Merry & Moody: Cottagecore and Dark Academia Holiday Decor Ideas
Deck the halls…with vintage books, candlelight, and a little woodland magic! Whether you’re dreaming of a cozy Christmas straight out of an enchanted forest or a moody, mysterious holiday straight from the pages of a gothic novel, I’ve got you covered with these Cottagecore and Dark Academia holiday decor ideas. Grab a cup of tea, snuggle up in your comfiest blanket, and let’s make this season merry and moody!
Check Out My Merry & Moody Pinterest Board Here
Cottagecore Christmas: For Those Who Want to Live in a Forest Fairy Tale
Let’s start with the Cottagecore vibes, because who doesn’t want their home to feel like a woodland fairy’s holiday getaway?
Bring the Outdoors In
Go for a fresh or faux garland with a wild, natural look and let it drape across your mantel or dining table. Sprinkle in some dried orange slices, pinecones, and maybe even a few sprigs of lavender if you’re feeling extra fancy. Not only will it smell amazing, but it’ll look like you foraged your decor on an enchanted forest walk.
Old-Fashioned Ornaments
Forget the store-bought baubles! Try making or thrifting some vintage-style ornaments, like mini glass cloches or wooden animals. DIY dried fruit ornaments are also a super cute, easy project. Plus, they look like you baked up a storm, even if you did burn the last batch of cookies.
Soft Lighting & Cozy Textures
To nail that warm, rustic glow, string up some fairy lights and add plenty of candles (LED if you want to keep things safe from any over-excited pets). Bonus points for adding cozy textures like wool blankets and fluffy pillows – think cottagecore meets Christmas morning bliss.
Dark Academia Holiday: For Those Who’d Rather Haunt the Holidays
Now, if your soul feels more at home in an old library on a stormy night, let’s dive into Dark Academia holiday decor. It’s time to embrace the mysterious, moody side of the season.
Moody Greens & Dark Florals
Swap out the classic red-and-green for darker, richer tones. Think forest green, deep burgundy, and maybe a hint of dusty mauve. Add dried or faux florals in darker shades and mix them with pine branches for a floral arrangement that feels both elegant and a little eerie (in the best way).
Bookish Touches
Nothing says Dark Academia like a stack of leather-bound books and a mysterious, ancient vibe. Use your favorite books (the more well-loved, the better!) as risers for candles or small decor pieces. You could even tie some with a ribbon and set them under your tree—a gift to yourself from your favorite authors.
Candlelight, Candlelight, and More Candlelight
It wouldn’t be Dark Academia without a flicker of candlelight, right? Arrange candlesticks of various heights and let them create moody shadows. Extra points if you can find antique brass or silver candle holders. Not only will your room look straight out of a gothic novel, but your entire space will have that soft, golden glow that’s perfect for reading—er, I mean, brooding in.
My Own Aesthetic Twist: Dark Enchanted Forest
Confession time: I couldn’t resist fusing these two vibes myself this year! I’m calling it my Dark Enchanted Forest aesthetic—a cozy, mystical blend of Cottagecore charm and Dark Academia mystery. Picture this: my tree is adorned in lush, rich velvet textures, deep burgundy and forest green ornaments, and sprinkled with earthy touches like pine cones and bird ornaments. I tied it all together with a tan velvet ribbon that gives the whole thing a soft, woodsy feel. It’s like a Christmas tree that belongs in an enchanted storybook—warm, moody, and just a little mysterious.
If you’re vibing with both aesthetics, you can totally combine them to create a holiday look that’s uniquely you. Imagine a cozy nook filled with books, a soft wool blanket in cottagecore pastels, and a flickering candle casting shadows over dried florals in a vintage vase. It’s like having the best of both worlds—an enchanted forest and a gothic manor!
Your Turn: Merry & Moody Magic
So, whether you’re wrapping your gifts in vintage-inspired paper, decorating your tree with woodland treasures, or adding a few bookish touches to your decor, I hope this season brings you all the cozy, mysterious vibes you can dream up. Go forth and deck those halls, my aesthetic-loving friends—may your holiday season be both merry and a little moody!
