It’s that time of the year again… a time when it’s OK to revel in the morbid! If it’s stylish, of course. We’re here to help with your Halloween decoration needs. Kids love this holiday, but who’s to say it can’t be just as much fun for adults? The key is in picking out the more interesting aspects of Halloween decor. For example, many modern designers get inspiration from apothecary-style accents, vintage touches and a bit of glamorous sparkle.

Which style is right for you? Consider the decor of your home. A Hollywood Regency-style interior with glossy or mirrored furniture would benefit from a bit of sparkle. Is your home more quirky than elegant? Try taking a science lab approach by filling your shelves with curiosities. Not only have we included some amazing displays of Halloween decor, we’ve featured specific items that you can buy online to complete your festive vignettes. Tools and inspiration await you…

Halloween Decorations for the Home

For a vignette that conjures images of bare trees filled with cawing birds, check out these Feathered Crows from Pottery Barn. They are the perfect spooky touch, yet they are wonderfully understated rather than outright frightening.

These Yorick Votives from Z Gallerie are clearly fabulous. Glass skulls are filled with candles that glisten in dimmed light, especially as the glow from the flame bounces off their icy surfaces. Perfect for the glamorous home in need of a little Halloween shine.

For skull-themed decorations that are anything but subtle, check out this Set of 3 Glitter Skulls from World Market. These Green, orange and black finds glisten in celebratory shades of Halloween.

Speaking of skull sets, our next featured purchase is a Set of 6 Skull Head Candles. Powerful in a group, their metallic shimmer is perfect for adding glitz to a more formal space, yet these skulls can also be a casual dose of Halloween fun. [from Z Gallerie]

If you’re into long, tapered candles, go for a candelabra effect with this Spider Web Taper Holderfrom Pier 1 Imports. Not only does it revel in stylish coils, it manages to incorporate a web into the design, as well as a pair of glittering spiders.

So just how do you group your Halloween decorations to form one cohesive spread? Try stacking a shelf of compartments on the mantle, then fill it with old-school items, such as skulls and antique bottles. The result: a laboratory-meets-curiosity effect. Add some metal birds, cover furniture with sheets for a haunted house vibe, and top it all off by hanging cobwebs from the chandelier! [from Pottery Barn]

Not a fan of cobwebs? Perhaps you’ll like this polyester Spider Web, which gets its distinct look by alternating thick and thin strands in a symmetrical formation. [from Pier 1 Imports]

Or you can go for a wider, darker approach with the Ceiling Tapestry from Halloween Express. This tattered cloth spider web drapes with style (and plastic spiders).

There’s nothing like the freedom of designing your own Halloween decorations! The Headstone Object from West Elm offers the best of both worlds. Purchasing this paper-mache item saves you the trouble of crafting your own decor, yet a coat of chalkboard paint allows you to customize this decoration with your own Halloween message, as shown below.

Don’t forget the power of vintage charm! And what could be more vintage than a collection of bright orange Jack-o’-lanterns? Arrange them on the mantle, creating levels of design by displaying them on candle holders. Vary the size and style of the pieces for a truly interesting selection. [from Very Merry Vintage Style via Houzz]

It’s tinsel time! For the vintage-style spread below, stack pumpkins in shades of orange and peach. Cake stands make wonderful pedestals for the pumpkins. Don’t forget to add a dash of tinsel to each stand so it forms a nice “bed” for your fall produce. After all, there’s nothing wrong with a little sparkle! [from Mirror80]

Orange and black are classic, but why not make a sophisticated statement with black and white? The white baby pumpkins below are embellished with black letters to form the word “Boo”! Not to mention, black and white pots are ideal display stands when inverted. [from Seaside Interiors via Houzz]

Not sure where to begin when it comes to decorating for Halloween? Why not lay the groundwork with a Spider Web Shag Rug? There’s nothing like an artistic statement on the floor to tie it all together! [from Pier 1 Imports]

Or let the windows set the tone! The Halloween Damask Curtains below are a bit creepy and a bit sophisticated. A damask pattern is created with a scroll design and floral elements, in addition to skulls and bats–clever and classy! [from Halloween Express]

Below we see a close-up of some spooky decorations. Note how black and white decals give glass containers a Halloween twist. In addition,  silver pieces are incorporated into this display for an antique vibe. Who says Halloween can’t be classy?! [from Pottery Barn]

The antique and salvaged apothecary items featured in the next image would work perfectly on the shelf above! Canisters, glass bottles, an old medical degree, and a mortar and pestle sure do put the “curious” in “curiosity”! [photo by Mikey Fuller, from Shabby French Cottage via Houzz]

Need some skulls for your curious display? No worries–they are easy to acquire, thanks to vendors like Halloween Express!

Looking for a couple more ideas to enhance your antique Halloween decor? Try a vintage typewriter, and a series of black and white framed prints that celebrate spooky motifs! [from Tained Rabbit via Houzz]

When it comes to spooky DIY projects, nothing beats Lowe’s Creative Ideas. For example, the Creepy Curtains below were created using cheesecloth. What a simple, stylish way to welcome trick-or-treaters!

Throwing a Halloween party? Don’t fret! Try combining new purchases with items you may have around the house. For example, buy a classic banner in shades of black and white, like the Trick or Treat garland below. Complement the spread with mirrored trays, glass canisters or other glossy finds from your cabinet. A spider web runner anchors the arrangement, while fun details like colorful favors add festivity. [from Buhay and Bahay via Houzz]

Halloween Decorations for the Tabletop

Our next set of decorations proves that it’s possible to entertain in style. Whether you host a big party or enjoy a small family dinner, the right tabletop decor can set the tone for a festive, spooky Halloween. Below we see an assortment of items from West Elm, including taper candles that add height to the vignette.

Sometimes a runner is all you need to set the stage for a Halloween spread. Begin with a white tablecloth, then top it off with the Felt Halloween Spider Table Runner, shown below. Never has laser dye-cut felt been so festive! [from World Market]

If you are looking for chic decor that echoes the spirit of Halloween without the gory details, try a black, white and purple scheme. In the next image, deep purple glassware, candles and flowers add dimension to a backdrop of damask chairs and a checkered tablecloth. [from Elite Productions International via Houzz]

In a closer shot of the same vignette, we see eye-catching accents like silver goblets, black licorice, white candy and a glittering skeleton to top it all off! [from Elite Productions International via Houzz]

Don’t forget the dry ice! Its eerie haze will pour over any container that holds it, including the large silver bowl filled with specialty drinks below. [from Elite Productions International via Houzz]

If you’re looking for a fun and simple display container for wrapped candy or other Halloween goodies, purchase a Dutch Kettle, such as the vinyl selection featured in the next image. It’s a cauldron of fun! [from Halloween Express]

Orange and black–you can’t beat that combo! The Cat with Post Tabletop Luminary is crafted of paperboard and vellum and includes an LED light. This item has a vintage look, don’t you think? [from World Market]

Like monsters? The unique Frankenstein & Dracula Appetizer Plates below include photo-like representations of classic monsters. So sci-fi! [from World Market]

Looking for a Halloween table setting idea? Invest in some black and white plates. Stack them, then top each setting with a baby pumpkin. Orange napkins tied with black ribbon complete the look. For more details on this fabulous tabletop decor, check out Design Coach.

Below we see a grand display of Halloween flair, complete with skulls on a metal branch centerpiece. Matching candelabras on the buffet hold taper candles, and a mummy-wrapped skeleton adds even more height. [from Focal Point Styling via Houzz]

You may not have a dining room that’s tailor-made for showcasing the colors of Halloween, but you can always jazz it up with a few spooky tree-themed room dividers. The pieces below, which have the appearance of free-standing art, were crafted from hollow-core doors. For more details, check out Lowe’s Creative Ideas.

Outdoor Halloween Decorations

If you’re getting ready for a Halloween party or you’re in the process of enlivening your exterior for trick-or-treaters, it’s time to stock up on outdoor decorations! String lights, luminaries, and black and white signs set a creepy yet fun tone. [from Pottery Barn]

Need a couple of spooky details for the ground? Check out this Black Widow Spider, which is 24 inches long. Yes, this is a piece that gets noticed! [from Halloween Express]

These Wire Bat String Lights from Pottery Barn are crafted of wire mesh. Globe lights cast a warm glow, while bat wings make a strong Halloween statement.

There’s nothing like a colorful doormat to welcome guests and trick-or-treaters. Like the Eek a Spider Doormat, which pairs spider silhouettes with a bright orange background. [from Crate & Barrel]

For a slightly more involved project, give your home a haunted house makeover. Wooden boards, cobwebs, spiders and yard ornaments make a grand statement. The  home below is so fabulous, we also featured it in our post on upscale Halloween decorations. [from Between Naps on the Porch via Houzz]

For another fun DIY project, try crafting your own gravestones. Don’t hesitate to get creative with the lettering, as well as the tombstone shapes, which can be varied to add interest. [from Operation Paper Cut via Houzz]

Ready for a porch transformation? Spooky details like the peel-and-stick skull border and cardboard crossbones below can be found at Lowe’s Creative Ideas, along with fun project ideas like a glow-in-the-dark treat bucket made from a paint can!

Another irresistible Halloween DIY project from Lowe’s Creative Ideas? A giant Halloween spider web that can be assembled using friction tape and a stapler!

Don’t forget the wonder of pumpkins! Our last image is a reminder that you don’t have to get fancy to be spooky. Nothing is more classic than a trio of pumpkins on a shelf, table, or porch. Let the kids help decorate, and don’t hesitate to showcase pumpkins in a variety of shades to keep it interesting. [from Mr. McGregor’s Daughter via Houzz]

We hope today’s post has given you some creative ideas for a spooky Halloween! Remember that you don’t have to spend a lot of money to have a festive home for this holiday. Many Halloween decorations are ultra affordable, and others can be made using simple materials and a little imagination. Do you prefer a glamorous look, vintage-style decorations, a laboratory effect or a more traditional display? Tell us about your favorite Halloween decor ideas…