Wizard Design: How to Get Each Hogwarts House Aesthetic at Home

Sure, magic's great. But what I love most about the Wizarding World is the interior design. Hogwarts Castle, considered the greatest school for witchcraft and wizardry in the Harry Potter series, riffs on several architectural styles, from Gothic to Tudor to even a Baroque flourish now and then. And the common rooms for each Hogwarts House are so distinct and packed with detail. I wish we saw more of these interiors on the big screen. If you love pouring over wizard style, too, here's design inspiration for all four houses. I'd like to think ol' Salazar, Helga, Rowena and Godric would co-sign this.

Bookish. Elegant. And probably the least likely to have clutter. As my bio states, my style inspiration is 100 percent Ravenclaw Tower. There is nothing more bewitching than this wizarding dorm with starry motifs galore. The cosmic reading room at Albertine, a famous bookstore in New York City and one of our favorite French spots in the US, is the epitome of Ravenclaw vibes with a giant zodiac mural on the ceiling. The Ravenclaw common room is depicted with starry ceilings like a Byzantine cathedral. And while gilding or creating a giant mosaic isn't likely in the tea leaves for your space, this peel-and-stick celestial wallpaper on Amazon is a great hack to create your own nighttime ceiling.

What's the most Ravenclaw flex? Silk eiderdown. It's said that every Ravenclaw bed is outfitted in sky blue silk eiderdown AKA the absolute most expensive bedding of all time. Because I'm sure they're using 100% Mulberry silk with a great momme weight and then there's that fancy down. To be a house inspired by birds, the decor isn't that vegan. However, it is ethically sourced. Eiderdown comes from the eider duck, a seabird in the Arctic. And it's hand-farmed after the bird's natural molting process. Unlike goose or duck feathers, this down is warmer yet has an airy, lightweight feeling compared to other down. (Like magic!) Eiderdown, mostly farmed in Iceland, is pretty rare and true eiderdown duvets can range from $6,000 to $25,000 or more. Add silk to that and you've got a comforter more expensive than a car. So, I'm not recommending one of those. But for quality silk, the company that makes our favorite silk sheets also makes a silk duvet cover in light blue and this gorgeous sapphire.

It's also said that the Ravenclaw common room features blue and bronze hanging silks. Unless you have a casual cupola in your home, large swatches of silk aren't really an option. However, floor-length silk curtains are a great nod to this and are much more practical. These silk panels from CB2 have a slight sheen that feels mystical.

One of the hallmarks of Ravenclaw Tower is the airy feeling compared to the other houses and that's not just because they have a great view of the Great Lake and the Forbidden Forest. Yes, they're rocking a penthouse, but elongated columns and high ceilings in the Ravenclaw common room create the illusion of more space. And in media representations, Ravenclaws don't seem to be messy. They're more minimalistic compared to other house styles. And they also have a spiral staircase. Because of course, they do.

Speaking of those columns, the Ravenclaw common room is drenched in antiquity, from the circular shape of the room to the marble busts and statues honoring Ravenclaw alumni. Get the look at home with a bust of Artemis or Diana, goddess of wisdom.

Another way to achieve the Grecian look at home is with porcelain or plaster. The porcelain vases from Venus et Fleur are what dreams are made of and a Georgian or Regency-era white mantle is total Ravenclaw sophistication. I think the Beauxbâtons girls would approve, too.

It's said that the Ravenclaw common room has a midnight blue carpet covered in stars. And while that sounds beautiful, I'm not a big fan of carpet. Maybe wizard carpet stays clean? Instead, I'd opt for this embellished pillow from Joanna Buchanan. She has an entire zodiac collection, too, and it's perfection. One day, I’ll treat myself to these cocktail picks. The Virgo coaster makes my Ravenclaw heart so, so happy. And there are ornaments. It’s a whole scene.

Gryffindors and Slytherins can have their Chesterfield sofas. Ravenclaws have a divan. Similar to a chaise lounge or a daybed, a divan is completely flat with minimal armrests or any back at all. This tufted lounge chair from Wayfair is likely more practical for hours spent reading as it features a comfortable back and armrest.

Alternatively, an XL upholstered bench with a circular bolster pillow at each end can fake the divan silhouette, too. And it's much more budget-friendly than buying a chaise lounge. This entryway screams Ravenclaw Prefect.

Let's talk finishes because two's company, three's a crowd in the rules of interior design. And depending on what media or merch you look at, Ravenclaw is associated with several metals. Officially, Ravenclaw is bronze. (And they're eagles. Not ravens. But that's a story for another day.) In the films, silver was used to differentiate Ravenclaw's house colors against Gryffindor's gold and Hufflepuff's yellow. However, some of the latest Wizarding World merchandise collections feature a more muted brass. It all looks great paired with blue, especially with stars. And while I am a bronze eagle purist, I've come to love brass with rich blues. And this brassy gold constellation pendant from Pottery Barn's Harry Potter Collection would be the crown jewel in any Ravenclaw room. It looks awfully similar to the one in Wiseacre's Wizarding Equipment at Universal Orlando's Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

Feel that? It's your shoulders sinking, your jaw unclenching and deep, filling breaths coming back to your chest. Welcome home, Hufflepuffs. It's the one common room we don't see in the films or visit in the books and that's a shame because this is a house of peace and connection. I've always thought it strange that Hogwarts students are sorted by personality. More of the same feels like a lost opportunity to learn from the people around you. And while herbology, Hufflepuff's marquee aptitude, isn't as impressive as other wizard classes, here at HGTV, we think gardening is the most magical of all.

From previously published articles on Pottermore and the now Wizarding World website, we know that the Hufflepuff common room is in the basement, but still features tons of natural light from ground-level windows that look out onto a little meadow of dandelions. It's described as a badger’s sett (aka den) with low ceilings and round doors. There are definite Hobbit vibes, but something that's always stood out to me about this common room description is the use of the word safe. There are cozy elements in all the Hogwarts houses, but there's a specific feeling of safety here.

Technically, the Hufflepuff yellow is a bright canary. But sometimes in the merch, it just looks acidic. For a modern interpretation of Hufflepuff's cheerful disposition, golden rod or mustard yellow are more sophisticated alternatives that are still happy colors without looking like a primary school classroom.

Honey-colored furniture is said to be used throughout, from end tables to bed frames. And this color wood pairs beautifully with golden bedding. However, it is specifically noted that all Hufflepuff beds are covered in patchwork quilts.

Hufflepuffs probably sleep well and have the cleanest indoor air because the common room is smothered in plants, from cute little cacti to overgrown, flowing vines. Plant Kween's NYC apartment is the perfect real-life example.

Even if you can't or don't want to fill your home with planters and vines and hangings, you can still bring the outside in on a small scale with bud vases. This is also a great way to brighten an office desk and feel some grounding energy when you're surrounded by tech and blue light.

Herbology isn't just about plants. There's a lot of sorcery with fungi, too, and the fae-esque mushroom aesthetic is definitely part of the Hufflepuff DNA. This wooden seed storage box from Terrain would also make a really cute jewelry box or tea caddy.

I know, I know. Black is also part of the Hufflepuff crest and colors. But when I imagine the Hufflepuff lifestyle, I keep seeing more warm, earthy colors. Terracotta makes a lot of sense for Hufflepuffs as a nod to all those potted plants. And in an original sketch, it looks like there's tile flooring. Sure, it could be stone. But terracotta tile fits the casual, lived-in look. Did I mention how sad I am that we never experience these interiors in the series?

Another warm earth tone, copper is found throughout the common room with cascading copper planters suspended from the ceiling. You could reimagine this at home with a copper tub and greenery-packed spa bathroom. And with DIY herbal soap of course.

Another great nod to the copper cauldron is a classic copper tea kettle. The ritual of making tea is slow, and I'd like to think Hufflepuffs have the patience for an authentic cuppa without taking any magical shortcuts. This is the house that understands mindfulness and being present more than any other. And while Butterbeer will always be the soft drink of the Wizarding World, I imagine Hufflepuffs quite content at home, tucked into one of those patchwork quilts sipping a calming herbal tea.

Oh, Slytherin. Like water signs, this Hogwarts group is the most misunderstood. But if you had to live in a dungeon under a lake, rumors would probably circulate about you, too. This is the only Hogwarts common room without sunlight. Instead, the large stone windows look out into the depths of the Great Lake, which casts a green glow on the whole space. Dark Academia style with heavy apothecary influences and brooding vibes thrive here. It's like classy Halloween and it's year round.

Wizards do scoreboards better. In the Hogwarts House Cup competition, each house's points are represented by an hourglass full of precious stones. And Slytherin gets emeralds. Is there a more beautiful color? I know purple doors and the color purple are commonly associated with witches, but there's just something about a deep, dark green that feels otherworldly and magical.

Technically, the second color for Slytherin is silver, but to emulate the strength and forcefulness of Slytherin, I say embrace a bold black. Black walls. Shiny black tile. Black matte finishes. Paint your tub black. If anyone is going to jump headfirst into maximalism, it's Slytherin.

One of my favorite details about the Slytherin common room is that while there are several leather sofas, there's also an emphasis on intricate, hand-carved wooden chairs. In practice, a bunch of decorative armchairs like this will look too Game of Thrones-y. So for something less Westeros, focus on antique furniture with one carved element such as decorative spindles.

The Slytherin common room is described as grand but not cozy, and it's such a contrast to Gryffindor's grand aesthetic. But regal for Slytherin means more sophisticated. If anyone is going to splurge on the Anthropologie Gleaming Primrose Mirror, it's a Slytherin. And if you need some budget-friendly alternatives, we've got you covered.

Living half underground, half underwater sounds pretty cold. And one of the easiest ways to add warmth to a space is by layering throws. The Slytherin common room does not lack cushions, bolsters and blankets. There are walls of medieval tapestries, too, such as a riff on the "Hunt of the Unicorn" series. S.P.O.I.L.E.R. Studio on Etsy has a custom pillow with the same green overlay as the tapestry featured in the films.

So much of the Slytherin aesthetic we've come to associate with this house and what we see on screen wouldn't exist without the design house MinaLima. And one of the most stunning creations the duo made for the Harry Potter films is the Black family tree tapestry. The design looks incredible on prints, pillows, gift wrap and even floor-to-ceiling wallpaper.

There are so many false assumptions about decorating with dark colors. Dramatic, bold walls or furniture doesn't automatically mean heavy and depressing. With the right accessories, rich colors can become whimsical like in this emerald green butler pantry-turned-candy-bar.

Slytherins have a reputation for being severe and there are certainly stark elements about the decor in the Slytherin common room, but there's also a delicate, willowy vibe — like deep water in the Great Lake or a snake slowly, smoothly coiling over and over. Thick velvet captures that essence of movement, especially with pleated drapes that create vertical columns.

Slytherin style walks the line of cool and creepy. A lot of silver elements in the common room shown on screen are less shiny and more muted and patinaed. Is the human skull displayed in a glass box above the fireplace beautiful or disturbing? It could go either way! But there's definitely a sense of (dark) humor in the decor. This sconce from Anthropologie is the perfect balance of fantastical + eerie + somehow chic.

We see a lot of the Gryffindor common room on screen in the Harry Potter films and it's like a greatest hits of U.K. history and interior design. It exudes a grandeur like the massive St. George's Hall at Windsor Castle, but also a well-worn vintage feeling, like a grandpacore sporting lodge. And then there's that classic scarlet red. This is the house associated with the element of fire after all.

One of the ways so much red is folded into this room on screen is by layering textiles, especially tapestries. And given how ancient Hogwarts Castle is supposed to be, you see a lot of medieval tapestries on the walls, such as the iconic "The Lady and the Unicorn" series. You can find reproductions of this design as wall hangings, cushion covers, drapes and more.

If Slytherin is dark academia, then Gryffindor is Ivy League prep with a signature Ralph Lauren or Rowing Blazers vibe. You can get the collegiate look at home with vintage trophies. (There are several for sale on Etsy.) Cup-style trophies make fun vases for floral arrangements and it's a great nod to the Hogwarts House Cup. Ten points to Gryffindor!

I'm not saying the other houses aren't sporty, but if anyone knows how to throw a tailgate party, it's a Gryffindor. This pint-sized Quidditch trunk features the same design as what we see on screen and the golden snitch pops out! It's the perfect sizer for styling a bookshelf vignette.

Gryffindors also call a Hogwarts tower home, yet the vibe is more relaxed compared to Ravenclaw's common room. So much of that warmth comes from scenes in front of the roaring fireplace. It's a stark contrast to the stone castle walls. But in an original sketch, this space features Tudor-style wood paneling on most of the walls and ceiling, and that adds tons of warmth regardless of an impressive fireplace.

Another element that immediately signals Old World design is the bevy of antique rugs placed around the common room. And by using several aged (or appear to be aged) rugs on screen, there's a rich variety of reds in the Gryffindor space in the films. I love that rusted red color on fibers that have been exposed to too much sun. It's such a specific color that works with so many styles. Of course, a new antique-inspired Persian rug (preferably machine washable) is more practical and budget-friendly. And ruby red makes such a statement in textiles.

In addition to bold reds, a darker wood with warm, red undertones continues the color palette but folds in a rich brown. Because there's a lot of wooden furniture in this common room. And on screen, it can look pretty dark. A more modern Gryffindor style at home (Unless you live in a moody castle. And in that case can I visit?) needs some light to contrast those rich, heavy colors. Pairing white bedding against a large red tapestry or rug creates a beautiful, harmonious balance.

One of the best Gryffindor common room details that you see on screen in the Harry Potter films is the well-worn seating. The armchairs have little dips in all the seats, but it's not dowdy. The visual tells you these are cozy chairs meant to curl up in. And a great way to add cozy vibes to your seating (without hundreds of wizard students sitting in your chairs over time) is by adding soft throw blankets. This red and gold plaid throw on Amazon is perfect for fall and is a great way to celebrate your house pride without changing your furniture.

There are a lot of over-the-top features in the Gryffindor common room, from a series of gold chandeliers to a large lion over the fireplace. And that drama works for a castle tower. But in a small home or apartment, a more subtle flourish like this gold lion door stop adds tons of personality without taking up much space. Honestly, if I were a Gryffindor, I would put these at every door in my home.