Enchanting Harry Potter decor to bring the Hogwarts experience into your home
Many people credit their love of reading to the world of Harry Potter. With imaginative worlds and unforgettable characters, this influential book series continues to capture the hearts of children and adults alike. If given the chance, what Potter fan would resist recreating the Wizarding World right at home?
If you’re under the impression that your humble abode can’t look mature with a “Harry Potter” theme, think again. With a flick of your magic wand, along with unique home decor and interior design, you can achieve the beloved Hogwarts look that is still stylish and eclectic.
Whether you’re a new or seasoned Potter fan, or simply a fantasy bibliophile, here are 30 creative ideas to transform your room (or shall we say cozy chambers) into the School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
Read on to collect multiple ideas, or jump to your favorite Hogwarts House using the links in the Table of Contents to the right.
When envisioning the school, the books’ descriptions (and movies’ inspiration) depict Hogwarts as a medieval Gothic castle. Taking notes from this type of architecture, there are several ways to incorporate these alluring designs and structures into your bedroom.
Mimic Hogwarts’ stone castle walls by creating a stunning stone accent wall. Stone brings texture and dimension to a space, and you can hire a stone veneer company in your area to install it as a nice room upgrade.
In addition to stone, wood furnishings, wool fabric, and other items made of natural elements are easy rustic decor that give an earthy, medieval feel to your space.
What’s a school without a library? No matter what part of Hogwarts you’re in, there’s always a room full of literature. Bibliophiles can easily style their room by using books as decor. Place a plant or lamp atop stacked timeworn books or display your favorites on a nightstand.
Dragons, unicorns, trolls—you name it. Dozens of them exist in the world of Harry Potter. Incorporate these magical and mythical creatures in your home as tiny collectibles, sculptures, paintings, and more.
Since greenhouses and vegetable patches were also on the Hogwarts school grounds, add potted plants to your desk, bookshelves, and windowsills for a pop of greenery.
You can “viva la vintage” with fun items such as hourglasses, pendulum clocks, and antique trunks. A classic train set can be a fun representation of the Hogwarts Express. (For our Pottermania generation, pairing it with a Platform 9 ¾ sign will make the perfect addition.)
Mirror, mirror on the wall? Yes, please. Harry Potter fans can’t go without at least one in their room. Two great things about mirrors as decor are that they add natural light into a room and give the illusion of more space.
If you watched the movies or remember the vivid descriptions of Hogwarts’ halls, there were collages of paintings and portraits of the legendary wizards on the walls. You can do the same by hanging several art pieces or photos in various frame sizes and shapes.
The windows in Hogwarts were traditionally stained glass with diamond grid designs, corresponding to Gothic and Romanesque styles of medieval architecture. For a modern approach, you can apply window leading strips in a diamond formation and hire a local window tinting expert to add color stains.
Once you have the wizardry school’s general style and design, you can work in decor from one of the four Hogwarts houses: Ravenclaw, Gryffindor, Slytherin, and Hufflepuff. Each represents one of the four elements of nature—wind, fire, water, and earth—which you can base your decor around.
While Harry and the gang had the Sorting Hat to match them with their house, you can take a Wizarding World personality quiz or simply choose your favorite Hogwarts House as inspiration. Pairing personality traits with Potter fandom and DIY ideas, you can create your beloved Hogwarts House in no time.
The key personality traits of an honorable Ravenclaw are wisdom, curiosity, and intuition. They’re clever, logical, and creative, with a bit of quirkiness, meaning they walk to the beat of their own drum. If you’re open-minded and enjoy reading, writing, and science, you are certainly a Ravenclaw.
Since this house banner is blue and bronze, you can use these as the main colors in your palette choice. A few colors that work well with this pair include white and warm brown, which you can incorporate through furniture accessories, such as a white throw and brown decorative pillows.
Feathers are delicate, organic, and bring a sense of lightness to a room. They’re also fitting, since Ravenclaw represents the wind element and the raven is the mascot (an eagle if you want to stick to the books). To incorporate feathers in a stylish way, you can display a collection of arrows, feather artwork, or even a vintage writing quill to your desk.
The Ravenclaw common room is described to be a round room. Even if your room is square, there’s a way to incorporate circular aesthetics into it. With a round table or ottoman, you can arrange the seating area and items in a circular arrangement around it.
Since Ravenclaws are known for their love of books, it’s only fitting that your room boasts literature. If you own dozens of books, there are plenty of ways to showcase them. You can mount “floating” bookshelves, create a DIY book tower, or make the most of your wall space by installing a built-in bookcase.
To play on the science and logic aspect, consider celestial decor. A wall mural of constellations, star fairy lights, and a galaxy-print area rug would be stellar (literally).
The top traits of a Gryffindor include bravery, nobility, and adventure. Harry Potter and his best friends Ron and Hermione were all matched to this house, so if you relate to one of the main characters, this house is ideal for your room inspiration.
Representing the fire element, red and gold are cheerful and stimulating colors, both closely associated with strength and passion. Colors that go well with this pair include burgundy, brown, and bright yellow, a considerable mood-boosting hue to paint your room.
Expecto Patronum and Lumos are two of many spells seen throughout the Harry Potter series. Post wall decals of your favorite spells around the room or frame them to hang as wall art.
Imitating the Gryffindor common room, you can find an antique accent chair with lion claw feet. Pair the armchair with a bar cart bookshelf to turn the seating area into a cozy reading nook.
Velvet red drapery is a classic look that adds texture and a bold color to the room. They can also help insulate the space from a window draft.
Planning to level up your fireplace? You can hire a local fireplace remodel contractor to add a gorgeous stone surround like the one in the Gryffindor common room.
Despite their dark reputation, Slytherins aren’t all bad. Their top personality traits are intelligence, ambition, and pride. Here are a few stylish ways you can work Slytherin symbolism into your room decor.
Since the Slytherin House represents the water element, watercolor palettes are an easy way to incorporate its green and silver banner colors. You can mix and match dark green decor with items that are turquoise, emerald, and various shades of grays.
With the snake as Slytherin’s mascot, you can use it as subtle yet charming design inspiration. Curvy floor lamps and light fixtures, for example, mimic a snake body and add a touch of elegance. Also, consider wavy or textured wall paint to give the look and feel of snakeskin.
Instead of “creepy dungeon,” think dark yet elegant. You can use deep-colored fabrics, such as satin or silk, and intricate designs of metal and marble to make your space Gothic-chic.
To imitate the Slytherin common room, opt for dark wood furniture, such as side tables, bookstands, and dressers.
Known for being masters of potions, you can display “homemade” potions using decorative glassware, such as stained jars, bottles, and vases.
If you describe yourself as hardworking, friendly, and honest, you’re most likely a Hufflepuff. You’re diligent and stand up for what’s right, which sets you apart from the rest. Here’s how you can do the same for your room.
The Hufflepuff House represents the earth element and is known to be sunny and earthy. Using its yellow and black banner colors, you can create a palette of natural shades for your room, including amber, sunflower yellow, and dark greens.
To imitate the Hufflepuff common room, you can incorporate copper accessories such as lamps and plant vases. Copper easily pairs with wooden shelves and mantelpieces, which hold an earthy vibe.
Skilled in herbology, it’s only right for a Hufflepuff to have an indoor garden. Enhance your space with large, potted tropical plants or a collection of several small plants on mounted shelves. You can also add nature photography to the mix, perhaps even featuring a badger, the Hufflepuff mascot.
Since Hufflepuffs have the coziest, most welcoming common room, you can use this as inspiration for a guest bedroom. Create this cozy atmosphere for your guests with fluffy bedding, plush rugs, and a neat welcome basket of fresh towels and toiletries.
Last but not least, use a variety of lighting to embody the light and sunny feel. Choose bright or sheer curtains allowing sunlight to emit through. You can also place assorted decor candles and string lights around the room to create a warm glow.
Even if you aren’t a Harry Potter fan (yet), these room ideas can inspire any fantasy bibliophile or home decor enthusiast. If ever you need assistance incorporating these designs into your space, an interior designer in your area can help.
