as forest green, black, royal blue, black, crimson reds,

black, silver, and black-you get the idea.

Gothic décor themes will vary depending on what tastes your child

has. There are two basic gothic types that will be taken into

consideration here:

1. Traditional Gothic theme

2. Modern Gothic theme

The traditional gothic theme is one that consists of dark colors, and

is lightly based on the period that existed in Northern Europe

between the 12th and 15th century. A room fashioned in this type of

gothic décor often resembles that of a medieval dungeon or bedroom.

The following is only an example of what such a room could consist

of:

* Dark paint or wallpaper on the walls

* 4-poster wooden bed with canopy and dark drapes

* A black tapestry with a different colored intricate design or symbol. Often such tapestries can also be used as bed covers.

* Various old oil paintings or wall hangings

* Small pewter statues of dragons, gargoyles, fairies, wizards, angels or ghouls, etc.

* Candle holders on the walls or for tables, often designed with dragons, etc.

* Themed incense burners

* Dark colored throne chair

* As well as various other accessories such as mirrors, lamps and clocks that are uniquely themed with dragons, gargoyles and so on.

As for the modern gothic theme, this type of gothic décor is far less

medieval, and much more "punk". This is because modern Goths

associate themselves with current dark imagery that is found within

heavy metal/rock music and horror/cult movie classics. Here is an

example of a room that could appeal to the modern goth:

* Black painted walls

* Canopy bed

* Wall art such as posters of favorite rock bands, movies, old world or dark symbols, fantasy/folklore such as fairies, wizards, vampires etc.

* Small pewter statues of gargoyles, ghouls, skulls, fairies, fallen angels

* Low wattage lights / black lights

* Themed candleholders

* Themed incense burners

* Furniture painted black

* Black plastic, aluminum, or vinyl chairs

* Space with TV and Stereo system.

Although the above two examples are extreme, you should have a better

idea of what to look for, and expect, if your child is interested in

gothic décor.

Something else you may wish to look into, if your child would like a

gothic décor theme, is a wall mural. You don't have to be an artist,

or even hire a professional to accomplish this task. All you require

is a simple image, which your child can choose from the internet or

elsewhere, and transfer it to transparency film.

Use a projector to display the image on the wall, and then copy and

paint to create the perfect gothic décor wall design that your child

can take joy in.

Don't be afraid to explore the dark mysteries of gothic décor that

interest your child. Encourage their imagination; indulge their

desires for their room, even if it makes you cringe slightly to do

so. Remember, as long as you approve, there is no reason why you

both can't be happy.