In this post, I’ll be sharing my complete guide to achieving a spooky and chic Halloween decor style.
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The idea of calling this post a “guide” seems silly because, as with everything in our homes, it all boils down to personal preference. I highly encourage homemaking projects and holiday decorating as something that should be enjoyable and exciting – in whatever theme or aesthetic suits your style!
But, today I’m sharing my personal favorite pillars to follow when decorating for Halloween season. I like to aim for a balance of spooky and chic, and incorporate everyday items that look like they almost belong in that spot year round. All the while having some fun with creepy crawlers and witchy potions sprinkled throughout.
Here are some of my “not-so-serious” guidelines for achieving an elevated spooky and chic Halloween decor aesthetic.
Black Out
What’s the simplest way to “Halloween-ify” something? Paint it black. I like to take everyday items (mostly thrifted home decor that I’m not too precious about) and instantly transform them with a coat or two of paint.
Try spray painting faux flowers to add a moody touch to any floral arrangement. You could also paint branches, vases, jars, and wine bottles to create a monochromatic layered centerpiece over a tablerunner. There’s just something chic about it. If painting over a vase, create texture by mixing baking powder into your paint and brushing it on in thick layers.
Vignettes
Rather than going full-out with decorating every square inch of the house, I prefer to focus on a few specific areas and create themed vignettes. For a more elevated approach, I start by “shopping” my house and and pulling decor items that would already make sense in that area.
Think trays on a bar cabinet, or adding an extra frame over an already existing gallery wall. This creates a more organically “collected” aesthetic rather than looking like you just went out and purchased a cart full of decor items from one aisle at a craft store. I then add creepy cloth/webs, bats, and other spooky halloween items as accents to complete the scene.
Check out some of my past vignettes here: tv console unit and bar cabinet in a “chic apothecary” theme, and foyer table in a “witchy library” theme.
Texture
Various textiles, fabrics, creepy cloth, sheets, and table cloths in different textures will add depth and visual interest to your vignettes or tablescapes. The best place to find inexpensive materials is the homeware section at thrift stores. If you’re feeling creative, you can dye fabrics with coffee or tea and shred up/distress some areas for a creepy vibe. I personally love using creepy cloth as a base for vignettes, draped over the back of a chair, or even hanging from a light fixture or chandelier. If you prefer a more traditional Halloween look, swap the creepy cloth for spider webs.
Glow
Nothing sets the spooky mood quite like candles. My rule for candles: more is more. If you’re worried about kids or pets, go for battery operated flickering candles instead. Once again, I recommend heading to thrift stores for brass candle stick holders. (You’ll likely use them year round as they work with pretty much every holiday.) Staggering candles at different heights also helps draw the eye across your vignette and illuminate small details of your decor.
Click here to see more of this Halloween dinner party tablescape.
Guilded
Speaking of illuminating decor. Play up the lighting by adding even more depth with reflective surfaces. Gold, silver, and mirrored pieces sprinkled throughout your decor will enhance the candlelight and create even more of a spooky ambiance. Circling back around to paint, this gold spray paint is my go-to when I feel like an item needs to be taken up a notch. I also have a set of dollar store mirrors that I place underneath my decor to reflect all that candlelight and double up on the glow.
Regardless of your Halloween decor aesthetic, I hope this post inspired you to have some fun and get into the spirit this spooky season.
Click here to see more of my Halloween home decor recommendations.
If you like this content, check out these posts below:
– Halloween apothecary decor
– DIY decoupage skulls
– Dark academia fall tablescape
Xx Laura
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