The imminent arrival of crunchy leaves, scented candles, chunky knit sweaters, and hot spiced cider can only mean one thing: spooky season is almost upon us. It’s time to light a fire, bust out the scary movies, and relish in all things Halloween. If you’re someone who loves the season but, like me, finds a lot of the usual Halloween fare to be a bit juvenile for their taste, then this post is for you. We’re keeping things chic with elegant Halloween décor ideas to help us spice it up this season—the grown-up way.
I’m all about keeping the plastic at bay and using moody, dark accessories to add a bit of eeriness to my space without making it feel like my home is wearing a cheap costume. Luckily, thanks to Pinterest, there is a ton of incredible ghostly inspo to go around and help us set a spine-chilling scene that fits within a more adult aesthetic.
Whether you prefer to go the all-white Victorian ghost route or want to revel in a more dark and witchy scene, these Halloween décor ideas will elevate your home’s otherwordly vibe.
I suggest combining a few kitschy elements with more subtle and sophisticated nods to the holiday.
Less is more, you know? You’ll also be able to reuse these ideas year after year since they’re more grounded and subtle than the usual knick-knacks. And who knows, you may even incorporate some of them into your home post-holiday.
Read on for 13 elegant Halloween décor ideas to help you set a sinister tone, the grown-up way:
Keep your porch classy with a simple bat-laden branch wreath and a few artfully placed pumpkins and sticks. It sets a spooky tone without being over the top.
Dark-colored blooms suspended over a simple piece of cloth can transform a tablescape. The vial vases give it subtle mad scientist vibes.
If dark hues aren’t your thing, then try combining white and brass pieces. It’s a more ethereal look. The pile ‘o bones don’t seem cartoony thanks to the overall elevated vibe.
How chic is this setting? The proliferation of candlesticks and a vintage cloche gives the scene a haunted Victorian mansion setting without veering into granny territory.
Keep things easy with a black table cloth, dark candlesticks, and moody, but simple, flower arrangements. It sets a perfectly spooky tone without the inclusion of overt Halloween references.
Sneaky little accessories like the eyeball and crystal ball add a touch of whimsy to this tablescape. Combined with brass accent pieces and dark candles, it almost gives the sense of being in a haunted castle.
I can’t get enough of this fanciful arrangement. The broody florals and skeletal details make a big impact in an otherwise simple scene.
Dried roses and dark branches lend some moody romance to the scene without feeling overwrought. And it never hurts to add a bit of dry ice to the cocktails for extra ambiance.
Skeleton-grasped glassware—doesn’t get much spookier than that! I love that it’s a chic nod to the holiday set on an otherwise simple table setting. Once you have the glasses, everything else is fairly easy to replicate.
If you’re not looking to spend a lot but want to add some holiday vibes, check out this easy and affordable DIY upgrade. Gold and black painted pumpkins and skulls add ambiance sans tackiness.
Bring some drama to your mantle with the addition of a spiderweb and decorative crows. It makes a statement without being over the top or feeling too childlike.
I can’t get enough of these crows! Add one to your table and scatter seasonal touches like pomegranates and small pumpkins along an otherwise dark and romantic stage.
How cute is this skeletal welcoming scene? The neutral palette keeps the more traditional Halloween elements refined and adult.
Keep scrolling for some of our favorite elegant Halloween decorations:
Target Artificial Thicket Imitated Branch Wreath
This twig wreath is the perfect Halloween accessory for your front door. The bares stems lend themselves to just the right amount of autumnal eeriness, whether you add bats or decide to keep it plain.
Williams Sonoma Matte 16-Piece Black Dinnerware Set
Setting up a tablescape? Consider investing in a set of chic black dishes and mugs, they are perfect for everyday meals and special haunted occasions. You’ll probably find yourself using them more often than expected.
Crate & Barrel Black Taper Candles
Add a little drama and mystique with black taper candles.
Etsy Vintage Brass Spider Figurine
Nix the plastic and add some uber-chic creepy crawlers to your Halloween decor.
Target Black Metal Lantern Candle Holder
This lantern is giving me serious Sleepy Hollow vibes. Tuck a large candle in it to set the mood.
Resin Skull Shaped Head Design Flower Pot Planter
Pop a few succulents or even a dark floral centerpiece into this skeletal planter.
Birch Lane 3-Piece Cast Iron Candlestick Set
Add some mystery to your table or mantle with this candlestick holder set.
Anthropologie Distressed Iron + Glass Cloche
Tuck dried roses, a brass spider, or any other ghoulish figures that strikes your fancy inside this gorgeous, romantic distressed cloche.
Pottery Barn Skeleton Hand Double Old Fashioned Glass
Invest in a set of these insanely cool glasses and you’ll need little else in the décor department.
Cast Iron Black Crow
Not a fan of taxidermy? Consider a cast-iron crow and add a little creepy cutie to your Halloween setting.
FWD Black Cotton Voile Fabric
A few yards of fabric can go a long way. Use it on tabletops, draped on a mantlepiece, wrapped around a staircase, and more!
