It’s almost Halloween and time for decorating. Timeless decor is always a good direction to go in because it’s costly to redesign your whole space every 4 months.
If you’re into buying the latest trendy decor, I get it. It can be fresh and exciting but I like my decor to be moody, old and unusual and I enjoy the quest to find those pieces but for those of us that are interested in timeless Halloween decor, look no further.
Anatomy prints
Surprisingly, I often find these at antique stores and that’s the only place you should buy them. Versions at stores are online are trendy and don’t look good. Real human anatomy illustrations can be dark, creepy and beautiful pieces of art all in one. Frame them in dark wood or brass to display on a bookcase or wall.
Fall Colors
This may be a given, but sometimes it’s hard to think of colors besides purple, pumpkin orange, and black. But there are lots of other colors that will add to a more timeless Halloween decor. Rust, jade, forest green, navy, burgundy, charcoal, deep magenta, or plum really up the sophistication of Halloween. Get a good quality pillow with many autumnal colors to keep it interesting.
Owls, ravens, or crows
These birds can feel very creepy, especially if you find a dark or mysterious piece of art. Pair them with any of your artwork, or keep them solo. If you’re antiquing and find brass pieces this can also be an interesting look and pair well with these art pieces.
Author portraits
Hang some portraits; this is timeless halloween decor because old colleges or libraries often have portraits on the wall. To keep it authentic go for pieces of your favorite author or classic spooky authors like Edgar Allen Poe, Steven King, or Agatha Christie to keep the creep factor going.
Old bottles from antique stores
These are easy to find and won’t break the bank. Old medicine bottles can add an element of stepping into a witch’s brew house without being on the nose. And, frankly, I see cheap versions in big box stores for triple the money for the real thing.
Vintage books
Leather or old books can look timeless, and you can even find old valuable books for cheap if you go to crammed vintage bookstores. Find subjects you’re interested in or colors you want to include. These old books will feel on point with all the other timeless Halloween decor.
Paint an old dollhouse
I see these in antique stores occasionally, and they typically don’t look good because they are painted pastels and have grandma-core vibes. But you can paint it in black and make it look like a witch’s cottage for next to no money. Just try to get ones made out of wood with beautiful shingles. It’s a fun project to do with the kids too.
Prints of your favorite movie characters
Instagram or Amazon is a great place to find artwork of characters from your favorite movies. Get prints of Beetlejuice, Lydia Deitz, or the Sanderson Sisters. Pro tip: buy artwork that you like because if you don’t, you shouldn’t invest your time and money on it. The rule of thumb is if it speaks to you, invest in it.
Jack-o-lanterns
I love to carve Jack Skellington or bats on pumpkins. Make one or ten. Any amount looks excellent especially with mums, corn stalks and scare crows. Also, put a battery-operated candle in there. That way, it’s on a timer, and you won’t have to keep replacing the candle.
Amber glass
Amber glass can be found everywhere and in many forms, from bottles, candlesticks or stemware. Sometimes they can be expensive, so be on the lookout for real amber glass everywhere you shop. Luckily, new amber glass pieces can be found in most places decor is sold.
Dried flowers
Add these to your amber glasses or vintage medicine bottles; get daisies, mums, or eucalyptus. They look perfect in autumn as plants start to die and dry out from the cold. Dried flowers are also perfect for bookcases where you want some color and texture but won’t need your time and attention.
Black lace or doilies
Use black lace or doilies for the dining table, bar, or hutch. Black lace is frequently used in horror and halloween movies and subconsciously feels creepy plus it helps your space feel layered and complex and works well with any Halloween decor.
Skulls
Raven or cat skulls can be frightening. Raven skulls, in particular, are Gothic or Viking inspired. Some skeletons and skulls look authentic or very detailed. Place a few around the room, in a cloche or make a centerpiece.
Insect taxidermy
Any insect taxidermy will be spine-chilling yet beautiful. Whether it is a beautiful monarch butterfly or scorpion, they will accomplish a timeless and elegant look. They usually come in shadow boxes so you can hang them on a small wall or create an entire wall of them to freak out your guests.
Kerosene lanterns
Kerosene lantern will always be timeless and there’s something romantic about them. Definitely shop vintage; I find the products online misleading because they say it’s vintage when it’s not, or the dimensions are dishonest; these lanterns tend to be large, but the online versions are tiny.
Candles
I’m admittedly obsessed with candles. I have any and every kind in my house and try to match them to the season and I enjoy lighting them every night for their cozy and charming ambiance. Candles will always be timeless and go with any holiday decor.
A cloche centerpiece
Cloches often get forgotten, but they can be an excellent centerpiece for any time of the year. Display skulls, pumpkins, fairy lights or florals in them. Be cautious buying these brand new because they tend to be cheap looking, and the wood bases aren’t natural wood- which is not timeless. But if you’re coming up short while antiquing, then consider going to Pottery Barn, the usually have quality cloches.
Fairy lights
Fairy lights can go everywhere, around plants, or pumpkins and in cloches, bookcases, and more. The best part is you can use these during the winter time too. Get warm white lights because they work best with any color and decor.
Copper and brass
Shop for copper and brass accent pieces to give your Halloween decorations a great partner. Brass and copper will create interest in all the dark, moody, and creepy items because they gleam and glint among the dark decor. Place them next to candles or fairy lights to cast more light.
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