Atmospheric maximalism in the interior. A new trend – dark academia

Dark academia is a completely new style in interiors, which has developed quite recently. It is romantic, mysterious and eccentric at the same time. It refers to timeless classics, bears features of Victorian aesthetics, and what is more, it is fond of art, painting and literature. Where did it actually come from? How to introduce it to the arrangement of an apartment? We answer these and other questions in this article. Enjoy reading!

From the catwalks straight to the salons

The dark or light academia trend is yet another proof of how the fashion industry is correlated with interior design in its broad sense. Many of us have probably noticed that clothing chains have recently introduced a wide range of clothes referring to the academic style. Elegant shirts with large collars, checked trousers and jackets, pleated skirts or chic haberdashery in the spirit of vintage - these are just some of the elements of DA styling. If you take a closer look, you can say that this is how our great-grandparents could have dressed a hundred years ago.

The dark academia trend is, of course, not only stylized clothing, but also a love of academic life, and consequently - science. Does this mean that the DA style is reserved exclusively for pupils and students? No! Everyone can draw from it in handfuls, both when completing their wardrobe and decorating their home or workplace, because as it turns out, the dark academia trend has boldly entered the salons, reflecting the nostalgic atmosphere of university interiors from centuries ago.

Stylish bookcase in the living room

The showcase of every elite university is an impressively stocked library. It is no wonder that books are the main theme of many interior design projects maintained in the aesthetics of dark academia. An example is the beautiful New York Public Library or the magical Livraria Lello bookstore in London, which will appeal not only to fans of the prose of Mrs. J.K. Rowling.

We can also boldly create our own reading nook, maintained in the spirit of dark academia. All you need is a shelf or a display cabinet – necessarily in dark colours. On the shelves you can display a collection of volumes and other knick-knacks. Our online store Furnitop.co.uk offers elegant TEVORA furniture in a shade of muted green with inserts in the colour of artisan oak. This will be an ideal solution for a living room with a bookcase.

In the online store you will find illuminated display cases in various sizes. The TEVORA EV13 model has decoratively glazed fronts with jewelry handles. The furniture can be equipped with energy-saving LED lighting. The TEVORA line also includes beautiful chests of drawers, coffee tables, shelves, dining tables and TV cabinets. With their help, you will complete the perfect set for the living area, taking into account the individual needs of all household members.

An intriguing addition (how functional!) to the arrangement of a maximalist living room "with soul" can be the unique PALAZZO display cabinet, combining matte black with a very dark shade of oak. The doors are decorated with an eye-catching decor. The whole is made of high-quality laminated board and MDF board. All furniture from the PALAZZO collection is equipped with a push to open system.

Living room in the spirit of a 19th-century academy

Centuries ago, only children from elite families could study in European universities. Not everyone could afford it. Currently, the dark academia trend is also associated with elitism, but at the same time it is a nod to art, dark poetry and fantasy literature. In this type of arrangement, works of art, framed paintings, busts, decorative globes or retro clocks are welcome.

Stylish trinkets will look great on the elegant ABETO chest of drawers. Black fronts with decorative milling and gold legs give it a unique character. The piece of furniture will be a perfect complement to the living room. It will also store a lot of knick-knacks. The body and fronts are made of durable laminated board and MDF board, and the frame is made of steel.

Eclecticism in the dark academia version

You can boldly combine DA style elements with modern or classic furnishings. This way you will avoid the theatrical effect, which is often accused of the dark academia trend. Opt for simple black furniture, and complement the decor with stylized accessories, books, flowers (also dried), richly decorated textiles. Among our proposals you will find elegant AVA furniture in black. They are distinguished by their simplicity and functionality. They will be a perfect background for unique trinkets. The set consists of two display cabinets and an RTV chest of drawers. It is worth equipping the glass shelves with subtle LED lighting. The dark academia style is fond of dark, deep colors, so black will work perfectly here.

An interior with a decadent touch

The DA-style living room is a bit dark, but cozy. It is worth remembering this when arranging a relaxation area. A quilted sofa will look great - preferably black, navy blue or dark green. An example is the MOZAMBIK sofa covered with durable black upholstery fabric. The back cushions are decorated with quilting. The legs in a shade of wenge are made of wood. The furniture has a sleeping function, a bedding container and an automatic mechanism that helps unfold it. Careful finishing, functionality and ease of arrangement are just some of the advantages of the sofa from this collection. A dark wood coffee table, a console on decorative legs or a retro-style bar are welcome in its company.

The ADRIA lounge set will also work great in the living room, i.e. a two-seater sofa and an armchair with vertical stitching on the backrest and high legs that add lightness to the whole. The dark green upholstery will fit perfectly into the maximalist, thoroughly elegant space of the living room.

Go for intense colors in dark tones

Black, bottle green, graphite or navy blue can be broken up with brass, gold or silver elements. Burgundy and olive green will add character to the arrangement, and white will brighten up a too dark space. Wooden panelling, stucco or floral wallpaper in a maximalist pattern (still extremely popular) will work well on the wall. When choosing accessories, remember about heavier curtains, for example velvet ones. The dark academia style likes thick fabrics, heavy bedspreads, velvet textiles.

Take care of the detail

On the wall in the living room you can hang an atmospheric painting, a world map from centuries ago, photos stylized to look old, or engravings straight from a 19th-century herbarium. On the shelves, display not only books, but also souvenirs from your travels. A colonial accent is most definitely recommended here. It should be mysterious, effective and cozy.

Remember about intimate lighting. A retro desk lamp, richly decorated wall lamps, impressive chandeliers, as well as candles placed on decorative trays will come in handy. Also, take care of the effective appearance of the ceiling (you can try ceiling moldings).

The dark academia style has taken our homes and apartments by storm. Often completely by accident. It will appeal to people who appreciate classics, are fond of art, and also to lovers of eccentric accessories (this trend makes it easier to create unusual cabinets of curiosities). DA style interiors are timeless, so they can be easily modified to create completely new projects that meet the current tastes of the household.

In the extraordinary collections at Furnitop.co.uk you will find a wide selection of unique furniture that will wonderfully complement the maximalist decor in the spirit of dark academia. We offer elegant consoles, glass display cabinets, wooden chests of drawers, tables and chairs. There could also be no shortage of beautiful couches, sofas and armchairs covered with excellent quality material. You will find more design inspirations in our online store. We invite you!