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Homes & Gardens
Homes & Gardens
Lola Houlton

18 Halloween decorations I'm buying to give my entryway an eerie overhaul

A triptych: pumpkins lined up outside a door; skulls balanced on a console table; light-up ghosts outside a door.

If you're keen to get into the spirit of the season, finding the right Halloween decorations to adorn your entryway might just be the trick (or treat).

As the central point of your home, and the first space your guests see, it's important that your entryway sets the tone for your home, whatever the season. But fall and Halloween this space comes into its own as we enter hosting season and when trick-or-treaters come knocking.

I'm a shopping writer and a sales hunter. I know where to find the best Halloween decorations to create an eerie entryway. I've scoured the shelves of the Halloween collections at Walmart, Wayfair, Anthropologie, and more to bring you the season's best. However big your space, whatever your budget, I've found something for you.

The best entryway Halloween decorations

To save you time and money, I've rounded up a few of my favorite Halloween decorations to bring your entryway ideas to life.

Line with lanterns

(Image credit: Josh Yöung)

The best way to set the tone is to lower the lights. A line of lanterns would be a beautiful way to add some mood lighting to your entryway and usher your guests into the heart of the home.

Fill your ornate lanterns with flickering LED candles to cast creepy shadows without worrying about the fire risk. Don't be afraid to mix and match lanterns in differing shapes and sizes to add visual interest to a corner display.

Dress your doormat

(Image credit: West Elm)

'Entry mats are such a fun and easy switch for seasonal decor,' says Devin Shaffer, lead interior designer at Decorilla. 'Mostly because they're the first thing you see when entering a home. With a Halloween doormat, you can set the tone and create a festive mood. Believe it or not, by having a Halloween rug in your porch, you won't have to use as many Halloween decor pieces in other rooms, because of the initial impact of that mat.'

'If you're planning to spend more than $50 on a doormat, go with something that can be used throughout the fall season,' advises Devin. 'If this is a quick impulse buy, then feel free to go all in with jack-o-lantern, spiderweb or skull motifs.' Devin's parting wisdom: 'Don't be afraid to go bold and moody. It's meant to make a statement.'

Sinister signs

(Image credit: West Elm)

If you're looking for entryway wall decor ideas that capture the spirit of the season, try experimenting with sinister signs to warn or welcome guests into your haunted house. You can achieve an authentic Halloween aesthetic by intentionally distressing and weathering the appearance of a sign.

Decorate your doorway

(Image credit: Pottery Barn)

Elevate your entryway with Halloween door decor that suits your aesthetic and fits your space. If you've got a front porch, then your options for outdoor decor open up.

Serial renovator Henry Brook suggests 'Arranging a row of pumpkins in an arch-like formation outside your front door. You're creating a magical pathway that draws attention in the best way possible. Adding fairy lights to the archway not only casts a warm and welcoming glow but extends that Halloween magic into the night.'

If you're an apartment dweller, your neighbors might not be feeling quite as festive as you are. I suggest you stick to a Halloween garland that starts and stops outside your own front door.

Titivate your table

(Image credit: McGee & Co)

Make the most of your console table or dining space to construct a balanced display using your favorite smaller Halloween decorations. Pick an eye-catching centerpiece and work around it to create a bespoke spooky scene.

Pick the right wreath

(Image credit: Pottery Barn)

The right wreath will work as will indoors as it does outside. I like to get two wreaths: one for the front door to welcome guests, and the other above the mantel to frame the fireplace. You could suspend your wreath from the ceiling or make it part of a wall display.

To channel the spirit of the season, opt for a gothic wreath made from twigs and bare branches. Alternatively, you could make a Halloween wreath in fall colors to see you through the season.

Founder of Aviara Pavers Jason Farr suggests 'Decorating your front door with fall-inspired wreaths, made from colorful leaves, berries, pinecones, and small pumpkins. This would look absolutely beautiful on your front door while creating a Halloween vibe.'


With these ideas, you can create a memorable Halloween entryway to impress your family, friends, and trick-or-treaters. Just remember not to block your entryway with your Halloween decorations: functionality is key to creating a tasteful display.

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