How to style a dark academia bedroom

What is dark academia?

Dark academia refers to an interior design and fashion aesthetic that draws inspiration from Victorian studies, libraries, and old universities. Imagine a moody, sophisticated office of an Oxford professor, full of rare books, candles, dark wood, and velvet.

Perfect for those who love to collect trinkets and treasures, dark academia it is almost the opposite of bright minimalism, which is based on light neutrals and a lack of clutter. With a deep, warm feel, the emerging dark academia trend naturally lends itself to cherished spaces such as bedrooms. So, how do you achieve this cosy, organised-chaos look in your own home?

1. Dark neutrals

The colour palette for a dark academia bedroom is, unsurprisingly, dark! The base of your room should draw from neutrals such as black, dark greys, and browns.

When painting your bedroom, add a feature wall painted in a striking inky shade. This will make your space feel cosy and give a focal point to your room. Choose a neutrally toned colour to ensure your furniture accents still pop. If you’re not ready to commit to a full wall, consider playing with dynamic painting patterns, such as two-tone walls, to keep things lighter, particularly in smaller spaces.

A wooden bed frame is an excellent addition to your neutral palette for creating the warm, vintage look on which this style is based. Something grand like our Monet Four Poster bed is a gorgeous statement piece with a richly coloured stain and tall structure. Pair this with velvet or satin curtains to create the ultimate reading nook.

2. Regal colour pops

Sophisticated and understated, plenty of rich, jewel-toned shades are used in the dark academic design.

With a particular focus on forest green, burgundy, and deep purple, there are plenty of ways to incorporate moments of colour to create depth and warmth. Accessories are a perfect way to achieve small bursts of colour that are offset beautifully by darker tones.

This is best achieved with materials such as velvet and leather, which come in a range of sumptuous, muted tones that complement the desired atmosphere. A colourful bed frame like the TEMPUR Duke Velvet Finish bed could also be the majestic centrepiece in your dark, brooding bedroom.

3. Grand headboards

A headboard adds a touch of grandeur luxury to your space that dark academia calls for.

Emulate the vintage look of wingback armchairs with a scalloped headboard just like the TheraPur Hemlock headboard, upholstered in cosy twill. It’s also padded for extra comfort, so staying up all night with your latest read will be just a little bit easier.

Alternatively, an ornate metal headboard is a beautiful addition to the room. With intricate details, you can add an antique twist to your bedroom design with minimal effort. Metal bed frames pair beautifully with moody bedscapes, complete with inky throws and jewelled cushions.

4. Cosy details

Dark academia is all about being snug and creating a sanctuary for you to enjoy your interests.

To achieve the look, invest in some extra thick and cushy bedding such as plush pillows and mattress toppers. They will make your bed all the more irresistible, a true focal point amongst the darker tones.

Once you’ve paired this with wonderfully warm bed linen, add plenty of blankets and throw pillows in comforting materials such as wool and fleece. It’s best to layer your bed accessories to show off the different shades and patterns to add to the maximalist feel.

5. Showcase your accessories

Against the grain, this type of style calls for your things to be displayed proudly on every surface. Cram your bookshelves full, collect knick-knacks and decorative pieces. You could even try adding a curiosity wall.

For more storage (and surface area to display your treasures), a bedside table can be a beautiful finishing touch. As well as practical, a velvet piece like the Batten bedside table is gorgeously luxurious. In a rich teal with brass handles, its jewel tones make the perfect resting place for your favourite reads. You can also try a blanket box, which goes along the end of your bed for more storage and looks incredibly elegant when draped with an opulent throw.

6. Soft lighting

Last but not least, finish your interior with warm light sources like antique lamps, fairy lights, and plenty of candles.

Without the right lighting, you won’t get the mysterious, intimate vibe that dark academia is known for. Avoid white or blue lights, which are considered too harsh for this kind of look.

Instead, try yellow-hued lightbulbs, which are warm and comforting, similar to fire lights. However, if you are reading in your bedroom, we recommend using a book light so you don’t strain your eyes in dim lighting, which can cause headaches. Another ever-so-inviting option is fairy lights – the ones that come with lots of colour options and brightness settings. You’ll be able to change your lighting to suit your mood.

Get more inspiration on creating the right ambience with our bedroom lighting ideas, or discover our guide to chocolate brown bedrooms to learn more about using a dark palette in the bedroom.