There’s something to be said about decorating for the season. It engages the body, gently guiding it to embrace a new season and to have fun doing it! In today’s post, I’m sharing 5 minimalist halloween decor ideas that will allow you to celebrate the season while maintaining that chic interior design aesthetic you’ve worked so hard to curate.
Many people don’t let themselves enjoy seasonal decor because they fear it might look tacky or cliche. To which I reply–what exactly is cliche? Something expected? In that regard, hot chocolate on a cold evening is cliche (extra points for adding whipped cream), seeing the Nutcracker ballet around the holidays is cliche, hosting an ugly Christmas sweater party is cliche, themed drinks celebrating your friend’s promotion is cliche.
See where I’m going with this? Cliche just means common, and sometimes things are common for a reason: because they are delightful. Cliche isn’t bad. Judging yourself for liking what you like is what needs to be managed:-) So here is your friendly neighborhood interior designer giving you full permission to love what you love. If it brings you joy, go for it!
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8 Minimalist Halloween Decor Ideas
This post is for the person who wants to decorate and join in on the fun of Halloween decor, but isn’t totally sold on the traditional colors and styles.
Fear not! Your friendly neighborhood interior designer (me!) is showing you today how to style minimalist Halloween decor that complements your home’s design.
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1. Single color moody florals
A single color moody floral installation is an easy and high impact way to decorate for Halloween without being too on the nose. It’s subtle, sexy, and a great addition to your minimalist halloween decor.
Use as a table runner or drape over a mirror, door frame, or mantle for a very on-theme but not obvious Halloween decor element.
Get the look
To style: get the garland below to add to a mantle or doorway and use the plum sprays with the rustic vase for a stunning arrangement for a table (console, dining, etc).
2. Seasonal florals (any color palette!)
Hear me now, friend: Halloween decor does NOT need to be in an orange and black palette, nor must it be spooky or dark. You can decorate for Halloween as warmly as you would for fall! Your minimalist Halloween decor can perfectly support your design aesthetic.
Here’s how to make it work: decorate like you would for fall, just do something special to your pumpkins to make them more Halloween-y and not just autumnal. You’ll learn more about that in tip #3!
Use fall florals (dahlias, sunflowers, mums, marigolds, celosia, maple leaves, branches, eucalyptus, pampas grass, etc) to create arrangements (faux is ok!) that support your interior design aesthetic.
It feels grown up and chic, and also is a nice calm for your nervous system to decorate using color palettes you already have in your home. The end result is seamless and striking.
Bonus points: this is also an excellent money making opportunity. I sold faux floral arrangements I made on Facebook marketplace!
Get the look
To style: choose a faux floral arrangement or garland for a table to easily make a special Halloween display that feels extra cozy. You can browse more products here.
And don’t forget I wrote a blog post on Halloween flower arrangements. So check that out for more guidance!
Pro tip: for inspiration, check out businesses who do bouquets and floral arrangements! I like La Musa de las Flores and a local creator, Cheyenne, of Flora and Fauna in Brooklyn. I attended a wildflower bouquet making event hosted by Flora and Fauna last summer and it was wonderful!
3. Aesthetic pumpkins
The word ‘elevate’ is so overused in interior design, but there’s not really a better word for what we are trying for here. You can elevate your minimalist Halloween decor by choosing pumpkins that are unique in material and color. Don’t be afraid to mix it up too!
Try this: pumpkins made of rattan, velvet, glass, or wood. Explore non-traditional colors and textures that would support the interior design aesthetic in your home.
Get the look
To style: choose a pumpkin scheme below that resonates with you! If you love blue and white, the chinoiserie pumpkins below will be your show stopper.
4. Cozy votives and hurricanes
Ambiance is your best friend here. Mercury glass is your easy design hack during the cooler months. What we want here is to establish a feeling. The feeling of coziness, warmth, and comfort. Mercury glass is more reflective than regular and gives a sparkle that is magical for any holiday from Halloween to Christmas. The end result is cozy and whimsical.
You can get a similar feel using textured or reflective votives that support our cozy goal. Let your heart lead here and go with whatever candle vessel you’re drawn to.
Get the look
To style: choose votive below and pair with beeswax votive candles. I also have many flameless candles that I use when I’m sitting on my terrace at night, for the bubble bath, and for the TV console. The flameless candles below are extra special with the pairing of twinkle lights!
5. Subdued Hues
By now you see that Halloween decor actually doesn’t have to follow a Halloween color palette. You can lean into the feeling of fall, and the whimsy and magic of Halloween without being too obvious about it.
Remember, we are trying to create an experience. You can even use your Halloween decor to bring about the same warm and magical feelings of Christmas. Yes, it is possible! Just follow my lead, friend.
You don’t have to go dark, creepy, and chilling. In fact, I think it might be better to do the opposite. If you’re a Halloween traditionalist that’s fine too! Nothing wrong with the traditional route. I say, do what resonates with you!
Get the look
To style: pair the rattan vase with one of the faux florals below for a beautiful and chic minimalist Halloween decor element. Style the white wicker pumpkins near the fireplace (safely!), in the entryway, and on tables.
6. Taper candles in various shapes and colors
This is a versatile minimalist Halloween decor idea that gives you a lot of creativity with your candle shapes, sizes, and colors. Try spirals, ombres, colors with your tapered candles and pair with cool candlesticks.
Pro tip: Remember the medieval/gothic vibes I spoke of? Vintage brass is your best friend for this aesthetic so hit up your local thrift shop for some vintage brass candlesticks.
If you’re a local New Yorker, go to Olde Good Things. You can find vintage from New York landmarks like the Waldorf Astoria!
Get the look
To style: pair a candle below (in any color!) with one of the candlesticks in tip #7 below.
7. Architectural candleholders
Nothing says Halloween like a perfect pairing of candles and candlesticks or candelabras. Go for architectural pieces with a vintage vibe to fully embody the feel of the season.
Get the look
To style: pair a candlestick below with one of the candles in tip #6. Use to top any table–nightstand, side, coffee, console, dining, etc!
8. Carved pumpkins as art
The beauty of pumpkin carving is that this is an organic craft and fully compostable! Zero waste.
The other great thing about pumpkin carving is how it is basically an art installation. You choose your pattern to carve: be it words like “beware” or a delightful outline of a flower (what I would do, obviously lol).
You can carve your pumpkin with whatever pattern you wish! Non-Halloween themes are perfect acceptable and encouraged:-)
Get the look
To style: get a group of pals or family members together for a pumpkin carving night! These pumpkins are pretty enough to use indoors so don’t be afraid to style them near the fireplace or an empty corner.
I hope today’s post helped ease you into participating in the fun of Halloween without worrying you’re “doing it wrong” (PS: there’s no such thing). I love any excuse to celebrate a season. It’s what makes life joyful, afterall. So you enjoy your minimalist Halloween decor and the fun of the season.
More inspiration:
