The Traitors Effect: How to Bring Castlecore Interiors Home
There’s been a proper moment on TV this autumn. The celebrity version of The Traitors has the UK talking – it’s on our screens and running until the 31st of October, which helps explain why the “castle” look is suddenly everywhere. Read more about the series and the cast here. House & Garden
That showy, candlelit, slightly gothic mood doesn’t have to stay on screen. If you’re into moody interiors or just fancy something a bit more dramatic at home, you can bring that castle energy into your rooms – starting with the windows. I’m going to walk you through easy, realistic ways to get the Traitors-inspired look without knocking down walls or buying a turret.
Quick note: Pinterest and interiors editors say “castlecore” and moody, layered looks are trending for 2025 – so you’re not imagining it. The style is gaining traction across platforms and magazines. House Beautiful+1
What is the “Traitors Effect” in interiors?
Put simply: it’s the pop-culture nudge that sends people from watching a show to copying a mood. Think deep colours, rich fabrics, heavy drapes, and a slightly theatrical edge. It’s not about being literal – you don’t need a stone hearth or suits of armour – but it is about embracing texture, depth and a sense of drama.
Why start at the windows? Curtains frame a room. They change light, silhouette furniture and instantly set a tone. If you get your window dressing right, everything else feels curated.
Key elements to create a castle-inspired window
Below are the pieces that give the biggest return on style for the smallest fuss.
Velvet curtains – the signature move
Rich colours – burgundy, deep green, navy, oxblood
Gold hardware – tiebacks, poles and holdbacks for a hint of regality
Layering – pair heavy drapes with a sheer for daytime light control
Solid foundations – thermal or blackout linings where needed
Velvet is one of the most obvious and effective fabrics for this look. It reads luxe, blocks light well, and gives a room that sumptuous, theatrical feel – ideal for living rooms and bedrooms where you want cosiness and glamour.
One look: Velvet, patterned accents and metal tiebacks
If you want just one quick, show-stopping idea to recreate the castle vibe, this is it:
- Main drape: Floor-length velvet in a deep tone (bonus points if it’s made-to-measure!)
- Accent: A patterned curtain or cushion in a small-scale damask or brocade to echo historic textiles. (If full-pattern feels much, choose a patterned pelmet or throw.)
- Hardware: Brass or gold tiebacks and a chunky pole to anchor the look.
- Finish: Puddle the hems slightly on wooden floors for that editorial, lived-in feel.
Practical matters – light, warmth and living with drama
Practical matters – light, warmth and living with drama
Yes, it looks decadent – but it should work for your life too. If your room is north-facing or draughty, choose thermal linings and don’t be shy about heavier fabrics. Want sleep-friendly bedrooms? Blackout linings are a must. Modern velvets are more hardwearing than you’d think – and they’re easy to steam to remove creases.
If you prefer a lighter, airier feel, consider a voile with a festive flounce. Our Millie Voile Festoon Flounce (made-to-measure) is a great example – the soft festoon detail echoes the frilled looks you might have noticed on the breakfast room windows and even lampshades on The Traitors set. Use it on its own for daylight privacy and breathability, or layer it under heavy velvet drapes for the full castlecore effect – voile by day, velvet for evening drama.
So, practical rule of thumb – if you want cosiness and insulation, pick velvet with thermal or blackout lining. If you want light and atmosphere, pick the voile. And if you want both, do both – layered window dressings are the easiest way to get style and function in one.
Quick styling tips you can do this weekend
- Hang curtains high and wide – mount the pole slightly above the frame and extend it beyond the window so the drape looks grand and the window reads larger.
- Go long – curtains that just skim the floor or puddle a little look more considered.
- Layer with a voile – sheer fabric softens the look by day and keeps privacy while the velvet stays ready for evening drama.
- Mix metals carefully – a little gold goes a long way; keep other metals in the room in the same warm family.
- Use lining – thermal and blackout linings help with warmth and cosiness while improving the drape of the fabric.
Small touches that make a big difference
- Tiebacks and holdbacks: choose from our sculpted metals to twisted rope or tassels for a historical nod.
- Brass poles: swap simple fittings for brushed or polished brass curtain poles – they instantly add warmth and that subtle castle-inspired grandeur without overpowering the space.
- Matching velvet cushion covers: carry your curtain fabric across the room with matching cushions – it ties everything together beautifully and makes the space feel intentional, soft and cohesive.
Final thoughts – make it yours, not a stage set
You don’t need to copy a TV castle exactly. The point is to take the mood and filter it for your home. Pick one statement window to start with – a living room bay or a bedroom – and see how the space settles into the new mood. I swapped the light, breezy curtains in my back room for a pair of deep green velvets last autumn and the whole house felt calmer and cosier within a day. Little changes like that make a home feel intentional.
Feeling inspired? Head over to our latest Instagram post to see our Traitors-inspired looks – from red velvet drapes to gold accents and all the castle-worthy details.
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