Gothic Darling

Welcome to Gothic Fashion and Culture from New Orleans. Some links on this site are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them—at no extra cost to you. I only share products I genuinely love or use myself. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Category: Decor

  • How to Decorate a Valentine’s Day Skull & Hearts “Valloween Christmas” Tree

    A Gothic Valentine decorating guide by Monique Lula, New Orleans

    Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be all pink glitter and roses—it can be spooky, romantic, and delightfully dark. A Skull & Hearts Valentine tree blends gothic charm, Halloween attitude, and Christmas-style layering into one dramatic seasonal statement. Whether you lean bold and black or soft and pastel, this guide walks you through creating a show-stopping Valloween Valentine tree that feels intentional, magical, and full of love.

    Example Valloween Valentine’s Christmas Tree in Pastel Skulls and Hearts

    The Tree

    Start with the tree itself. A black artificial tree creates the strongest gothic base, but white trees work beautifully for pastel or romantic skull themes. Slim trees feel elegant and moody, while fuller trees give you more space to layer skulls, hearts, and ribbons. For a Pastel Skull Tree, a white or blush-tinted tree sets the stage for soft pinks, lavender, and pearlescent accents while still allowing skull details to stand out without feeling heavy.

    Find a Tree on Amazon #ad

    The Lights

    Lighting sets the mood. Warm white lights give a candle-lit romance, while pink, red, or purple lights add Valentine drama. For gothic flair, mix in flickering LED candles or dimmable fairy lights. On pastel skull trees, soft pink or champagne lights keep the look dreamy rather than spooky. Weave lights deep into the branches first so they glow from within instead of sitting on the surface.

    Get Skull Lights from Amazon #ad

    The Ornaments

    This is where the personality shines. Mix skull ornaments, heart shapes, bows, roses, and beads just like you would on a Christmas tree. Use a blend of textures—matte skulls, glossy hearts, velvet bows, and metallic accents—to avoid a flat look. For a Pastel Skull Tree example, choose baby-pink skulls, lavender hearts, pearl strands, and soft black accents for contrast. Let skulls and hearts alternate visually so the tree feels balanced, not cluttered.

    Find Skulls & Hearts Ornaments on Amazon #ad

    The Tree Topper

    The topper should feel intentional and symbolic. A heart with thorn details, a skull crown, a gothic bow, or even crossed roses make striking toppers. For a softer Valentine look, oversized bows in velvet or satin work beautifully. On pastel skull trees, a glitter heart, angelic skull, or layered ribbon topper keeps the tree romantic while staying true to the gothic theme.

    Find Tree Topper on Amazon #ad

    The Tree Skirt

    Finish the look from the ground up. Faux fur in black, blush, or white adds luxury and softness. Lace, tulle, or velvet skirts bring Victorian romance, while printed skull or heart fabrics lean playful and bold. For pastel gothic styles, a fluffy white or pale pink skirt helps lighten the overall look and frames the tree like a display piece rather than a holiday leftover.

    Find a Tree Skirt on Amazon #ad

    General Tips for Decorating a Skull & Hearts Tree

    Decorate this tree the same way you would a Christmas tree: lights first, large elements next, then fill in with smaller details. Step back often to check balance and spacing. Use repetition—similar skulls, repeated heart shapes, or consistent ribbon colors—to make the theme feel curated. Most importantly, let the tree tell a story: gothic love, spooky romance, and Valentine magic with a twist.

    A Skull & Hearts Valentine tree is more than décor—it’s a mood, a statement, and a celebration of love in all its beautifully strange forms. Whether bold and dark or soft and pastel, it’s a perfect centerpiece for a Gothic Valentine season, styled with heart and imagination in New Orleans spirit.

    — Monique Lula 🖤💀💖

  • Guardian Angel Gothic Cat Playhouse

    The Guardian Angel Gothic Cat Playhouse is a striking statement piece where premium gothic décor meets thoughtful feline design.

    Find Gothic Cat Playhouses on Amazon #ad

    Home Sweet Haunted Home suncatcher in the window is available here.

    Crafted as a large, dramatic guardian angel with sweeping wings, this playhouse transforms any room into a darkly elegant sanctuary. Every detail evokes old-world gothic beauty—arched forms, sculptural wings, and a powerful angelic presence—making it as much a work of art as it is a functional cat haven.

    Designed with cats in mind, the Guardian Angel offers multiple integrated playhouses, cozy beds, and elevated climbing spaces that encourage rest, exploration, and comfort. Cats can curl up to sleep beneath protective wings or climb to higher perches to observe their surroundings, all while surrounded by a sense of calm and shelter. Perfect for gothic interiors and luxury pet lovers, this piece blends beauty, symbolism, and practicality into one unforgettable centerpiece.

  • Skull Christmas Lights

    Skull-shaped Christmas lights are the perfect way to bring a delightfully dark twist to the holiday season. Instead of traditional bulbs, these eerie little silhouettes cast a soft glow that feels both festive and rebellious—like Christmas slipped through a haunted mansion on its way to your tree.

    Get Skull Christmas Lights on Amazon #ad

    Whether they light up in classic bone-white, icy blue, ultraviolet purple, or traditional red and green, skull lights instantly transform any space into a Gothic winter wonderland. They’re proof that you don’t need to trade your spooky aesthetic for bright Santa reds to celebrate the season in style.

    What makes skull Christmas lights so magical is how they blend the cozy warmth of the holidays with the moody beauty of the macabre. Imagine draping a strand across a black Christmas tree, weaving them through garland on a mantel, or hanging them around a mirror to illuminate your home with a ghostly glow. Some even light up in mesmerizing neon colors, perfect for anyone who loves that ultraviolet, glow-in-the-dark pop. They invite guests to look twice, smile, and embrace a holiday vibe that’s beautifully unconventional.

    For many Gothic creators and collectors, skull lights aren’t just decorations—they’re part of a tradition. Each year, new variations appear: hand-sculpted skull covers, resin miniatures filled with glitter, LED versions with flickering candlelight effects, and even extra-cute chubby skull shapes for softer Gothic aesthetics. They pair beautifully with skull ornaments, black tinsel, coffin stockings, and other dark décor, helping you craft a holiday display that feels uniquely you. Instead of hiding your spooky side for the season, skull lights let it shine—literally.

  • Skull-themed Christmas stockings

    Skull-themed Christmas stockings in deep black bring a daring twist to traditional holiday décor, perfect for anyone who loves blending festive cheer with Gothic charm.

    Find Skull Christmas Stockings on Amazon #ad

    Instead of bright reds and greens, these stockings embrace a moodier palette, creating a stunning contrast against twinkling lights and candlelit mantels.

    The skull motifs add a touch of mystery and edge, turning your fireplace display into a darkly enchanting scene that feels straight out of a Gothic winter fairytale.

    Hanging these stockings instantly transforms your holiday space. The bold black fabric makes the skull designs stand out beautifully—whether embroidered, printed, or textured—giving each stocking a personality of its own. They pair effortlessly with black Christmas trees, silver garlands, raven ornaments, or any moody décor you love. The result is a holiday aesthetic that breaks all the rules in the best way: cozy, dramatic, and undeniably unique.

    Skull-themed stockings are perfect for Gothic homes, alternative holiday lovers, or anyone who prefers their Christmas with a hint of spookiness. They make wonderful conversation pieces and add a stylishly dark flourish to gift-giving traditions. Whether you’re decorating for yourself or surprising a fellow goth-at-heart, these stockings bring a beautifully haunting vibe to the season—proving that Christmas magic shines just as brightly in shades of black.

  • Bat Christmas Lights

    Transform your holiday season with a touch of midnight magic by decorating your black Christmas tree with light-up bat Christmas lights.

    Find Bat Christmas Lights on Amazon #ad

    The moment those glowing little bats flicker to life, the whole tree takes on a mystical, Gothic charm—like a shadowy winter forest where enchantment hides in every branch.

    The contrast of bright, eerie lights against the deep black tree creates a captivating atmosphere, perfect for anyone who adores spooky elegance and wants their holiday décor to stand out in the most enchanting way.

    As the bats illuminate the room, they bring a softly haunting glow that feels both festive and otherworldly. Instead of traditional twinkling bulbs, these winged silhouettes swoop across your tree in shimmering patterns of light, setting the stage for a beautifully unconventional Christmas. Each bat seems to dance in the glow, adding texture, personality, and just the right amount of Gothic drama to your holiday space.

    A black Christmas tree already turns heads, but adding light-up bat lights transforms it into a full statement piece—a celebration of spooky season meeting holiday cheer. It’s perfect for Gothic homes, Halloween lovers, or anyone who wants to mix mistletoe with moonlight. Whether you display it in your living room, office, or bedroom, your glowing bat-lit tree will bring mysterious charm, cozy darkness, and unforgettable Gothic Christmas vibes all season long.

  • Orange & Black Raven in Tree Pillow

    Bring enchanting autumn magic into your home with the Orange & Black Raven in Tree Pillow, featuring original artwork by New Orleans artist Monique Lula.

    This striking design captures a solitary black raven perched in a twisting tree silhouette, set against a glowing orange sky. Pillow features same art on front and back.

    The rich contrast of orange and black gives the pillow a bold Gothic presence, making it an instant statement piece for any room that loves a touch of mystery and moonlit vibes.

    My Raven pillow is available here in my Boutique

    Available in 18-inch and 22-inch square sizes, this pillow is perfect for adding cozy drama to your sofa, bed, reading nook, or meditation corner. Whether you’re curling up with a book, lounging during late-night coffee, or decorating for spooky season year-round, this raven pillow adds style and comfort in one gorgeous accent piece.

    Crafted with a soft feel and vivid printing, the Orange & Black Raven in Tree Pillow blends artistry with everyday comfort. It’s a beautiful way to rest your head while surrounding yourself with the moody, Gothic aesthetic you love. Add one or more to your space and let the magic of the raven watch over your home.

  • Purple Glow Skull Lamp

    This is my purple glow skull lamp I posted on my facebook page.

    Find a Skull Lamp on Amazon #ad

    My Purple Glow Skull Lamp is one of my all-time favorite gothic décor creations, and I finally shared it online because it just looked too cool to keep to myself.

    The lamp features a purple glass base shaped like a skull, and when it lights up, the whole skull glows with this deep, magical amethyst tone.

    It feels almost enchanted, like a jewel lit from within. On top sits a lampshade decorated with black bats, adding the perfect gothic touch.

    The combination of purple glow, sharp bat silhouettes, and the sculpted skull shape makes it a true statement piece—moody, mysterious, and beautifully dramatic.

  • Black Canopy Beds: How to Hang Them & Find Your Gothic Style

    A black canopy bed instantly transforms any bedroom into a moody, elegant retreat. Whether your aesthetic leans gothic, romantic, modern, or fairytale-dark, a black canopy frame creates drama without overwhelming the space. From sheer flowing drapes to velvet curtains that cocoon you in luxury, there are endless ways to style a canopy bed—and just as many ways to hang one.

    Find Black Canopy Beds on Amazon #ad

    In this guide, we’ll explore the different types of black canopy beds, how to hang a canopy from bedposts or ceiling mounts, and how to discover the gothic look that fits your personality.

    This image features a black canopy bed design, and includes Drip Skull Art Print & Glow Moon by Monique Lula.

    Why Choose a Black Canopy Bed?

    A black canopy bed is the perfect centerpiece for a dark, cozy bedroom. The color black adds depth, mystery, and sophistication, while the canopy structure gives your bed a sculptural presence. This combination is ideal for:

    • Gothic bedroom decor
    • Dark academia aesthetics
    • Modern moody interiors
    • Victorian- or Baroque-inspired themes
    • Fairy-tale fantasy vibes

    Whether your style is elegant, spooky, or celestial, a canopy bed becomes the foundation of your entire room.

    Types of Canopy Beds

    1. Four-Poster Black Canopy Beds

    These include four tall bedposts connected at the top by rails. They’re the classic silhouette that instantly evokes gothic romance.

    See Black Canopy Beds on Amazon #ad

    Great for:
    Heavy drapes, velvet curtains, fairy lights, gothic ironwork designs.

    How to hang a canopy:

    • Simply drape fabric over the side rails
    • Install curtain rods between posts for a tailored look
    • Add rings or clips along the top rails for easy sliding curtains

    2. Partial Canopy Beds

    Some black canopy frames only have bars on the headboard side, allowing for lighter styling.

    Great for:
    Sleek, modern gothic rooms, sheer drapes, crescent moon fairy lights.

    How to hang a canopy:

    • Drape fabric across the headboard portion
    • Use lightweight chiffon or mesh for a soft, floating look

    3. Ceiling-Mounted Canopy Beds

    No posts? No problem. If you prefer an open-frame bed, you can still have a canopy by mounting hardware directly to your ceiling.

    Find Ceiling Canopy Bed Curtains on Amazon #ad

    Great for:
    Small rooms, minimalist gothic decor, boho-gothic hybrids.

    How to hang a canopy from the ceiling:

    • Install four ceiling hooks aligned with the corners of your bed
    • Use curtain rings, hoops, or fabric loops to suspend the canopy
    • Hang fabric from a circular canopy ring or straight rails
    • Make sure you anchor into studs or use proper ceiling anchors for safety

    Ceiling canopies often look more whimsical and “floaty,” perfect for enchanted forest, fairy-goth, or witchy bedroom themes.

    How to Choose a Canopy Hanging Style

    **1. Sheer Black Curtains

    Creates dreamy shadows and soft outlines—great for a romantic gothic style.

    Find Black Canopy Bed Curtains on Amazon #ad

    2. Velvet Curtains

    Adds weight, luxury, and drama. Perfect for Victorian, baroque, or vampire-goth bedrooms.

    3. Tapestry Drape

    Use celestial, moon, or baroque-patterned tapestries to drape from the top rails.

    4. Light-Up Canopy

    Add LED fairy lights, purple string lights, or star-projector lights for a magical nighttime glow.

    Get Light-up Canopy on Amazon #ad

    5. Minimalist Drape

    Just a single piece of fabric elegantly swept over the headboard rail—simple but stunning.

    How to Hang a Canopy: Step-by-Step

    If attaching to bedposts:

    1. Measure the width and length of your canopy frame
    2. Choose your fabric (sheer, chiffon, mesh, velvet, lace, or blackout)
    3. Install rods or use the existing top rails
    4. Clip, tie, or drape fabric over each bar
    5. Adjust the length to puddle on the floor or hover slightly above it

    If hanging from the ceiling:

    1. Determine your canopy shape (four-point, circular, floating drape)
    2. Use ceiling hooks or a canopy ring
    3. Mark your spots—make sure they line up with the bed corners
    4. Drill and secure anchors properly
    5. Hang fabric loops or rings
    6. Drape your canopy fabric evenly and style the folds

    Gothic Black Bedroom Decor Ideas

    A black canopy bed is only the beginning. Build the rest of your gothic dream room with:

    • Black walls or deep jewel tones (plum, emerald, midnight blue)
    • Candelabra lamps or candle-style LED lights
    • Dark velvet bedding
    • Skull or bat accent pillows
    • Baroque-style mirrors
    • Black lace curtains
    • Antique silver accessories
    • Dramatic wall tapestries (moons, ravens, stained glass, astrology)
    • Soft warm lighting or purple LED accents

    See Gothic Bedroom Decor on Amazon #ad

    The canopy becomes the dramatic centerpiece—the rest of your decor brings the world together.

    Find Your Gothic Canopy Style

    Your canopy bed should reflect your personality.
    Do you want:

    • Dark romance? Choose velvet, lace, and candlelight.
    • Modern gothic? Go with sheer black fabric and clean lines.
    • Witchy vibes? Add dangling crystals, moons, herbs, and fairy lights.
    • Victorian drama? Heavy drapes, carved wood, and ornate trims.
    • Fairy-goth enchantment? Mix black with iridescent fabrics and moonlit lighting.

    No matter your aesthetic, a black canopy bed invites comfort, mystery, and style into your bedroom.

  • The Skeleton Swing

    Imagine sinking into the warmest, softest plush seat… only to realize you’re being gently hugged by a giant, friendly skeleton. That’s the vibe behind my new Hanging Skeleton Swing concept design — a spooky-cute creation that combines gothic aesthetics with ultimate comfort.

    Find Skull Stuff on Amazon #ad

    This dreamy swing looks like something that would hang on the porch of a haunted cottage or inside the cozy corner of a witchy reading room. Made to resemble a big plush skeleton, this swing cradles you like a gentle ghost giving you the most relaxing hug. The bones are stylized and cushy, not scary — more like a sweet skeleton friend who just wants you to relax and enjoy the breeze.

    A Cozy Gothic Escape

    The swing itself is designed for comfort:

    • Fluffy faux-fur fabric for that “curl up and stay awhile” feeling
    • Cushioned skeleton arms wrapping around you for support
    • A soft headrest shaped like a cute plush skull
    • Roomy seating that invites you to curl up with a blanket, a book, or your favorite spooky playlist

    It’s the kind of furniture piece that instantly transforms a space into a gothic sanctuary. Picture swinging gently while sipping coffee, reading tarot cards, or simply enjoying a peaceful moment in the company of your plush skeleton friend.

    Concept Only — Not for Sale (Yet!)

    This Hanging Skeleton Swing is a concept design, created purely for artistic inspiration and content. It’s not for sale at this time — though I know many of you have already asked! For now, it lives in the world of imagination, spooky aesthetics, and my creative universe of whimsical gothic furniture ideas.

    Why We Love It

    There’s something magical about mixing cozy comfort with a touch of the macabre. The Skeleton Swing embodies that perfect blend: strange, sweet, and wonderfully unique. It makes you smile, it makes you relax, and it feels like the kind of thing that belongs in a gothic dream home.

    If you could hang this swing anywhere — indoors or outdoors — where would you put it?

  • The Allure of Skull Candles: History, Symbolism & Modern Gothic Décor

    Skull candles have become one of the most iconic pieces in gothic décor, blending mystery, art, symbolism, and ambiance into one striking object. Whether they’re used for Halloween, spiritual rituals, or everyday décor, skull candles embody a perfect mix of dark elegance and creative expression.

    Find Skull Candles on Amazon #ad

    Their glow feels ancient yet modern, eerie yet beautiful—an aesthetic that attracts collectors, artists, and interior designers alike.

    A Brief History of Skull Imagery

    Using skulls as symbols and art goes back thousands of years.

    • Ancient civilizations such as the Aztecs, Tibetans, and Celts used skulls to represent life, transformation, and protection.
    • Medieval Europe associated skulls with mortality, reflection, and spiritual rebirth—a reminder that life is precious and fleeting.
    • In Victorian times, skull motifs appeared in mourning jewelry, art, and décor, often crafted with surprising elegance and craftsmanship.

    The skull is not just a symbol of death. It’s a universal reminder of life, strength, wisdom, and the mystery that lies beyond the visible world. This rich history makes skull candles far more meaningful than simple decorations.

    Why Skull Candles Are So Popular

    Skull candles are loved for more than just their spooky charm. They are:

    🕯️ Atmospheric

    A flickering flame glowing through the curves of a skull creates irresistible visual drama. The shadows seem to breathe, making any room feel magical, gothic, or ritualistic.

    💀 Symbolic

    Depending on the culture or context, a skull can represent:

    • Protection
    • Transformation
    • Ancestral connection
    • Strength
    • Rebirth
    • Mystery
    • Spiritual awareness

    This symbolism adds depth and intention to any space.

    🎨 Artistic

    Skull candles come in countless styles, colors, and textures:

    • Matte black gothic skulls
    • White bone-realistic designs
    • Metallic gold, silver, or bronze
    • Rainbow, ombré, or pastel “cute goth” skulls
    • Highly detailed carved versions

    Each one is a small sculpture—hand-poured, hand-painted, and uniquely expressive.

    🏡 Versatile in Home Décor

    Skull candles work in:

    • Gothic bedrooms
    • Dark academia libraries
    • Witchy altars
    • Halloween displays
    • Modern minimalist homes needing an edgy accent
    • Bathrooms, foyers, and cozy corners

    Find Skull Candle Holders on Amazon #ad

    The versatility makes them great year-round, not just for spooky season.

    Spiritual & Ritual Uses

    For practitioners of various spiritual paths, skull candles are meaningful ritual tools. They are used in:

    🔮 Scrying & Meditation

    The flame’s glow on a skull shape can be used to focus the mind, bring clarity, or deepen intuition.

    🧙‍♀️ Shadow Work & Transformation

    The skull symbolizes understanding oneself, accepting change, and moving through internal transformation.

    🖤 Ancestral Altars

    Some cultures use skull-shaped candles to honor ancestors or seek protection.

    🔥 Cleansing & Intention Setting

    The burning candle represents releasing old energy, burning away negativity, and lighting a path forward.

    Types of Skull Candles

    Skull candles come in creative varieties that appeal to different aesthetics:

    🖤 Classic Black Skull Candle

    The best,… Perfect for gothic décor, grounding energy, and dramatic visual contrast.

    Get Black Skull Candles on Amazon #ad

    🤍 White Bone Skull Candle

    Classic style,… Clean, spooky, ritualistic—great for altars and modern homes.

    🌈 Color-Magic Skull Candles

    Each color can symbolize different intentions:

    • Red: passion, strength
    • Pink: love, self-care
    • Blue: calm, intuition
    • Purple: psychic awareness, magic
    • Green: prosperity, rebirth
    • Gold: abundance, luxury
    • Silver: moon magic, protection

    🕯️ Carved or Decorated Skull Candles

    Some feature roses, snakes, ornate carvings, crowns, or gemstones for a dramatic artistic look.

    How to Style Skull Candles in Your Home

    I have skull candles in one of my bathrooms and living room. Here are a few ideas to bring skull candles into your living space:

    🕯️ On a Gothic Mantle

    Pair with antique candelabras, dried roses, and ornate mirrors.

    💀 As a Centerpiece

    Place a metallic skull candle on a tray with crystals, books, or botanical elements.

    🔮 In a Witchy Corner

    Combine with tarot cards, incense, crystal balls, and moon-phase décor.

    🛁 Bathroom Aesthetics

    Black or white skull candles add moody elegance when placed near the bathtub.

    🎃 Halloween Displays

    Cluster different sizes and colors for a dramatic seasonal scene.

    Fun Facts About Skull Candles

    • Candle skulls have been used in rituals for over 1,000 years.
    • The skull symbol appears in nearly every culture around the world.
    • High-quality skull candles are often made with silicone molds, allowing for ultra-detailed designs.
    • Natural beeswax skull candles create a warm, honey-scented burn.

    A Symbol of Beauty, Mystery, and Transformation

    Skull candles are more than decorations—they are powerful symbols woven through history, culture, and art. They bring mood, meaning, and magic into any space. Whether you collect them for their gothic vibes, spiritual significance, or simply because they look amazing, skull candles add a unique touch to any environment.