How do interior designers decorate for Halloween? 7 insider tips for a festive fall look

If you’ve seen your fair share of inflatable lawn decorations and statement spiderwebs on the Halloween scene and are looking for something a bit more elevated, look to interior designers. Usually tasked with crafting timeless interiors that last the whole year round, designers also decorate for the holidays, just like you and me.

But with an expert eye and taste for the sophisticated, many of these experts have gathered some tips for creating Halloween design schemes that truly impress.

From understated color schemes to lush, inviting textures, these are the best Halloween decoration ideas, according to interior designers.

How interior designers decorate their homes for Halloween

Step aside lawn inflatables and garish orange-and-black decor – these are the best ways to decorate tastefully for Halloween, according to interior designers who've mastered the craft. Your home will be holiday-ready in no time, and equipped to last through fall's entirety.

1. Lean into the look of late autumn

'As a mom-of-two, I do have to indulge my kids in some traditional Halloween decor; but other than a few spooky touches on the mantelpiece and some thoughtfully-placed white pumpkins in my entryway, I tend to lean more into the look and feel of late autumn, rather than Halloween itself,' says Kathy Kuo, interior designer and founder of homeware brand, Kathy Kuo Home.

There's plenty to love about the spooky season that doesn't have to do with spiders or skeletons at all. Instead, look outdoors for inspiration, and opt for moody, cocooning decor that'll make your home feel hosting-ready and inviting to all. With fall decor ideas that include earthy hues and lush textures, you'll channel nature's autumnal beauty rather than the trends of a festive (and quickly fleeting) holiday.

'I try to bring in decorative touches that evoke a sense of mystery and moodiness – deep spice tones and jewel tones, materials and motifs that give a nod to the occult, like crystals, fossilized wood, apothecary jars, and dried flowers,' Kathy continues.

2. Opt for a subtly spooky color palette

One of Halloween decor's hallmarks is over-the-top color, from orange and black to purple and red. But an all-out look doesn't always blend well with the considered, chic design schemes that you've spent ages to curate. Instead of investing in decor that's marked by bold, bright hues, opt for a more subtle rendition of Halloween's best shades.

'An impactful way to incorporate Halloween-themed accents into your home is by adding color through simple, everyday items like bedding and throw pillows to the largest surfaces in your rooms,' says Lori Miller, principal of LGC Interior Design. 'You can use throw pillows and blankets to flesh out your palette, leaning as much or as little into Halloween as you want to. You can transform your bedroom into an autumnal paradise by topping your bed with an orange or black blanket or throw.'

If the traditional hues aren't quite for you, Ashley Stark, creative director of STARK and co-founder of Ashley Stark Home, says she prefers a 'less is often more' approach. 'I gravitate towards a refined color palette with shades like charcoal, gold, and midnight blue,' she says. 'Think dark, moody flowers in elegant vases, and sophisticated skull decor or chic bat silhouettes. I love adding layers with antique-looking mirrors and darkly-hued table runners. These touches create an atmosphere of understated elegance and mystery.'

3. Take inspiration from your existing decor

'My best piece of advice for clients decorating for any holiday is strive to complement your existing decor,' says Taylor Lewis-Costa, interior designer and founder of Charlotte-based TLC Home. 'For Halloween, I help my clients see where orange, purple and black can work. Often clients have black accents throughout the home, and black Halloween decor flows and feels tasteful. In homes with more neutral tones, there is more room to play with bright oranges and funky purples.'

You don't need to transform your whole home for the hosting season, and making big changes will only complicate your life (and your wallet) when winter comes and goes. Investing in autumnal decor that matches the rest of your space and won't go out of date in an instant is a fast track to design success.

'Instead of traditional Halloween decorations, you can decorate your home for the autumn and Halloween season by updating your accessories, such as decorative cushions or throws in autumnal colorways,' says Louise Bradley, interior designer and founder of her eponymous firm. 'This, along with floral displays that incorporate burnt oranges, curly willow and seasonal greenery, all add to a subtle yet styled home for Halloween and the season.'

4. Give a sophisticated nod to the season

'I love blending a little bit of spooky with stylish,' shares Valerie Helgeson, founder and lead designer of Oklahoma-based Design Directions. 'I’ll incorporate subtle nods to the season –with a few candelabras, rich autumnal toned textiles in plaids and lots of texture. Maybe a spooky black raven perched on a mantle or shelf.'

'I have one rather realistic small stuffed black cat that I incorporate into my Halloween decor and year after year – forgetting she is there, she still startles me,' she continues. 'I’m more about giving a nod to the season that’s festive without feeling too theme-y, keeping it sophisticated but, still fun.'

To celebrate Halloween and all that comes with the season, there's no need to go overboard with your home decor. Instead, incorporate a few stylish hints of the holiday throughout your home, acknowledging its festive fun without letting it take over. There is plenty of Halloween decor on the market that's fit for your unique home, no matter your interior design style or preferences.

5. 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.'

Amy adds that she 'strategically places webs in corners, over mirrors, or across chandeliers to complement her Halloween arrangements and 'create a more realistic look.' 'In addition, or separately if you want to keep it minimal, you can decorate with rich, velvety fabrics, and dark tablecloths with candles, brass vessels, and moody florals to set the tone without overwhelming the space,' she continues. 'Using black or rich-toned candles in ornate vessels can add a gothic vibe.'

6. Curate a moody, ambient lighting scheme

Creating an ambient, cocooning lighting scheme is important all year round (and in just about every room of the home), but the fall months give us even more reason to invest in comfort-forward lighting. Halloween summons dark, moody design schemes, so set the tone with low, lovely lighting in every corner.

'Lighting plays a crucial role in setting the Halloween mood,' adds Nina. She suggests opting for 'dimmed, warm lighting' like string lights, candles, and lanterns for a 'hauntingly beautiful glow' that'll set the scene.

'Shadows and flickering lights cast by candle flames can create an atmosphere of suspense and mystery,' she says. Colored bulbs or uplighting are other out-of-the-box strategies to try if you're looking to 'enhance the eerie effect, particularly in outdoor spaces like porches or gardens.'

7. 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. 'A few strategically placed pumpkins – perhaps painted in metallic hues – add a touch of glamour. Candles in antique holders provide an eerie glow, and glass cloches can house tasteful arrangements of faux cobwebs or seasonal botanicals.'

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 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, faux fur throws, and leather-bound books arranged artfully on tables or shelves 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.'

With these designer-approved Halloween decorating ideas in tow, you're set for an elevated, chic design scheme that'll impress the whole block. Don't go too gaudy, and channel all of autumn, and your home will be festive and fresh for October.