Celebrate Halloween by decorating your home with anything from traditional pumpkins to warm candles, garlands, wreaths, and more that will make it seem eerily chic and frightfully welcoming.
What better way to ring in the fall than by organizing your Halloween décor when the weather cools off and we start spending more time indoors?
With the help of our imaginative selection of Halloween decorating ideas, you can transform your house for the eerie season and create a more frighteningly festive atmosphere than ever.
We cover everything from eye-catching outdoor Halloween décor to easy DIY projects to long-lasting store-bought decorations that you can use year-round.
18 Halloween decorating ideas for both indoors and outdoors
“Adapting your fall décor for Halloween is quite simple,” says Homes & Gardens Editor in Chief Lucy Searle. I normally go all out for fall and then gradually add Halloween accents to my collection of wreaths, pumpkins, and other fall décor. I then remove everything once more in order to prepare for Thanksgiving décor.
Enhance your fireplace with seasonal decor
Transform your fireplace into a seasonal focal point with Halloween decorations that add warmth and charm. Since many of us gather around a crackling fire during the colder months, it’s the perfect spot to showcase your Halloween flair. Consider decorating your mantel with inviting candles, festive garlands, and autumn foliage to create a captivating display. Explore more ideas for Halloween mantel decorations in our dedicated feature.
Get your porch prepped for Halloween
Elevate your porch decor beyond traditional pumpkin carving and door decorations by fully embracing the Halloween spirit. We love the modern combination of white, green, and orange that brings a fresh look to Halloween decor. Arrange a collection of pumpkins on your porch steps or by the door, and enhance the display with gourds, flowers, and foliage. To prevent early rotting, make sure to time the placement of your pumpkins carefully.
Put your efforts into an expansive pumpkin display
Carving pumpkins is fun, but painting them can create an even more striking effect. Painted pumpkins offer a no-carve option that requires less effort while still making a big impact. Choose a color scheme that complements your front door or indoor decor. “Pale blue is trending this fall and Halloween season,” says Jen Ebert, Digital Editor at Homes & Gardens. “It provides a stylish contrast to the traditional fall colors.”
Curate a stand-out Halloween tablescape
For a sophisticated Halloween gathering, consider a more elegant approach to your table decor. “You can certainly incorporate fun motifs like spiders and bats, but for an adult dinner, opt for something more refined,” suggests Jo Bailey, Homes & Gardens’ Print Editor. She recommends the Midnight Florals table runner and coordinating serveware from Terrain, complemented by a stunning candelabra and seasonal pumpkins.
Get busy with flowers and foliage at Halloween
Add a touch of elegance to your Halloween decor with floral arrangements. Create a Halloween wreath from fresh flowers or a pumpkin planter that combines fall and Halloween themes. Stick to rich, burnished colors that complement the natural surroundings for a sophisticated and festive look.
Bring Halloween decor into your kitchen
While Halloween decor often focuses on exterior spaces and living areas, don’t overlook the kitchen. The new Le Creuset Autumn Collection offers charming pumpkin-themed casserole dishes and servingware that fit perfectly into your Halloween and Thanksgiving decor. These items add a festive touch to your kitchen while being practical and stylish.
Enhance your decorations with lanterns for a cozy feel
Add a cozy and inviting touch to your Halloween decor with lanterns. Decorate your porch with a combination of foliage, wreaths, and pumpkins, and illuminate the scene with Caleb Lanterns from Pottery Barn. These lanterns not only enhance the Halloween ambiance but also add year-round warmth and charm to your home’s entrance.
Opt for a more simple, natural look with a Halloween wreath
Make a Halloween wreath the centerpiece of your seasonal decor. Wreaths are versatile and can be hung on doors or walls throughout your home, adding texture, color, and charm. For a more subtle approach, explore fall wreath ideas that offer a beautiful and understated Halloween touch.
Embrace Halloween decorating ideas you can use all year round
Candles are a timeless decorating element that can enhance your home’s cozy atmosphere during fall and beyond. Invest in stylish candles, like the Orange Twisted Taper Candles from McGee & Co, that are perfect for Halloween and Thanksgiving. Pair them with a beautiful holder, such as the Rosario Taper Holder, to enjoy them all year long.
Have fun with a Halloween craft
Engage in a fun and easy Halloween craft project with the kids. Simple bat cutouts made from black paper are perfect for Halloween window decor or hanging from tree branches. This DIY project creates a spooky and festive display with minimal effort.
Create a cute Halloween scarecrow
For a no-carve pumpkin idea, try making a cute Halloween scarecrow with the kids. Use a pumpkin as the head and fabric scraps or card for the clothing and hat. If you prefer a quicker solution, you can also find kits and ready-made scarecrows to bring a whimsical touch to your Halloween decor.
Turn sugar cookies into Halloween decorations
Add a sweet touch to your Halloween decor with sugar cookies. Decorate plain or gingerbread cookies with Halloween-themed icing for a festive treat. Use them as decorations, place them on a porch plate, or simply enjoy them at home.
Pick out elegant Halloween lighting ideas
Elevate your Halloween lighting with sophisticated options. Consider elegant choices like a golden glass pumpkin light decoration, which adds a touch of class to your dining table, coffee table, or window. Elegant lighting can enhance your Halloween decor without being too flashy.
Create a warm welcome with rich, autumnal shades
To make a bold statement with your Halloween decor, choose pumpkins in deep, rich colors and varied shapes. Combine them with painted or faux pumpkins, flowers, lanterns, and autumn leaves for a stunning display. This approach, showcased by interior designer Liz Marie Galvan, creates a visually impactful and inviting front porch.
Hang a Halloween garland
Halloween garlands come in various styles, from homemade paper designs to rustic options adorned with fall foliage. Choose a garland like the Happy Halloween design from Anthropologie for a simple yet effective way to update your home decor for the season.
Look for more unique pumpkin decorations
Discover unique pumpkin decorations like those made from upcycled books, available on Etsy. These clever decorations make excellent table centerpieces and conversation starters, and they can also be used to decorate mantels, end tables, or given as party favors.
Uplift real pumpkins with Halloween stickers
For a fun and interactive Halloween activity, consider using Halloween stickers to decorate your pumpkins. This easy project is perfect for kids and offers a fresh alternative to traditional carving. Find a variety of stickers at Not on The High Street to enhance your pumpkins with spooky designs.
Or, opt for colorful, painted pumpkins for a fresh look
If traditional pumpkin colors aren’t your style, try painting your pumpkins in vibrant, contemporary hues. Use colors and patterns that complement your interior design for a fresh and stylish Halloween look. This approach allows you to customize your pumpkins to suit your home’s aesthetic.