Growing up, I have always loved the medieval ages and the unique architecture that was used during that time; even to this day, it maintains its royal atmosphere and aesthetic. The biggest advantage we have, however, is that we currently live in a time where what was once thought to be inaccessible to the everyday man and woman and often considered luxurious is actually well within our grasp.
So if you’ve ever dreamed of living in a castle, with the help of these ten medieval design ideas, you might be able to transform your home into a castle and feel like royalty every day:
1. Stone Walls
The first thing that comes to mind when I think of a classic medieval castle is its stone exterior and interior. At this point, seeing a castle that isn’t made of some sort of stone would be a bit odd. Stone walls are a hallmark of medieval architecture, and they can be a great addition to your home decor.
Luckily, if your home doesn’t have actual stone walls, consider using faux stone panels or wallpaper to create the same effect. These can be used to create an accent wall or to add texture to a room. This is also the perfect background for almost any medieval-styled wall decor to be matched with.
2. Tapestry
Tapestries were a popular form of decoration in medieval times and can add a touch of elegance and history to your home. Many people like to hang a tapestry on a wall or drape one over a piece of furniture to create a cozy and regal atmosphere. If you want to go for a more modern look, there are plenty of websites that you can checkout, that offers a wide variety of retro and even modern tapestry.
3. Ornamental/Decorative Swords
Nothing screams medieval times more than some replica swords hung up as wall decor or displayed around the house; even smaller figurines of swords or medieval knights go a long way in creating that authentic medieval environment.
As a personal fan of swords and decorative swords, I am usually spoilt for choice in choosing what type of sword I want to display, starting with more modest pieces such as a shortsword and broadsword or really going out swinging with truly grand items such as a claymore and Zweihänder. Here are some of my recommendations and other great choices that you might also enjoy:
- Viking Swords
- Arming Swords
- Falchion
- Crusader Swords
- Long Swords
4. Wooden Furniture
Medieval home decor used in the middle ages usually consisted of wooden furniture and would often feature intricate, elegant carvings and embellishments. When looking for wooden furniture, it’s recommended that you look for pieces with ornate details, such as a four-poster bed or a carved wooden chair, to add a touch of medieval charm to your home.
The most exciting part of more modern wooden furniture, compared to older medieval furniture, is that it is very comfortable and almost always stylish. Wooden furniture is also very easy to incorporate into most homes, even those not specifically aiming for medieval home decor.Gothic Lighting
Lighting is often a key factor in home decor and creating a certain mood or atmosphere, and seeing as we’re looking to make a castle out of your home, look no further than gothic lighting, which you often see on Halloween.
Finding the right lighting can make all the difference in creating the perfect environment and atmosphere at home. It is recommended to consider items such as Gothic-style chandeliers, scones, candelabra, or even simply lamps, which can help bring out the atmosphere of royalty.
5. Gothic Lighting
Lighting is often a key factor in home decor and creating a certain mood or atmosphere, and seeing as we’re looking to make a castle out of your home, look no further than gothic lighting, which you often see on Halloween.
Finding the right lighting can make all the difference in creating the perfect environment and atmosphere at home. It is recommended to consider items such as Gothic-style chandeliers, scones, candelabra, or even simply lamps, which can help bring out the atmosphere of royalty.
6. Candles
Keeping with a similar theme to the last point, candles and even candle holders were commonly used in medieval times as a source of light, adding warmth and intimacy to your home. Candles and candle holders with a medieval-inspired design, such as tapered candles in a wrought-iron candlestick holder, are a must-have and a real help to truly lighten up not just your home but your mood throughout the evenings and cold winter days.
7. Heraldry
In medieval times, heraldry was a type of wall decor to identify families and clans, so there isn’t any reason to change that now, and hanging some can really show your pride in your family. So wear your family name in pride by incorporating heraldic designs into your decor by hanging a coat of arms or creating a custom crest for your family. Truly allowing you to live out your fantasies of owning your own family house, just like in Game of Thrones, except here we’re talking more about a family castle.
8. Medieval Art
You will often find that medieval art, and more specifically, art used during the Renaissance, often features religious or mythological themes, with a focus on intricate details and vivid colors. When looking at home decor, consider adding some reproductions of medieval art to your home decor to add some historical flair, such as wall art.
These types of wall art can, in fact, be hung on walls or displayed on shelves to create a unique and striking display that is sure to leave a grand impression on anyone who enters your castle.
9. Heavy Curtains
Curtains are a staple of home decor, so it’s quite convenient that just simply looking for heavy curtains made from rich fabrics like velvet or brocade can add a touch of medieval luxury to your home. Use them to frame your windows or as a backdrop for a four-poster bed, or even as an option in your home office.
For those interested in curtains that evoke a royal atmosphere, options with intricate embroidery or tassels can add an extra touch of elegance. The beauty of such curtains lies in their ability to not only fit the decor, but also provide practicality and coziness.
10. Medieval-style Rugs
Now I’ve talked about certain luxury items of the past becoming more accessible in the present and have mentioned a couple in this list, but if you’re still looking for more, look no further than right under your feet. Rugs were a luxury item in medieval times, so opting for a large, ornate rug in a rich color can add some much-needed medieval charm to your soon-to-be castle.
Looking for rugs with intricate patterns and plush textures will really help your home just beam with royalty. Place them in your castle-themed living room or dining room for added warmth and style.
