"'Tis now the very witching time of night, when churchyards yawn and hell itself
breathes out contagion to this world." ~ William Shakespeare

I was reading through the October edition of Elle Decor online and spotted their list of top ten hot items for the month of Halloween. The editors' standout trend for the spooky season is Gothic Furniture, which is experiencing a revival of interest with interior designers and consumers. There's a steadily growing demand for beds, chairs, tables, and storage cabinets and you can even find websites specializing solely in Gothic furnishings. Buyers are seeking unique designs, hardwood durability, and dark Old World grandeur, all ideal qualities for the bewitching Fall season and chillof Winter ahead.
There are several periods related to Gothic Art and Architecture. The first period began in France about 1140 and marked the start of Gothic style decorative art items. The style spread to the rest of Europe during the following century, and then ended with the the Renaissance in Italy at the start of the 15th century. The New Gothic Age or Gothic Revival, began in the Victorian Era from 1840 to 1860 and marked a rediscovery of furniture design with a phase of authentic "Old World" creations.

Gothic Furniture was heavily influenced by Roman and Medieval architecture styles. Hallmarks include: a) durability from commonly used hardwoods like oak, walnut, rosewood, cherry, and mahogany. b) greater space with over-sized storage cupboards and large spacious chests, and c) elaborate carvings including intricate foliage and motif designs with honeycomb networks decorating more expensive pieces.

Here's some of my favorite Gothic pieces from Ruby Lane:

#1 Gothic French Carved Wood Doors

Antique Gothic Doors from France
Price: $ 25,400 from Le Louvre French Antiques

These antique European walnut doors are fine examples of ornate Gothic woodwork and feature foil and cusp ornamentation. They look to be taken straight from a Medieval castle!

#2 Bronze Gothic Revival Chandelier

Rare Gothic Revival Chandelier Gilt Bronze
Price: $10,500 from Blue Dolphin Fine Antiques

This Gothic chandelier is stunning with its complex metalwork and tiers of candles (these have been modernized with electrical wiring for today's homes) and looks ideal for a dramatic entryway .

#3 Gothic Chairs with Spires

Pair of 19th c. Gothic Chairs
Price: $4995 from New Hampshire Antique Co-op

This is a great pair of Gothic styled chairs. They are mahogany or walnut and have wonderful carving & turnings. I'd probably reupholster the seats in dark red velvet for our castle :)

#4 Gothic Carved Bench with Chest

SALE Antique Oak Trunk Bench
Price: $2950 from Temptation Antique Gallery

This Gothic bench is beautiful and wonderfully utilitarian. The back of the bench has intricately carved spires, the front of the trunk has nice ornamentation, and the seat pulls up to reveal a storage chest. It's a great piece and solidly built.

#5 Gothic Copper Gargoyle Candlestick

Whimsical 19thC Victorian Dancing Gargoyle Candlestick
Price: $85 from Neatcurios

This heavy copper candlestick dates from the Victorian Gothic Revival era and features a gargoyle (or dragon) dancing on flowers with flaming torches. It's an unique period accessory for Gothic decor!

#6 Gothic Styled Necklace & Earrings Set with Gargoyles

GARGOYLES Medieval Style Cognac Quartz Crystal Silver Set
Price: $49 from Strega2

These jewelry pieces have Medieval styled gargoyles (believed to ward off evil spirits), deep golden brown crystals, and sterling silver hardware. They're romantic & dramatic and belong in a great Gothic setting.

Michele Johnson of Barkcloth Betsy

http://www.rubylane.com/shops/barkclothbetsy