The Real Horror of Halloween is Tacky Decor — Here's 12 Shockingly Chic Pieces You'll Want to Keep Out All Year
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Halloween is, without a doubt, my favorite holiday. It’s easy to get swept up in the macabre — pumpkins, cobwebs, ghosts — that's all part of the fun, but let’s be honest, the real horror often lies in the tacky decor. The trick for October is to keep things ghoulishly festive yet delightfully refined (some might even say demure) — yes, chic Halloween decor is actually a thing, and it’s every bit as bewitching as it sounds.
As the holiday's self-proclaimed biggest fan, I’ve made it my mission to uncover Halloween decor that’s both spooky and stylish enough to keep on display year-round. (Have you seen IKEA's Halloween drop yet? Or the Christina Ricci and West Elm Halloween collaboration?)
Despite what some high street shop windows and online shopfronts might suggest, you can absolutely sidestep the carved pumpkins and witches' hats. My curated edit is full of pieces you’ll be tempted to keep around long after the holiday has passed, maybe even all year. Sure, there are a few supernatural inspired accents — like spider web-inspired trivets — but the overall vibe here is dark and dramatic. Think petrol-hued decanters, twisted iron candelabras, and harlequin pleated paper mingled with blood-red foliage.
So, why not come to the dark side? We’ve got style! Trust me, as a style editor who’s been doing this for years, I’ve got you covered. Here’s everything I’m eyeing for the upcoming frightful festivities.
Price: $17.99
Get creative with your black glossy vase by filling it with foliage in deep reds, rusts, or burgundies — the perfect “bloody” palette for a touch of devilish drama. When spooky season fades, swap in green branches for fall decor, or brighten things up with pinks and whites (I’m envisioning cherry blossoms) for a fresh spring or summer arrangement.
From: $9, Was: $15
No Halloween is complete without pumpkin decor, but the big dilemma: real, plastic or paper? I’m firmly in the paper camp. These harlequin diamond paper pumpkins are a chic upgrade from the usual jack-o'-lanterns. Plus, they can easily transition into a beautiful kitchen decor item long after the holiday. For an extra festive flair, opt for them in classic orange or black.
Price: $16.19
Halloween thrives on the dark and twisted, making these candles the perfect pairing for a candelabra. Their spiraled shape is right on trend, adding an edgy element with that sleek, glossy black finish — perfect for adding depth to any occasion. For a Halloween tablescape, try them with twinkling, warmly hued lights and metallic accents for a look that’s equal parts creepy and cozy.
Price: $164
This candle holder is a minimalist's dream with a fluid shape that adds elegance to any space — be it on a mantle, credenza, coffee table, or dining table — year-round. Pair it with taper candles in festive hues like orange, aged white, or the aforementioned black for a nod to Gothic decor (tastefully executed, of course).
Price: $75
Few things capture the gloriously edgy spirit of Halloween like a black vase. The “Bottom of My Heart” vase by Anissa Kermiche is particularly apt, with its sculpted curves playfully evoking the halves of an anatomical heart. Depending on the season, it’s either a touching sentiment or a touch terrifying — this time of year, let’s lean into the latter. Go monochrome with all-black tableware or add a ghostly contrast with white accents.
Price: $108
Eye imagery is a timeless motif in art and decor, beloved by high-end designers year-round. But even I can’t deny its slightly spooky edge. This particular piece, framed in antiqued gold, will be a chic investment — but come Halloween, you might just catch yourself wondering: "Is that painting watching me?"
Price: $14.95
When it comes to Halloween cocktail picks, you might expect tiny pumpkins or ghosts, but this one channels the spirits a bit more literally with something scarier — and infinitely chicer: a scorpion. Think of it as the grown-up version of a spook. Crafted in shiny brass, it adds an irresistible edge to cocktails and hors d'oeuvres, guaranteed to be the talk of any ghoulish gathering.
Price: $49.95
Big Halloween bashes call for big statements, and an ordinary decanter simply won’t do. Enter this stunning piece from CB2. Its uniquely dark petrol blue catches the light beautifully, and its vintage-inspired curves are elegant enough to grace your bar cart all year long. But when paired with black accents, it takes on a far more dramatic flair. Add in your favorite stemware and those scorpion cocktail picks for a beverage corner that’s scarily good.
Price: $68
Forget the broomstick — this elegant crystal ball is the witchy accessory you’ve been searching for. With its stately brass base, it looks like a charming find from a hidden antique shop. It’s the ideal supernatural surprise on a side table, ready to be paired with macabre coffee table books, black snakes, and other eerie accents from this collection to complete the look. And when Halloween is over, its timeless enchantment will effortlessly blend into your decor year-round.
Price: $189.99
Haunted house mirrors with cracking sounds and spooky characters can be fun for the brave, but if you prefer something a bit more livable, this antiqued mirror is a fabulous alternative. Paired with your regular decor, it’s storied and charming, but when you add dark-hued candles, it takes on a seriously scream-worthy vibe.
Price: $52
This spider-web-inspired trivet might be one of the more on-the-nose items in this list, but its intricate brass construction is so well-executed, it deserves a pass. It’s a fantastic base layer for your plate stack, eliminating the need to purchase a whole new set to stay on theme — this trivet does all the witchy work for you, enchanting even the simplest white plate sets. Pair it with a black or mauve tablecloth and perhaps a candelabra for good measure, and voilà!
Price: $79.60, Was: $99.50
With its laces and “worn-in” creases, this hyper-realistic Victorian-style boot planter could easily be mistaken for the real thing. It’s the kind of piece that shocks, surprises, and delights with whatever you choose to plant inside (I recommend dried brush for that extra eerie touch). Perfectly spooky for an entryway, shoe wall, or even the front porch — this planter is also suited for outdoor use. Pair it with pink blooms during the spring or summer for a darling vintage-inspired contrast.
