
Looking to turn your room into your favourite trendy aesthetic? Having dark academia aesthetic decor can be a gorgeous way to make a statement. With this aesthetic, you create an atmosphere that feels timeless, moody, and inspiring. There are lots of options to help you achieve this look. From picking the right texture and colors, to the right furniture and accesories. Here are 7 dark academia bedrooms to inspire you. Perfect for both boys/men and girls/women.
3 Things to Consider before getting the Dark academia bedroom aesthetic
1. Your Space and Lighting
Dark academia thrives on moody, warm tones and textures, but if your room doesn’t get much natural light, you’ll need to balance it out with the right lighting. Dimly lit spaces with dark walls can feel cozy—or claustrophobic—depending on the size of your room.
If your space is small or lacks windows, consider incorporating lighter wood tones, softer curtains, and warm string lights to keep it inviting while still maintaining that vintage vibe.
2. Your Budget
Dark academia aesthetics can lean heavily on vintage or antique-inspired furniture and décor, which can get pricey. If you’re on a budget, you need to get creative with thrifted finds.
3. Your Commitment to the Aesthetic
Before transforming your room, think about whether you’ll enjoy the aesthetic long-term or if it’s a passing trend for you. If you’re not into having stacks of books, cozy layers, and vintage trinkets around, it might feel overwhelming over time. Start small with a few key pieces—like a moody duvet cover, a thrifted desk, or some antique-style lighting—before fully committing to the aesthetic.
7 Dark Academia Bedroom Decorating Ideas
1. Get Dark Curtains

Start with the basics: dark curtains. Heavy dramatic fabrics like velvet in deep colors such as burgundy, forest green, or charcoal not only block out light but also create that moody, cocoon-like atmosphere that defines the dark academia vibe. Bonus: they’ll make your space feel extra cozy during gloomy weather.
2. Get Vintage furniture

Not only is vintage-inspired furniture a cornerstone of the dark academia aesthetic, it is one of the major pieces that will give your room the look you are going for. Look for wooden desks, mirrors, dressers, or nightstands with a slightly aged appearance. If you’re on a budget, don’t be afraid to thrift—a second-hand find with a little character can often outshine a brand-new piece.
3. Use bedsheets with earthy tones

Your bed is the focal point of your room, so dress it appropriately. Swap out plain white sheets for something with texture and earthy tones like deep browns, olive greens, or warm taupes. Materials like linen or cotton with a slightly lived-in feel will also give your bed that inviting, old-world charm.
4. Use an antique style bed-side lamp

Need a bedside lamp? An antique-style bedside lamp with a brass or bronze finish, paired with a warm-toned bulb, will set the perfect mood. Look for lamps with classic details like pleated shades or intricate bases to really nail the aesthetic.
5. A worn out book shelf is a classic

No dark academia bedroom is complete without a bookshelf—the more worn-out, the better. Fill it with classic literature, poetry collections, and philosophy books, even if they’re thrifted or purely decorative. Let the spines show a little wear and tear; it adds to the charm. For a finishing touch, scatter a few candles or small trinkets among the books.
6. Add a few framed art prints of old maps

For wall decor, framed art prints that are black and white, botanical illustrations, or Renaissance-style paintings are a must. They bring a scholarly, vintage feel to the room while adding visual interest. Thrift stores and online shops like Etsy are great places to find affordable options.
7. Don’t forget the books: A slightly messy stack of books is a must

A slightly messy stack of books or book look-alikes are an absolute must for that “lived-in intellectual” vibe. We absolutely love the above storage drawers – it’s giving vintage vibes and everything you need for the dark academia aesthetic. Place them on your nightstand, the floor, or even a windowsill.
We hope you loved these dark academia bedroom ideas.
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