8 Ways to Decorate Your Home for Halloween That Are Tasteful, Not Tacky

Get into the spirit without ruining your home's aesthetic.

From candy to costumes, there’s so much to love about Halloween , but the decorating part can be tricky. After all, most of us don’t exactly want to turn our dream homes into a house of horrors. But that doesn’t mean you can’t have fun decorating for this eerie holiday. It just means you may want to rethink the typical bright orange and black color scheme, the gory monsters, and the nightmare-inducing decor. Here’s how to decorate tastefully for Halloween, according to designers.

Meet the Experts

• Kathy Kuo , interior designer and founder and CEO of Kathy Kuo Home
• Crystal Pittman , home décor and holiday buyer at Roger's Gardens in Newport Beach

Take Inspiration From Nature, Not Netflix

While scary movies are fun to watch, you probably don’t want to actually live in the haunted house you see on screen. Kathy Kuo, founder and CEO of Kathy Kuo Home, suggests getting outside to see how nature can inspire your decorating project. “Nature provides so much inspiration in terms of color, texture, and overall mood," she says. "There's an assumption that Halloween decor means copious amounts of orange and black, but the autumnal palette is so much more than that. Consider earthy fall colors, like teal, ecru, goldenrod, and terracotta."

Think Enchanted, Not Cursed

One of Kuo’s favorite themes for fall decorating is going with an upscale enchanted apothecary theme. “Think crystals and curiosities, dried florals, mysterious decanters and vessels, and plenty of candles, rather than a full-on haunted house,” she says.

Elevate Traditional Halloween Decor

Halloween decor can come across as tacky when the materials look cheap and poorly planned. Instead of picking up a standard pumpkin at the supermarket or a plastic option at the costume store, try to find slightly elevated alternatives. “Instead of overtly spooky elements, incorporate luxurious materials, such as velvet pumpkins, mercury glass lanterns, and wrought iron accents,” says Crystal Pittman, home décor and holiday buyer at Roger's Gardens in Newport Beach. “These pieces add a layer of sophistication while still embracing the Halloween spirit.”

Explore Lighting and Music

Pittman explains that luxury Halloween décor is all about creating the perfect ambiance. “Use soft, warm lighting with string lights or lanterns to craft a welcoming and cozy, yet mysterious atmosphere,” she says.

Then, create a haunting playlist, whether for yourself or guests—but skip standards like "Monster Mash." “Consider instrumental pieces with a touch of eerie charm or classic jazz with a dark twist to elevate the experience and transform your space into a sophisticated Halloween retreat,” Pittman suggests.

Orange Isn’t the New Black

While you may already have some black elements in your home, you probably don’t have a lot of orange. So, consider other spooky yet sophisticated color combos instead. “Choose a sophisticated color palette such as black and white, silver and grey, or jewel tones, like emerald and burgundy," Pittman says. "This will create a cohesive look that blends seamlessly with your existing décor."

Invest in Statement Pieces

Instead of buying kitschy decor, curate statement objects you can look forward to using year after year. Pittman recommends oversized metallic pumpkins or beautifully designed wreaths to serve as focal points. “These pieces will elevate the entire look of your decor,” she says.

Create a Tablescape

Skip the plastic bowls of candy as a centerpiece and create a tablescape like you would for any other holiday. “For Halloween gatherings, use high-end serving ware, such as black matte plates, gold utensils, and glassware with subtle spiderweb etchings," Pittman says. "This will add a touch of sophistication to your celebrations."

Take the Less-Is-More Approach

Remember, you don’t need a giant blow-up witch on your lawn and spiders on each step to decorate for Halloween. “Opt for a few impactful pieces instead of cluttering your space with too many decorations," says Pittman. "Focus on quality, not quantity, to maintain a curated aesthetic."

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