Decorating for Halloween can really bring this fun and uniquely festive time of year to life! If you’re looking for a way to channel the Halloween spirit through your home décor in a cool, classy way, use these ideas and get inspired. From strategic use of color to ghoulishly clever details, you can make an impression this Halloween with understated details. Put on your favorite fleece sweater and get ready to decorate!
Is it a beautiful artistic centerpiece or a collection of favorite candy treats? Guests might do a double-take to find out when you create easy, but subtle Halloween centerpieces made with your family’s favorite candy or treat items. The trick to doing this is to make it look more like a centerpiece than a bowl of candy through some clever placements and tips. For example, use a tall hurricane-style glass vase and fill it with wrapped candy bars, but place the wrapper labels inward, so there’s just a nod to the candy. Use hard-shell candies in a single color in a decorative vase to add a rich hint of color and a fun but classy look to your table, or create a flat centerpiece with wrap rope candies. Stack oversize candy bars in foil wrappers only in unique design and top with a simple Halloween-themed ribbon. Your options are endless with some creativity.
Classic bright orange and black are Halloween favorites when it comes to color, but you can also decorate in a more subtle way with other Halloween-themed colors. Add throw pillows to sofas in rich Sienna or burnt orange paired with a charcoal grey or off-white throw. Look for items like canvas storage bins, throws, and pillows in shades of gray, orange, eggplant, maroon, or deep red. Dark purple and emerald green can also make nice accents; just be sure not to go overboard with classic Halloween color combos. Add colored ribbon to accents like mirrors, trays, or baskets, or vases for a Halloween touch. Try items like sofa covers, curtains, or rugs in soft Halloween shades for a unique look.
If you’re looking for a simple yet clever way to add a touch of Halloween spirit, try display a collection of spine-chilling books! Exhibit classic tales like Frankenstein, Dracula, or poems from Edgar Allen Poe or go with more modern collections of spooky stories or vampire tales like the Twilight Trilogy. Stack them on the mantle or fan them out tables to add a hair-raising touch. For another clever take, consider adding thematic elements from favorite stories or spooky literature throughout the home. Print or write out favorite phrases from Halloween takes and place them in frames for an artful holiday touch.
Black and white have a crisp, cool, subtle Halloween feel. Hang oversize paper lanterns in black and white on the porch or deck, or add a black and white checked area rug to the living or dining room. Hang alternating simple black and white wreaths on walls or create black and white décor like silhouettes in plates or frames. White white or black faux trees with contrasting Halloween ornaments also create a unique but restrained touch.
A gothic romantic look is another ideal option for subtle Halloween décor. Try placing faux or real flowers on pumpkins, or use dark lace as table runners or coverings. Pair black and white with pale pink and add silver accents to top it all off. Create small collections of items that have a romantic gothic look, like large silver goblets and small pumpkin or skull decorations with floral additions. Add tall candlesticks and lace doilies to end tables for an instant dose of Halloween gothic romance.
Nothing says Halloween like a perfect pumpkin, but you can easily channel this Halloween look a bit differently than its traditional orange jack-o-lantern designs. Consider painting pumpkins in any shades that meet your fancy, whether its colors match your existing home décor, soft shades like cream or pink, or eye-catching metallic looks like silver or gold: paint stripes, swirls, or chevron patterns for a classy way to greet the Halloween holiday. Use them indoors or next to your personalized doormats for a special touch.
Another easy way to amp up your Halloween décor in a classy way is to use candles. You can use candles in tons of creative ways to make a Halloween splash. Create decorative groupings of different sizes of candles in a single Halloween color, or use multiple shades in the same color family to create interest. Use unique elements like broken mirrors or mini pumpkins to add another decorative element, too. If you prefer flameless candles, try small groupings of themed looks like small pumpkins on a raised or tiered tray.
No matter your style, adding subtle Halloween decorations can be a fun nod to the holiday that doesn't go overboard. Get inspired and start creating gorgeous Halloween looks today with these ideas.