Halloween evokes images of carved pumpkins, ghostly silhouettes and flickering candles lighting crisp October evenings.
Whether you’re hosting a gathering, greeting trick-or-treaters or embracing the autumn spirit, our guide shares thoughtfully curated Halloween decorating tips to fill your home with warm, festive charm.
Outdoor Halloween ideas
Your outdoor space offers an excellent canvas for creativity. Simple touches can add seasonal character while maintaining kerb appeal.
Pumpkin displays
Pumpkins in various colours and sizes create a welcoming, picturesque setting.
Pair classic orange pumpkins with cream, sage or light grey for a vibrant yet refined effect. Group pumpkins at varying heights on steps, by the door or along a pathway for added depth without clutter.
For a more traditional Halloween touch, consider carving jack-o'-lanterns and placing flickering LED candles inside.
Atmospheric lighting
Lighting can subtly transform your property, casting an atmospheric glow that captures the magic of Halloween.
Drape white, orange and purple string lights around trees, fences or porches. Line pathways and flowerbeds with solar-powered stake lights shaped like ghosts or pumpkins. By avoiding flashing or overly bright lights, you can create a more mysterious and inviting scene.
For peace of mind, check that electrical decorations are suitable for outdoor use and follow safety recommendations from the manufacturer.
Autumnal elements
Autumn’s rich colours and textures offer a seamless natural palette of deep reds, burnt oranges and soft yellows that are ideal for decorating.
A wreath of dried leaves and flowers adds rustic charm to your front door. Mix crimson maple leaves, amber oak leaves and brown seed pods for a warm, earthy and layered effect.
Indoor Halloween ideas
Inside, capture the Halloween spirit with seasonal decorations that are cosy and comforting rather than spooky.
Decorating your hallway
Style your hallway’s console table with a lantern, small pumpkins or gourds and a vase of dried flowers in amber, russet or burnt orange. For a Halloween-inspired feel, mix in deeper hues like plum, burgundy, forest green or chestnut brown.
Dried berries are popular accents in dried flower arrangements, but many varieties aren’t safe to eat. If you have pets or young children, consider non-toxic options or artificial alternatives.
Halloween décor for living rooms
The living room is a natural gathering space. Enhance its warmth with soft, tactile accents. Think cashmere throws and velvet cushions in rich, autumnal tones like wine red, mustard yellow and moss green.
A bowl filled with small pumpkins, pinecones and cinnamon sticks makes a simple yet striking centrepiece for your living room table.
For lighting, cluster candles in colourful glass holders and arrange them on your mantelpiece or side tables. Vary their heights to introduce depth and create a more dynamic visual effect. If safety is a concern, use flameless candles.
Refresh your walls by temporarily replacing artwork with seasonally inspired prints, such as harvest landscapes, woodland scenes or an autumnal still life.
Halloween dining room décor
A few seasonal touches can make your dining room more inviting. Start with a deep-toned table runner, then layer in small pumpkins, seed heads and eucalyptus sprigs. Arrange them loosely in the centre for a natural finish.
For evening meals, soften the atmosphere by dimming overhead lights or using LED candles. If you're hosting, elevate the table setting with name cards tied in raffia or copper velvet ribbons.
DIY Halloween ideas
DIY can be an affordable, sustainable way to personalise your décor. These simple ideas can bring texture, colour and character to your home.
Upcycled planters
Fill terracotta pots with seasonal plants like purple heather, ornamental kale or mini chrysanthemums. For a playful twist, paint jack-o'-lanterns or ghosts directly onto the pots. These make fun, eye-catching accents for windowsills, steps or side tables.
Reusable decorations
Paper Halloween bats cut from black card can be stored and reused for many years. Arrange them in clusters on walls or doors to create the illusion of flight.
Repurposed jars
Transform old mason jars into lanterns by painting jack-o'-lantern faces onto the glass or wrapping them in orange tissue paper. Secure the paper with a thin coat of craft glue or ribbon tied around the neck. Once dry, place battery-operated tea lights inside for a soft, flickering glow that’s ideal for mantelpieces or porches.
Natural décor
Create rustic decorations using materials you can gather on a woodland walk or in your garden.
To make a fragrant, biodegradable garland, thread dried orange slices, cinnamon sticks and bay leaves onto a length of twine using a needle or by tying knots. Space the elements evenly along the twine. Hang the garland across mantels, doorways, or shelves.
For table accents, gather pinecones, leaves, twigs or bark from your garden or local woodland. Bundle them together and secure with velvet ribbon or twine.
For more design ideas, visit our News and Inspiration page.
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