DIY 'Castlecore' Home Decor on a Budget

Romantic. Medieval. Slightly moody. Totally doable.

Castlecore is everywhere right now. From TikTok to Pinterest, people are romanticizing medieval aesthetics—think moody candlelight, stone textures, ornate mirrors, and antique-looking everything. And while it might look like it belongs in a real-life castle, you can totally bring that dreamy, gothic-meets-fairytale vibe into your home without a royal budget.

Let’s get into some easy, low-cost DIY ideas to add some Castlecore charm to your space using thrifted, recycled, or super affordable materials.

1. Faux Stone Candle Holders

Materials: thrifted glass candlesticks, joint compound, gray/beige paint

One of the quickest ways to add a medieval vibe is with tall, chunky candle holders. Snag some cheap glass or metal ones at a thrift store, then give them a faux stone finish:

• Cover the base in a thin layer of joint compound (you can find it at hardware stores).

• Let it dry, then dry-brush with a mix of beige and gray paint to mimic aged stone.

• Top with taper candles—bonus points if they’re deep red or moody plum.

2. No-Sew Velvet Drapes

Materials: thrifted velvet curtains or fabric, hem tape, iron, curtain clips

Nothing says castle like heavy, romantic drapery. You can usually find velvet fabric or old curtains at thrift stores or estate sales. If you don’t sew, no problem:

• Use hem tape and an iron to create a clean edge.

• Hang with curtain clip rings on a tension rod.

• Drape them loosely or tie them with ribbon for that regal, effortless look.

3. Aged Mirror DIY

Materials: thrifted frame, mirror spray paint, vinegar, black paint

Want that ornate mirror look without the $200 price tag?

• Grab a frame with some drama—carved wood or even plastic in a cool shape.

• Spray the glass with mirror effect paint, then spritz with vinegar and dab with a paper towel to “age” the surface.

• Paint the frame black or antique gold for extra medieval flair.

4. “Stone” Planters or Wall Sconces

Materials: Dollar Tree plastic bowls, joint compound, paint

This one’s kind of addictive. Take cheap plastic or glass bowls, coat them with joint compound, and paint them to look like stone urns or wall sconces. They’re perfect for dried florals, moss, or candle arrangements. They look like something out of a chapel in the Scottish Highlands.

5. Thrifted Book Stack (With a Twist)

Materials: old hardbacks, tea bags, brown paint or shoe polish

Create a stack of vintage-looking books to use as risers or decor. If the books are too bright or modern:

• Rub a tea bag over the pages to “age” them.

• Scuff the covers with a bit of shoe polish or watered-down brown paint.

• Tie them up with twine or add wax seals for a total Castlecore moment.

6. DIY Tapestry Wall Hanging

Materials: thrifted fabric or tablecloth, wooden dowel, hot glue

Look for heavy fabrics with rich patterns—tapestry-style prints, florals, or even thick brocade. Glue the top edge over a wooden dowel and hang with string or chain. You’ve just made yourself a medieval-inspired wall hanging without sewing a thing.

Final Touches to Pull It All Together:

• Add thrifted goblets or chalices as cups or vases

• Style dried flowers, twigs, and moss into corners or shelf arrangements

• Use warm, low lighting: candles, lanterns, or thrifted lamps with soft yellow bulbs

Castlecore is all about creating an atmosphere. You don’t need stone walls or stained glass to get the look—just texture, tone, and a little imagination.