Home Decorating Theme - Cemetery Goth

The words Goth and Gothic usually prompt images of black clothes and makeup, or dark dungeon-like decor. In reality, there are several types within this often misunderstood subculture. In this article we'll explore home decorating ideas for the most commonly identified type, the Cemetery or Graveyard Goth.

The appearance would evoke the cold stark look of gravestones in the moonlight, crumbling statues, and fabrics tattered and faded with age. Crosses and statues, iron candleholders, and gargoyles are likely decorating touches for a Cemetery Goth.

Colors would be sparse, limited to shades of gray ranging from black to ethereal white, with possible deep green or dark blood-red. Fabric choices could include lace, velvet, and anything sheer or wispy. Shredding the edges of the fabric would add an extra touch for a Cemetery Goth feel.

Furniture wouldn't have to be a budget-buster, as most of what you have already could simply be covered with slipcovers, table runners, or faux stone finishes. Coffin-shaped items, such as boxes, clocks, or bookcases, would certainly add to the graveyard ambience. Vases full of dried flowers are another interesting addition.

Now that we have an idea of what we are trying to achieve, the next question is where to find what we need?

For the fabrics, any local fabric store should do nicely. But if you're just not finding anything near you, here are a few online choices.

http://www.syfabrics.com - This site always has velvet, chiffon, and lace in stock at reasonable prices.

http://www.denverfabrics.com - This website carries a wide assortment of velvet, chiffon, tulle, and gauze.

For the accents and accessories, local may not be an option. But there are several online places.

http://www.ebay.com - A great resource for cemetery Goth home décor items. You can also look up fabric auctions.

http://www.craigslist.org - An online classifieds community; it beats looking up garage and yard sales and hoping you find something.

http://www.elementsofhome.com - This website has several different gargoyles in various sizes.

http://www.worldmarket.com - Cost Plus has many beautiful candle holders and candles to choose.

And for those Cemetery Goths who really want to give their living space a graveyard feel, here are some craft projects.

http://www.proflowers.com/flowerguide/howtodryflowers - Instructions on drying flowers either by air or microwave, as well as tips on what flowers will dry well.

http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv/dc_faux_texturizing/article/0,1793,HGTV_3403_1385369,00.html - Step by step directions for creating faux granite finish on furniture.

http://wayneofthewoods.com/coffin%202.html - Full instructions for a coffin bookcase as well as a smaller cd or dvd storage case version.

It isn't too hard or too costly for a Cemetery Goth to give their home a mausoleum appearance. And even if you aren't into the Goth subculture, these ideas would work well for decorating your house for Halloween.