7 Ways to Bring the ‘Soft Goth’ Aesthetic Into Your Home

Inspired by Wednesday Addams, of course.

Who would’ve thought that in 2022 we’d be turning to the Addams family for fashion and decor cues . . . but lo and behold, Wednesday, the latest re-imagining of the Addams family, which aired on Netflix in late November 2022, has Gen Z and millennials alike adopting ‘soft goth’ style in their outfit choices and home decor.

Just like Wednesday herself – who is played by Jenny Ortega in the recent series – the soft goth aesthetic is both spooky and cute. While those two vibes might sound inherently contradictory, the soft goth mentality is all about blending those tough elements with the whimsical for a look that is unique, fun and nostalgic all at once.

If you’re looking for a way to refresh your space, taking some cues from the soft goth aesthetic is the way to go. With a few simple tweaks, your home will feel super on-trend. Even better, you can smile on the inside knowing that the brooding Wednesday Addams is at the heart of your decor. We have a feeling that idea would disgust her, but it nevertheless is interior perfection when executed well.

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1. Contrast black and colors

One of the easiest ways to create a ‘soft goth’ vibe is by contrasting black with dark colors throughout your space. Colors like purple and dark green work especially well to create a spooky atmosphere. As an added bonus, dark-colored walls can make a room feel bigger.

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2. Pinstripes everywhere

To really nail the soft goth look, add pinstripes wherever you can! Whether you go all-out with a pinstripe staircase or keep it minimal with a few throw pillows, this simple pattern feels subtly goth without being too overpowering.

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3. Get a little spooky

In a nod to Wednesday, feel free to add some subtly-spooky elements to your home. Gothic-style candelabras are always a great option, and an easy way to add drama. For more pronounced spookiness, insert motifs featuring ghosts, cobwebs or ouija boards where you can.

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4. Mirrors Everywhere

Mirror, mirror on the wall. . . the more the merrier when you’re aiming for a gothic look. Our top tip? Scour your local antique store for mirrors of different shapes and sizes. The more mismatched, the better. Ornate frames really bring this look together, so prioritise the frame rather than the colour – you can always repaint the wood silver, gold or black to match the rest of your furniture.

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5. Lean into pretty prints

Pretty, ornate prints are also an amazing way to evoke a gothic style. Either incorporate prints through wall art or use patterned wallpaper for a more dramatic look. Dark colors, florals, and nature-inspired elements are all great counterbalances to masculine, black furniture to help keep the soft in ‘soft goth’.

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6. Candles, candles and more candles

Achieve the perfect ambience with candles everywhere! Scatter them across every side table, bookshelf and surface you can. For those with a fireplace, we especially love the look of tall pillars clustered together in various shapes and sizes. If you don’t have a fireplace, you can replicate the look as a centrepiece on your dining table – just make sure to put a tray underneath to catch the wax and keep any hanging plants and fabric away from the flames.

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7. Blend cute and creepy

‘Soft goth’ works best when you have balanced amounts of soft and gothic elements, so aim to have one cute decor piece for every creepy one. For example, pair a spooky bat figurine with a dainty orchid. For every baroque bookend, try to incorporate a floral cushion. By keeping a one-to-one ratio of cuteness and creepiness, you’ll evoke a slight spookiness without veering too far into gothic drama.