If you’re a fan of the dark academia aesthetic, then you know how important it is to create a space that not only looks aesthetically pleasing but also fosters a sense of calm and intellectual stimulation.
Dark Academia is all about creating a cozy and intellectual atmosphere, and there are so many unique items that you can incorporate into your bedroom to achieve this look and feel. From vintage trinkets and candlesticks to reading lamps and globes, the options are endless.
In this blog post, we’ll be covering a variety of ideas for how you can transform your bedroom into a Dark Academia oasis. We’ll be discussing the importance of vintage items, lighting, music, and other unique touches that will help you create a space that is both stylish and inviting.
So, if you’re ready to embrace your inner scholar and transform your bedroom into a Dark Academia oasis, let’s get started!
Color palette
The key to achieving the dark academia look is to focus on muted, earthy colors. This means avoiding bright, bold shades and opting for more subdued tones instead. Here are some colors to consider incorporating into your dark academia palette:
White: A classic color that works well in any space, white can help brighten up a room and make it feel more open and airy.
Beige: A warm, neutral shade, beige is a great backdrop for other, more colorful accents.
Cream: Similar to beige, cream is a softer, more muted shade that adds warmth to a space.
Brown: A rich, earthy shade, brown can add depth and warmth to a room.
Green: Whether you go for a bright, lively green or a more muted, olive shade, green is a great color to incorporate into a dark academia palette. It adds a touch of nature and brings some life to the space.
Of course, this is just a starting point – feel free to mix and match and add in other shades that you love. The key is to stick to muted, earthy tones and avoid anything too bright or bold.
I hope this helps as you start planning out your perfect dark academia room!
Thrifting Vintage Furniture
If you’re trying to embrace the dark academia aesthetic in your bedroom, vintage furniture is a must. Thrifting is a great way to find unique, one-of-a-kind pieces that will add character and charm to your space. Here are a few vintage furniture items you should keep an eye out for as you shop:
A brass bed: A brass bed is the ultimate dark academia statement piece. Whether you go for a traditional, antique-looking one or a more modern, minimalistic version, a brass bed will add instant vintage glamour to your bedroom.
An old-fashioned dresser: Look for a dresser with intricate details and a distressed finish – it will add some vintage charm to your space.
A vanity table: A vanity table with a delicate, antique-looking mirror is a perfect addition to a dark academia bedroom. You can use it to get ready in the morning or as a spot to store your favorite beauty products.
A bookshelf: No dark academia bedroom is complete without a bookshelf (or two, or three). Look for an old-fashioned one with charming details like carved wood or brass hardware.
A rocking chair: A vintage rocking chair is a cozy, homey addition to any bedroom. Look for one with a distressed finish or a shabby chic style.
Vintage Trinkets and Accents
One of the key elements of the dark academia aesthetic is a love of vintage and antique items. Anything that is vintage, look out for those items because that could definitely be added to your collection and it’s always stuff that’s a little cheaper. If you’re on the hunt for some unique vintage finds, consider checking out thrift stores, antique shops, and even online marketplaces like Etsy or eBay.
One idea to consider is collecting Greek busts. These are so freaking cool and you can get them in a bunch of different Greek mythology gods. Plus, if you find one with holes in their head, you can use it to store things like paint brushes, pens, and even flowers.
Another option is to display vintage trinkets on shelves or in a display case. The books that you read put your books out on display in a pretty way, or even in a messy way because the spaces aren’t always super organised.
Candlesticks and candlestick holders
One of the key elements of the dark academia aesthetic is a love of vintage and antique items, and candlesticks and candlestick holders definitely fit the bill. These little pieces of decor not only look super chic and elegant, but they are such a simple and effective way to add some warmth and ambiance to your space.
You can find candlesticks and candlestick holders in all sorts of shapes and sizes, so you can mix and match to create a unique and personal look. I especially love the ones with a gold or brass finish – they just add that extra touch of sophistication.
Personally, I love using candlesticks to create a relaxing reading nook in my bedroom. I’ll light a few candles and curl up with a good book, and suddenly my whole space feels so much more calming and inviting. But candlesticks aren’t just for reading – they’re also great for setting the mood when you’re hanging out with friends or just chilling out on your own. The warm, flickering light is so inviting and cozy, it’s hard not to feel at ease.
I recently scored the most amazing deal at a second hand fair – a set of vintage candle stick holders for under 5 dollars! I had been on the hunt for some candle sticks to add to my dark academia bedroom, and when I saw these beauties at the fair, I knew I had to have them.
They were a bit beat up and covered in dust, but with a little elbow grease and some metal polish, I was able to bring them back to life. And let me tell you, they make such a difference in my bedroom.
Wall Mounted Candlesticks Holder from Aliexpress, $14.52
Vintage Candlesticks Holder from Amazon, $19.99
Nautical Clock Ship Table Clock from Amazon, $25.50
Vintage clocks
There’s something about a vintage clock that just screams dark academia, don’t you think? Whether it’s a big grandfather clock or a small bedside alarm clock, adding one of these antique pieces to your bedroom can really help to create that old-school, intellectual vibe.
When it comes to vintage clocks, there are so many different options to choose from. You can go for a classic look with a wood-framed clock or something more unique with a brass or gold finish. And if you’re really feeling adventurous, you can even try your hand at finding and restoring an old clock that needs a little TLC.
Gramophones or record players
Music is an important part of the dark academia aesthetic, and what better way to listen to your tunes than with a gramophone or record player? These vintage pieces not only look super cool, but they also add a touch of old-school charm to your space.
If you’re not sure where to start, try checking out thrift stores or online marketplaces like eBay or Etsy. You might be surprised at the unique and interesting pieces you can find.
Set of 3 Vintage suitcases Boxes from Amazon, $31.70
Vintage suitcases or briefcases
Vintage suitcases and briefcases might not seem like the most obvious choice for bedroom decor, but they can actually add a really cool and unique touch to your space. You can use them to store things like blankets or pillows, or just display them on a shelf for a touch of vintage charm.
Typewriters
Okay, I know what you’re thinking – a typewriter in your bedroom? But hear me out. These vintage machines not only look super cool and add a touch of old-school charm, but they can also be a really fun and unique addition to your space.
You can use a typewriter to write letters or notes, or just display it on a shelf as a decorative piece. And if you’re really lucky, you might even be able to find an old working model that you can use to really bring that dark academia vibe to life.
Globes
These vintage pieces not only look super cool and add a touch of sophistication, but they can also be a really fun and educational addition to your space.
When it comes to choosing a globe, go for something dark and moody in color. A deep navy or forest green can really add to that dark academia vibe. And if you’re feeling extra ambitious, you can even try your hand at finding an antique globe that’s a little more unique and rare.
Cozy Lighting
Creating the right ambiance is key when it comes to achieving the dark academia look. One way to do this is through the use of cozy lighting. Candles are a great choice for this aesthetic, and you can even display them in unique candlestick holders for an added touch of vintage charm.
Another option is to switch out your light bulbs for vintage Edison bulbs. These bulbs give off a warm, cozy light that is perfect for reading or relaxing. You can also consider adding a reading lamp or a banker’s desk lamp to your space for a touch of old-school charm.
Wooden Drawer Storage Box from Aliexpress $42.80
Wooden Drawer Storage Box from Aliexpress $29.18
Organizer from Aliexpress $28.04
Stylish and Practical Storage Options for Your Dark Academia Bedroom
If you’re looking for a stylish and functional way to organize your dark academia bedroom, consider adding a storage shelf or storage box. Such shelf is a perfect choice for anyone looking to add a touch of vintage charm and practicality to their space.
Not only is this storage shelf stylish, with its retro design and wooden construction, but it is also incredibly versatile. You can use it to store trinkets, office supplies or display your favorite vintage finds.
You could also add some small potted plants or cut flowers to add a touch of life and freshness to your space.
Wooden Drawer Storage Box from Aliexpress $42.80
Wooden Drawer Storage Box from Aliexpress $29.18
Organizer from Aliexpress $28.04
Elegant Desk Accessories
Vintage mirror golden resin from Aliexpress, $11,70
No dark academia bedroom would be complete without a well-styled desk or work area. To create a cohesive look, consider adding some elegant desk accessories to your space. A gold or silver framed mirror is a great choice, as is a beautiful vintage lamp or a set of antique pens.
I love using this mirror tray as a catch-all on my desk. It’s the perfect size for holding my phone, a candle, and a few other small trinkets. It’s also great for displaying perfume bottles or other vanity items.
But the best part about this mirror tray is how it reflects light and adds a touch of sparkle to my bedroom. Whether it’s the glow of a candle or the natural light from my window, the gold resin catches the light and adds a beautiful, shimmering effect to my room.
Comfortable and Cozy Textiles
When it comes to choosing textiles for a dark academia bedroom, comfort and style are key. You want to create a space that is cozy and inviting, but also reflects the sophisticated and intellectual aesthetic of dark academia.
One of my favorite options for bedding is a soft, high-quality cotton or linen. These materials are breathable and feel luxurious against the skin, making them perfect for relaxing and sleeping.
In terms of colors, natural or nude colored blankets or throws add a subtle and calming touch to the space. They also pair well with a variety of accent colors, making them very versatile. Pops of burgundy, navy, and forest green add a bold and elegant touch to the bedroom. These colors are rich and inviting, and they bring a cohesive look to the space.
Greenery and Natural Elements
Incorporating greenery and natural elements into your dark academia bedroom is a great way to bring a touch of life and freshness to the space.
Consider adding a few potted plants – they add life, color, and a touch of nature to the space, which is especially important if you’re spending a lot of time indoors. There are so many great options to choose from, whether you’re looking for something more subtle like fiddle leaf figs or snake plants, or something more vibrant like peonies or poinsettias.
First things first, you want to choose plants that are hard to kill. Pileas, palms, corkscrew rush, rubber tree, and succulents are all great options. Just be sure to avoid ferns, as they tend to be a little more finicky. And if you manage to kill a cactus, well, then you might want to consider some fake plants instead.
Once you’ve chosen your plants, it’s important to do your research and find out exactly what they need to thrive. Most plants like bright, indirect light and moist (but not soaking wet) soil, but there are always exceptions. Some plants are more forgiving of mistakes, while others will die instantly if you don’t give them exactly what they need. Just remember this one thing: don’t overwater your succulents!
Now that you’ve got your plants and know how to care for them, it’s time to find the perfect pots. Choose something that fits the aesthetic – anything old and simple will work. Dark clay pots or even hand-made pots are a great choice, and don’t be afraid to experiment with glass bottles as well.
Vintage Books or Book-themed decor
One of the key elements of the dark academia aesthetic is a love of knowledge and learning, so it’s no surprise that antique and vintage books are an important part of this look. Consider displaying your favorite books on shelves or in a display case for a touch of intellectual charm.
If you’re not a fan of antique books, you can also incorporate the look of vintage books through the use of bookends or book-themed decor. Either way, adding a touch of literature to your dark academia bedroom is a must.
Art and wall decor
if you want to give your walls that “dark academia” look, you’ll want to start by finding some cool stuff to hang up. Some ideas could be paintings, posters, prints, or even your own sketches or writings. You can also add some personality with scenic postcards or framed pictures. As for the subjects, go for things that you love to learn about or that have a timeless, intellectual feel – like plants, animals, the stars, the earth, books, and art. Don’t be afraid to mix and match and have fun with it! The key is to make it look like your own personal library or study.
60pcs/lot Memo Pads Material Paper from Aliexpress, $3,63
Vintage set of posters from Amazon, $15.98
Wall Mirror Baroque Style Mirror from Amazon, $37.99
Vintage inspired stationary
As I sit here surrounded by my collection of vintage stationery and quills, I can’t help but think about how stationery can play a big role in creating this vibe in a personal space. It’s all about choosing pieces that embody the moody and mysterious vibe of this style. This can include anything from antique maps and journals, to letterpress notepads and elegant writing sets. The key is to look for stationery that is either vintage in style or has a sophisticated and minimalist design. I love the idea of using a quill and inkwell for writing, as it adds an extra touch of old-world charm to the room.
Vintage scissors from Aliexpress, $6.22
Caligraphy SetAmazon, $18.59
Persian Grove Journal Amazon, $11.69
Final words
In conclusion, if you want to create a Dark Academia oasis in your bedroom, there are many different elements you can incorporate to achieve this aesthetic. From selecting a muted, earthy color palette to thrifting for vintage furniture and trinkets, there are endless ways to bring this cozy and intellectual atmosphere to life. Don’t forget to also consider the importance of lighting, music, and other unique touches that will help make your space both stylish and inviting. With these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to creating the perfect Dark Academia retreat. So, embrace your inner scholar and get started on transforming your bedroom into a Dark Academia oasis today!
Have you started incorporating any of these elements into your bedroom yet? What has been the most challenging part of creating a Dark Academia oasis? Do you have any tips or tricks for finding the perfect vintage pieces or creating the perfect lighting and atmosphere? We’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences in the comments!
