Decorating for Halloween usually means creepy cobwebs, orange bowls of candy corn, skeleton figurines, faux bats, and sheet ghosts haunting the front yard.
But as interior designers, we can’t help but challenge tradition and offer an elevated indoor halloween decoration experience. Don’t get us wrong — we love a full-on Halloween party complete with black and orange everything. But we also believe that Halloween decor can feel unique and unexpected, too.
Ahead, find our designer-approved indoor Halloween decoration ideas fit for your 2021 gathering, whether you’re hosting a small group of ghouls or an all-out extravaganza.
1. Black Butterflies are the new Bat
Create a whimsical Alice in Nightmareland effect with sets of 3D paper butterflies to flutter around your dining room or a prominent wall in your living room. The graceful swarm is just creepy enough to add some chill. Don’t be afraid to let a few stragglers creep onto the ceiling or billow from the fireplace to add some realism.
Image: The House of Hood
2. Night Sky Lit from Within
Come dusk, the flickering of candles brings cozy illumination. But add black or burgundy wax to that candle and you’ve brought the spook of an October night sky indoors. We’re strong believers that black taper candles have the magic to bring out the spook and the elegance.
Looking for a more permanent night sky, check out this black metal crossover light fixture that has a dungeonesque air or this hypnotic black Brahma mirror sure to find itself in Maleficent’s castle.
3. Spooktacular Soiree
If you’re hosting a Halloween soirée, mix up a brooding seasonal cocktail like spiced fruit-flecked red sangria, bloody mary, maple cider old fashioneds, or spiked hot toddies. Smoking a cocktail with dry ice can really get your guests into the spirit. Or go a step further and set up a bar cart-style drink display complete with decanters filled with dried florals, dark berries, and other poisonous-looking objects for your festive drought. We think the Madison Square Park bar cart gives the perfect essence of a haunted Victorian mansion.
4. Pumpkin Noir
It’s not Halloween without a classic carving pumpkin, but we love the idea of adding an edgy and inspired version to your porch decor by painting them jet-black with a metallic gold stem. Layer in a few all gold, all white, or even a Harlequin checkered pumpkin like the one below and you have a modern take on a timeless tradition.
Image Credit: GrandinRoad
5. Geometric Glam
Still need to feed that jack-o-lantern itch? Try simple geometric patterns with circles or squares for a modern twist to the Halloween tradition of scary faces.
6. Dried florals and branches
Out with summer greens, in with the season’s earthy browns, beiges, and even scorched blacks of dried foliage. Otherworldly botanicals like dried thistle, amaranthus, and scabiosa pods add a distinct yet authentic twist to any tablescape or Halloween centerpiece. Source vintage apothecary jars to replace vases and weave in even more subtle spook.
7. Pumpkin Patch Staircase
Line your grand entrance or staircase with pumpkins of all different shapes and sizes for that grandiose feeling.
Loving these ideas, but fiending for more? Check out our blog 5 Ways to Get Into the Spooky Spirt with Black Rooms for more spooktacular ideas.
