It's hard to believe, but Halloween's nearly here – before long, you'll start to see decorations pop up in front lawns, entryways, and living rooms across the neighborhood. And if you're ready to start thinking through your own home's seasonal spread, chances are you're already overwhelmed by choice.
There's a wide array of Halloween decorations available, covering everything from gross and gory to sleek and subtle. Finding a considered mix of festive and fresh is quite the challenge.
Interior designers aren't usually tasked with Halloween decorating, but they're armed with an eye for elegant style and cohesive schemes – no matter the venue or occasion. Here, they've shared the Halloween decor ideas they hate to see, and revealed the seasonal accessories they reach for instead. Listing everything from cobwebs to front-yard inflatables, you'll want to check the list to ensure your Halloween scheme is designer-approved.
The 5 Halloween decor trends designers have had enough of
Everyone's taste is a bit different, but these Halloween trends have been deemed over-the-top in 2024. According to interior designers, these are the seasonal looks to avoid.
1. Traditional orange pumpkins
'My children always make fun of me about this, but I really do not love traditional orange pumpkins!' says Kathy Kuo, interior designer and CEO of Kathy Kuo Home.
'Maybe it's the oversaturation of #PumpkinSpice everything over the last 10 years or so, but in my opinion, if you don't already have a color palette that includes orange (and there's nothing wrong with orange in and of itself!), there's not much reason to introduce it for the three or four weeks leading up to Halloween.'
Rather than lining the porch with bright orange pumpkins, or bringing them inside to decorate the dining table or mantel, opt for something a bit more understated. Whether you choose subtle shades of white and green, or go for faux pumpkins in unique hues, you'll be making a unique statement that doesn't deliver on this bold, arguably overdone Halloween color scheme. Plus, decorating for fall without pumpkins isn't a festive faux pas.
These porcelain pumpkins are a gorgeous alternative to bright, bold orange, and they bring ambient, cozy lighting to any design scheme.
This plush pumpkin from H&M Home is a huggable Halloween accessory you won't want to overlook.
If you agree with Kathy and orange is a bit too much, try these stone pieces that come in a muted, sleek colorway.
2. Inflatable lawn decorations
'I am so over any holiday inflatables,' says Cyndy Cantley, co-owner of Alabama-based Cantley & Company. 'I’m never sure if they look worse inflated or laying dead all over your lawn. What was ever wrong with beautiful pumpkins and mums?'
Take a quick walk around the block in October, and chances are you'll come across an oversized, inflatable character set up just for the holiday season. Despite their popularity, designers have quickly become sick of these larger-than-life decorations, and suggest you look for more sophisticated alternatives to elevate your front lawn.
'Inflatable ghosts, pumpkins, and oversized spiders may seem like an easy way to add Halloween spirit to your yard, but designers find them to be more of an eyesore than a festive addition,' says interior designer, Nina Lichtenstein.
'These inflatables often lack the sophistication and attention to detail that designers strive for, leading to a cluttered and unrefined appearance,' she continues. Instead of going the inflatable route, Nina suggests 'more elegant outdoor decorations' like lanterns, wreaths, or 'subtly lit jack-o'-lanterns' for a 'cohesive exterior design' right at home.
3. Overly gory Halloween scenes
Valerie Helgeson, founder and lead designer of Oklahoma-based Design Directions, says she's had enough of 'over-the-top, macabre, and gory' decorations in addition to blow-up yard accessories. 'I appreciate that some people really love Halloween and go all out decorating for it, but my personal aesthetic is always less is more. I prefer a few subtle pieces that give a nod to the season rather than overwhelm the entire home.'
It's not just true during the Halloween season – often, less is more in interior design. And while the holiday presents plenty of opportunities for outright scary decorations, designers suggest you stay away from these all-out accessories if you're after a high-end final look. 'Blood-splattered windows, severed limbs, and grotesque figures can cross the line from fun to disturbing, and they often clash with the overall decor of a home,' adds Nina.
'Designers advocate for a more subtle approach to horror, using elements like vintage-inspired skulls, antique candelabras, or shadowy silhouettes to evoke a sense of mystery and intrigue without being overtly grotesque,' she adds.
4. Excessive fake cobwebs
Faux cobwebs are 'a staple of Halloween decor,' says Nina, but 'less is more when it comes to this trend.' Steer away from a front porch or doorway full to the brim with these wispy accessories, and use them tastefully to complement your Halloween design scheme instead.
'Overdoing it with thick, artificial webs draped haphazardly across every surface can make a space feel cluttered and chaotic. Not to mention, they can be a nightmare to clean up once the holiday is over,' says Nina. She suggests looking to the corners of windows or around a mantel if you'd like to 'create a spooky effect without overwhelming the space.'
5. Plastic fall accessories
'Cheap plastic decorations may be budget-friendly, but they often come at the cost of style and sustainability,' says Nina. It's tempting to opt for inexpensive, flimsy decor when the holidays roll around, as they won't be on display all year round. But with low quality comes low aesthetic value – not to mention a high carbon footprint.
Rather than stocking up on all things plastic, Nina suggests reusable wood, metal, or glass decorations. These natural materials are built to last, and will look more elegant as the years go on. 'These pieces not only elevate the look of your Halloween decor but can also be used year after year, reducing waste and maintaining a timeless appeal,' she says.
These lightweight yet lovely pumpkin decorations are easy to use, and will last through the whole season (and beyond).
A seasonal throw pillow is the perfect accessory for a Halloween-ready home designers will always approve of.
Upgrade your candy bowl this Halloween with a terracotta piece from West Elm.
Rules don't apply when it comes to Halloween decor, but these designer tips will steer you away from a kitschy, over-the-top holiday scheme and get you back on track.
