Halloween Home Décor 2013

When it comes to home décor, Halloween can be a bit of a challenge. You want to celebrate the occasion, but without going overboard. Bright orange plastic pumpkins may be great for your kids’ bedrooms or out on your front step, but what about your living room or dining room? You want to keep things elegant and sophisticated in these spaces. You've worked hard to achieve a certain ambiance and color scheme. You can still make things spooky while coordinating with your everyday décor.

Here are some photos and ideas for inspiration.

 Candles, skulls and forest imagery:

[photo credit: http://bit.ly/19sxzPw]

While we often associate candles with romance, they can also serve to create a bone-chilling effect. They are reminiscent of a witch’s house or a vampire’s lair. The right candle holders - like these, made to look like tree trunks - will also help bring about the Halloween spirit. A picture of bare-bones trees and a subtle skull element complete the look.

Gourds of another name:

[photo credit: http://bit.ly/1aEC6ML]

While orange pumpkins may be the norm at Halloween, don’t forget they come in other colors - and shapes! Dress up your dining room table with an assortment of gourds and a few votives scattered throughout. This look does double duty too! This theme can be easily carried over into November as it works for Thanksgiving décor as well.

Fancy your fireplace:

[photo credit: http://bit.ly/1797e9A]

Jack-o-lanterns don’t always have to have faces. This super-chic fireplace decoration uses carved pumpkins to create the effect of a roaring fire. Muted orange candles help complete the look while keeping in step with the color scheme.

An homage to spooky literature:

[photo credit: http://bit.ly/16qRQXM]

The holiday has inspired scores of literature and film throughout the years. Why not choose a theme based on that, like this mantle inspired by Edgar Allen Poe’s The Raven. You’ll be searching for the perfect Halloween décor “nevermore.”

Decorating for Halloween doesn't mean you have to turn your more formal spaces into child’s play. There are plenty of simple, elegant ways to dress up your house for the occasion without interrupting the usual feel of a room!