Charlotte Olby
It may only be August, but, as scary as it sounds, we'll soon start to see outdoor Halloween decorations pop up on front lawns and entryways across the neighborhood, while hosts might be ramping up their Halloween table decor ideas.
If you're ready to start thinking through your own home's seasonal spread (summerween is a thing, by the way), there's a wide array of Halloween decorations already available in stores. But the days of orange and black decorations are long gone. Today's Halloween decor is looking elegant, exciting, and spooktacularly stylish.
To make your space look more frightfully festive than ever, we've curated our favorite Halloween decor and styling ideas to inspire you this fall. Whether you’re hosting a haunted house party or just want to add a bit of eerie elegance, from classic pumpkins and DIY makes to moody lighting and chic vintage-inspired accents, there’s no shortage of ways to create a spooky atmosphere whilst ensuring you embrace the season in style.
1. Display a Halloween wreath
Traditionally used for Halloween door decor, and crafted from fall flowers and foliage to celebrate the changing of the seasons, wreaths can also be used to bring beautiful decoration into the home, too.
Opt for a more natural, cozy look and use a pretty fall wreath. Either styled on your front door for a welcoming entrance or inside the home, wreaths are a stylish and timeless way to create a festive look.
Halloween wreaths really do come in all shapes and sizes. From autumnal designs, similar to dark and spooky styles (like the Endora metal wreath from McGee & Co pictured above), wreaths can adorn walls, windows, and even hang over mirrors and artwork. To channel the spirit of the season, opt for a gothic wreath made from twigs and bare branches.
2. Make a statement with a doormat
Entry mats are such a fun and easy switch for seasonal decor,' says Devin Shaffer, lead interior designer at Decorilla. 'Mostly because they're the first thing you see when entering a home. With a Halloween doormat, you can set the tone and create a festive mood. By having a Halloween mat in your porch, you won't have to use as many Halloween decor pieces in other rooms, because of the initial impact it makes.' We love this subtly spooky Beware doomat from Terrain (pictured above).
'If you're planning to spend more than $50 on a doormat, go with something that can be used throughout the fall season,' advises Devin. 'If this is a quick impulse buy, then feel free to go all in with jack-o-lantern, spiderweb or skull motifs.' Devin's parting wisdom: 'Don't be afraid to go bold and moody. It's meant to make a statement.'
3. Style an entryway console table
The entryway is a great place to embrace the festivities, but you don't need to go overboard with bright colors and kitsch decor. Instead, take inspiration from this console table from Terrain, styled with vintage style prints and class cloches, and greenery that nods subtly to Halloween.
Items like candles, dried foliage in vases, and the odd Halloween-themed decorative piece are all you need to elevate your entryway seasonally.
4. Go for glass pumpkins
Glass Halloween decorations feel seasonal whilst also looking elevated and chic. Choose glass pumpkin decorations, from lanterns and candles to useful ornaments in subtle shades if you're looking for colored glass. I love these glass pumpkins from Terrain (above), which have hollow bases meaning you can fill them with a candle or some mini string lights to reflect off and shine through the translucent glass.
Other detailing, such as oxidised and frosted effects will bring a more interesting and whimsical spin to glass pieces, while hand-painting or etching creates a more pared back, homespun look
5. Switch jack o'lanterns for pumpkin planters
Carved jack o'lanterns are a classic Halloween decor idea, but for a stylish display, which can be re-used year after year, why not try some ceramic pumpkin planters like these terracotta cachepots from Pottery Barn (pictured above)? Available in two sizes and two shades, these planters can be arranged in an entryway and filled with living plants, such as grasses or succulents, or dried flowers for a more fall-focused display that will last all season.
6. Add some Wednesday weirdness
If you've been glued to the latest series of Wednesday like me, you'll know the phrase 'What would Wednesday do?' and I'm taking that into my Halloween decor this year. The queen of darkness' style is eclectic, macabre, and just a little bit, well, weird. Embrace the spirit of fun this Halloween with some Wednesdaycore decorations, from creepy planters to intriguing objets, like this spooky village Victorian house from Terrain, that will create a talking point amongst your visitors.
Capture the essence of Wednesday's cool and mysterious vibes with elegant fabrics like velvet and lace, and make a statement with oddball ornaments, but steer clear from anything too gory to keep the look refined and chic.
7. Embrace fall hues
Forget Halloween decor in garish, standoffish colorways, with luminous oranges and slime greens dominating the palette. Toning the scheme down by either embracing darker, more luxurious tones or following a more carefully planned fall color scheme will help to curate a far more sophisticated scheme.
Fall foliage is a great way to elevate your home throughout fall and winter, but for Halloween, consider choosing foliage of rich autumnal hues to set the scene. Style your indoor spaces with vases of cut stems and dried flowers to bring the natural beauty of the season into your home.
'I would lessen the Halloween angle and go for the autumnal look,' says Catherine Dal or Cat Dal interiors. 'I’d have loads of different squash decorations, mixed with foliage in all the colors of fall, and have fun with accessories.'
8. Hang a simple garland
Hanging a Halloween garland is a quick and easy way to uplift your home for the season. They come in all styles and materials, either crafted from an abundance of real or faux foliage and flowers, with words and fabric, or full-on gothic looks.
Whether you opt for a natural design that coordinates with the foliage and flowers of your chosen wreath, or choose a more contemporary style, garlands can be hung pretty much anywhere in the home – in a dining room, for Halloween mantel decor, or to greet you in an entryway.
For more of a themed look, the above Happy Haunting iron garland by Terrain is both stylish and fun, perfect for displaying above a mantel for Halloween.
9. Make mini pumpkin candle holders
Embrace DIY Halloween decor with Mini pumpkin candle holders. They are easy to make – which can be fun to do with the kids – and can be picked up from stores or farm stands at this time of year.
Here interior stylist and content creator Melanie Lissack used a corer like this OXO Good Grips apple corer from Amazon, to remove the pumpkin stem and create a holder for the candle, she then decorated them with paper bats.
10. Make magic with witchcraft
Mystical and witchy motifs can offer another minimal take on Halloween decor. Style some wicker witch hats like this set of 2 from McGee & Co, with a few pumpkins and some natural foliage for a subtle take on this look.
Or you could create a Harry Potter-esque set-up to give the illusion of floating candles (and hats, too) by suspending LED candles such as these on Amazon from the ceiling over a dining table or entranceway with invisible fishing line, for a particularly magical look, that inspires the feeling of wizardry and witchcraft.
11. Create a pumpkin floral arrangement
This beautiful pumpkin basket floral arrangement filled with sunflowers and autumn leaves gives a subtle nod to Halloween decor whilst still being pretty and seasonal. Created by Stephanie LeBlanc at Celebrated Nest, it's easy to recreate – simply scoop out the inside of a pumpkin to use as a vessel for your autumnal flower arrangement.
12. Embrace beetlejuicecore
The Beetlejuice Beetlejuice movie has inspired designers and Halloween aficionados to embrace black and white stripes, bold colors, and a mix of vintage and modern pieces in their home in homage.
Whether you're a big Tim Burton fan or just love monochrome, adding a nod of Beetlejuicecore (as it's being called) to your Halloween decor will feel fresh and on-trend. Stripes are a must-have, as are eerily elegant black pumpkins, skulls, and spooky candelabras.
Fill picture frames with eerie silhouettes, black and white prints, and photographs to create an eerie gallery.
13. Decorate pumpkins with pressed flowers
Pumpkins decorated with pressed flowers and leaves offer a pretty take on Halloween decor that can be used to style mantelpieces, consoles, and dining tables. For a delicate, touch choose white pumpkins or squashes, or, before decorating, paint them first in white or pastel tones.
‘I gave these delicate pumpkins a makeover with pressed ferns and flowers, they’re perfect for a cottage-core meets cozy fall vibe’, says Stephanie LeBlanc, floral designer, blogger and content creator at Celebrated Nest.
Once the paint is dry start decorating by brushing a layer of Mod Podge onto the area of the pumpkin where you want to create your design. Next, carefully place on your pressed flower arrangement and then follow with another layer of Mod Podge. For best results mix different sizes and colors.
14. Add vintage-inspired details
Gothic and flea market finds are an easy way to embrace vintage Halloween decor in your home. Although decorating with antiques is a common design style, the older vintage pieces take on a new meaning when lit with candlelight and styled in the month of October.
'Think Victorian!' says Mohammad Ahmed, founder of The Home Guidance Blog. 'Use vintage candleholders, dark lace, and antique furniture,' he suggests. Ornate candelabras, vintage-style mirrors and portraits, and curiosity pieces can all be dramatic additions to your home. Just leave the creepy dolls in the thrift shop where they belong.
'Designers advocate for a more subtle approach to horror, using elements like vintage-inspired skulls, antique candelabras, or shadowy silhouettes to evoke a sense of mystery and intrigue without being overtly grotesque,' says interior designer, Nina Lichtenstein.
15. Embellish pumpkins
These iron bats on stakes from Terrain are a great way to elevate your fall pumpkins, squashes, and gourds for Halloween, whether inside or outside.
You could also add them to mossed wreath rings for a spooky wreath idea. If you’re tight for time, for a similar idea, you could always cut spooky shapes from black card and attach them with pins.
16. Go all out on creepy candles
Candles, although not inherently spooky, can add a mystical look to your home during the Halloween period. Using some of the best candles as an alternative to garish flashing Halloween toys will light your home delicately and add a soft glow and shadows, alluding to the creepier side of the season.
But, if you do want to go all out, there are also some wonderful Halloween-themed candles made from materials including stone and glass (like these glass spider candle holders from West Elm) for a chic twist on the theme.
From traditional lanterns to twinkling pumpkins, candles can help to bring a beautiful glow and sense of warmth into your home for Halloween – as well as an inviting seasonal scent, too if you want to make your house smell like fall; perfect for using across fall, Halloween, and Thanksgiving.
17. Use traditional motifs sparingly
Spooky ornaments, particularly designed for outdoor Halloween decor, often go in heavy with traditional motifs such as bats, spiders, witches, and pumpkin cutouts. While these make for a great stereotypical Halloween display, they may easily reduce the appearance of tasteful luxury decor.
Steffan Tollgard co-founder of Tollgard Design Group reminds us, however, that the careful use of these motifs can be used to great effect when carefully balanced in the space. 'Halloween is rooted in a sense of fun and festivity so keeping these elements alive when decorating is key, whether through elegant accents added over time or fun, festive (and frightening!) additions.'
Opt for one or two statement pieces like these rattan bats from Anthropologie to add drama but in a subtle and sophisticate way that doesn't look overdone.
18. Weave in natural materials
'Cheap plastic decorations may be budget-friendly, but they often come at the cost of style and sustainability,' says Nina Lichtenstein. It's tempting to opt for inexpensive, flimsy decor when the holidays roll around, as they won't be on display all year round. But with low quality comes low aesthetic value – not to mention a high carbon footprint.
Rather than stocking up on all things plastic, Nina suggests reusable wood, rattan, or paper decorations. These natural materials are built to last, and will look more elegant as the years go on. 'These pieces not only elevate the look of your Halloween decor but can also be used year after year, reducing waste and maintaining a timeless appeal,' she says.
19. Update everyday kitchenware
Transform ordinary, everyday kitchen items into something extraordinary for Halloween. From dish towels to pot holders and cookware, a few new seasonal designs that are both practical and stylish can make your kitchen space look purposefully adapted to the season.
We're big fans of Le Creuset and love the colorful cookware designs which bring beautiful character to your kitchen for fall, Halloween, Thanksgiving and beyond – whilst providing you with some of the best cast iron cookware on the market.
These Le Creuset cast iron pumpkin cocottes from Williams Sonoma are real investment pieces but make the most wonderful oven-to-table serveware for hearty casseroles for Halloween and beyond. Opt for classic persimmon or minimalist white.
20. Try macabre minimalism
'Macabre minimalism is gaining popularity among those who prefer a more understated approach to Halloween decor,' comments Maria Velniceriu, founder of MissMV. 'This trend embraces the beauty of simplicity and focuses on bold, graphic elements such as black and white prints, geometric shapes, and minimalist Halloween-themed artwork.'
'By using clean lines and a limited color palette, this trend allows the Halloween spirit to shine through without overwhelming the space.'
Instead of randomly decorating areas in your home with Halloween decor, find well-chosen statement pieces like these skull luminaires candle holders from West Elm (pictured) and create various focus points to make a modern and eye-catching display.
21. Try a pared-back color palette
We're moving away from the traditional orange and black color palette for something more demure and subtle, which encapsulates chic Halloween decor.
'It can be easy to forget, but pumpkins come in a variety of colors, not just orange! I like the idea of marking Halloween with white, teal, and pale yellow pumpkins and gourds,' says designer Kathy Kuo, interior designer and CEO of Kathy Kuo Home
'Maybe it's the oversaturation of #PumpkinSpice everything over the last 10 years or so, but in my opinion, if you don't already have a color palette that includes orange (and there's nothing wrong with orange in itself!), there's not much reason to introduce it for the three or four weeks leading up to Halloween.'
Whether you choose subtle shades of white and green, or go for faux pumpkins in unique hues, or decorations like these flameless wax pumpkin candles from Pottery Barn in toned-down fall hues like rust and olive (pictured), you'll be making a unique statement that offers a different take on the arguably overdone Halloween color scheme.
22. Create a considered Halloween vignette
'When decorating for Halloween, I prefer to use realistic skulls, spiders, birds, and bats on mantels, tablescapes or nestled into bookshelves,' adds Amy Courtney, founder and principal of New York City-based Amy Courtney Design. 'For a more dramatic effect, you could place them in cloches or glass containers, creating a curated, museum-like display.'
A carefully curated vignette on display is a year-round solution to empty corners and shelves, and the Halloween season is no exception. Gather a collection of decorative objects, candles, and textiles fit for the holiday, and arrange away. You'll be left with a spooky, scary corner that fits the Halloween brief for the whole room.
'A haunted library nook might feature antique books, a vintage typewriter, and a spooky portrait, while the dining room might be transformed with a tablescape of dark flowers, black taper candles, and an eerie centerpiece like a glass cloche filled with moss and skulls,' shares Nina Lichtenstein, founder and principal home designer of her eponymous company. 'These vignettes allow the Halloween theme to flow through the home without overwhelming the overall design.'
23. Incorporate rich, cozy textures
'I love using rich, textured fabrics like velvet or leather in deep purples and blacks for throws and other accents,' says Ashley Stark co-founder of Ashley Stark Home. 'A few strategically placed pumpkins – perhaps painted in metallic hues – add a touch of glamour.'
As the temperature drops and the days begin to get shorter, it's more important than ever to fill your home with lush, inviting textures and textiles. Fit for hosting, movie nights, or simply lounging on the couch, these design details will ensure you're warm and comfortable for Halloween and beyond.
Nina Lichtenstein adds that designers often lean into the 'power of texture in creating a cozy yet spooky atmosphere.' She recommends incorporating 'rich' fabrics like velvet, wool, and leather into your Halloween decor. 'Velvet pillows in dark hues (try Anthropologie's selection of pillows, pictured above) and faux fur throws add layers of depth to the room,' she says. 'These elements not only evoke the warmth of fall but also nod to the gothic, adding a subtle hint of the macabre.'
FAQs
Are Halloween decorations out yet?
Even though it's still mid-summer Halloween decorations are out in a lot of our favorite stores already.
If you're wanting to get ahead and not get a scare when all of the best pieces have sold out come October, I'd advise embracing summerween and starting your shopping now so you're ready to go come October.
Some of our favorite ranges include Anthropologie and Terrain for whimsical and nature inspired pieces, Pottery Barn , West Elm and McGee & Co for chic and versatile takes on Halloween decor and Target for some instant and affordable updates,
When can Halloween decorations go up?
The best time for Halloween decorations to go up is really down to you, your style preferences and your time constraints. Usually this falls within the first two weeks of October as the weather begins to turn and people are mentally preparing for the spooky season. You might be itching to get creative with Halloween decorating ideas, earlier though.
Carrie McCabe, co-host of the paranormal podcast Ain't It Scary with Sean and Carrie, recommends starting to decorate 'when it officially becomes fall on September 23. That seasonal change is a good marker that the summer is over and it's time to embrace fall holidays, like Halloween.'
Interior designer Jasmine Crockett says 'I personally opt to start decorating as soon as September arrives. By gradually incorporating fall-themed elements throughout September and blending in a touch of Halloween as October approaches, I strike a casual balance between celebrating the changing seasons and preparing for the festivities ahead.'
You might also want to consider waiting for your neighbors to start decorating. That way you won't be the only spooky house on the block.
What are the most popular Halloween decorations?
One of the most popular Halloween decorations is the humble jack-o-lantern, with their versatility making them the ideal addition to areas such as porches, tables, and windows. While predictable, festive pumpkins carved, painted, or left natural is some of the most readily available and affordable options for decorating throughout the Fall period.
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