What Are Gap Fillers? The Secret to Perfect Gothic Maximalism.
- Lana Jutrzenka
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
For some, minimalism brings peace. For others, it brings existential dread. If you believe every inch of your home should whisper a little dark mystery, welcome to Gothic maximalism - where more is more, and every object tells a story.
What is Gothic Maximalism?
I’ll reference one of my favourite House of Persephone gap fillers - ‘Dead Inside, Decorated Outside’ (which you can find here).
Gothic maximalism is an interior style that celebrates darkness, drama, and abundance. It layers rich textures, ornate details and curiosities to create a space that feels like a living work of art. It’s the opposite of minimalism: expressive, emotional, and unapologetically full.
If you’re anything like me, the endless white and beige of minimalist interiors feels like a punch in the gut - void of personality and character. Your home should reflect the intricacies of who you are: a safe space and a window to your soul. For those whose souls are a little more complicated, decorative maximalism is a way to collect, curate and display influences that make you, you. The combinations of colours, shapes and textures tell a story, and when paired thoughtfully, even the most unlikely items can live together in harmony.
What are gap fillers, and why do they matter?
Gap fillers are the small pieces (here we’re specifically focusing on wall decor) that rescue awkward empty spaces and bring cohesion to a busy gallery.
On their own, to the untrained maximalist, they can look a bit underwhelming - pointless, even; too small to offer any real impact. However, for those in the know, these small but mighty pieces are the final bits of the jigsaw puzzle. Think of them as the punctuation between larger sentences: they stop the eye from skipping, they balance scale, and they add personality in places that would otherwise feel unfinished.
Every maximalist curator knows the dread of the awkward gap. Despite careful planning, the layout isn’t quite right and the wall looks… unfinished. Before you tear everything down, try adding considered gap fillers. These small items are often the final touches that elevate your gothic gallery wall from pretty to perfectly curated.
Gap filler ideas for gothic gallery walls
At House of Persephone we take gap fillers seriously: they’re small, handmade and designed specifically to fill tricky spaces. Below are some favourites and how to use them.
Mini wall plaques - Short, darkly witty phrases give personality to tiny gaps. Tuck a mini text plaque between larger frames to add humour or attitude.
Mini round decors - Small circular pieces break up angular frames and introduce rhythm.
Mini coffins - A tiny coffin adds a touch of the macabre in a corner that needs weight.
Mini art prints - Easy to slot into odd nooks and great for rotating seasonally.
(Pro tip: mix a couple of gap filler types - a mini plaque plus a tiny round décor, for example - to create deliberate clusters that read as one composed piece rather than random additions.)
Where to use gap fillers
Between two large frames where the eye needs a landing point.
Above a mantel where scale varies.
Narrow vertical spaces beside shelves or doorways.Staircase runs where spacing creates awkward negative areas.
Cluster edges of a gallery wall to soften the transition to an empty wall.
How to balance maximalism without chaos
Maximalism can look chaotic by design, but balance keeps it curated rather than messy. Try these guidelines:
Limit the palette: Choose 2-4 dominant tones (e.g., black, ivory, brass, deep crimson) so variety feels intentional.
Repeat shapes or materials: Repeating a frame style, metal finish, or colour creates visual glue.
Think in rhythm: Alternate large and small pieces so the eye moves comfortably across the wall.
Respect negative space: A few carefully chosen empty spots give the composition breathing room and make the full areas sing.
Vary scale thoughtfully: Use gap fillers to transition between large and medium pieces - they’re the visual stepping stones.
Take your time. The best displays evolve over years, and each thoughtful addition makes the collection more meaningful.
Remember, every wall tells a story, even in the spaces between. Fill them with something beautiful, something dark, something unmistakably you.
Discover the full range of wall decor - including gap fillers - here, all handmade at House of Persephone.