Make Your Halloween Decor Classy, Not Tacky
Think you’ve perfected your Halloween setup? You might be surprised by common decor mistakes that can give off a tacky vibe.
After putting in so much effort to create a festive display, it can be frustrating when it doesn’t quite hit the mark. Keep reading to avoid common decor mistakes that could undermine your Halloween setup.
Overloading on Decorations
Everyone loves Halloween and nobody holds back when it comes to setting up scary decorations. But does this mean our home should be like a dumping place for creepy dolls and skeletons?
No, you don’t want to create a space that’s full of meaningless decor that does nothing more than create a mess. Always go for a few key pieces that can stand out and let them carry your Halloween theme.
No Theme
Talking about themes, you must have one in the first place. If you want your Halloween decor to hit the right spot, plan it properly with every little detail nailed down.
Designate different areas of your home with decor pieces so for instance, if you’ve got a collection of colorful pumpkins, set them up on your dining table as a vignette. Avoid a mismatched theme if you want to have a cohesive decor look.
Sticking to the Classics
Every year, we’re blessed with new trends and stylish decor options for Halloween. There’s no fun in setting up your Halloween decor in the same manner every year.
If you’re a fan of pumpkins, give them a new twist by painting them with pink, silver, or some other striking color.
Going All Black and Orange
If you want a monotonous Halloween look with no aspiration to do something unique, go with a black and orange color theme. However, if you want to do something unique, please ditch these colors or at least tone down on them.
There are other interesting colors like metallics, deep blues, pink, and teal that deserve our attention.
Using Cheap Materials
You don’t have to buy super expensive Halloween decor, however, it doesn’t have to be cheap either. Several stores offer a quality deal at an affordable price.
Cheap items can be spotted from a mile away and will give your Halloween decor a tacky look. Decor items made from flimsy plastic or poorly painted surfaces do not have a vibe and should be avoided at all costs.
Overdoing the Fake Cobwebs
There’s no doubt in the fact that cobwebs help achieve a spooky look. However, if you go extra with the decor item, it’ll result in a messy and unkempt appearance.
A little goes a long way, hence, strategically place these cobwebs for the perfect eerie atmosphere with no problem of a chaotic or cluttered look.
Using Childish Decor
There’s a difference between childish and kid-friendly decor. If you’ve got kids in your home, their preferences should always be a priority.
But this doesn’t mean you need to hold back on decor. The market is full of whimsical and quirky decor items with the perfect scary factor.
Opt for mature designs that are in line with the Halloween spirit without veering into childish territory.
Overly Gory Decor
The main purpose of Halloween is to have fun using scary decor but you need to make sure it doesn’t give your guests and the neighborhood kids sleepless nights or a nightmare. Overly gory decor can be off-putting and they can drive away the trick-or-treaters from your front yard.
Always aim for subtle yet effective decor that diffuses a sense of eeriness in the air without overwhelming the senses.
Too Many Store-Bought Items
Nothing will hurt your Halloween decor more than too many store-bought items. Halloween is the perfect opportunity to think outside of the box and put to use your creative side.
Maybe avoid the fake skeletons and cobwebs and instead go for handmade items that add a unique charm and personal touch to your Halloween decor.
Bright Lights
You want to spook your guests not blind them. Steer clear of overly harsh bright lights as chances are they will ruin your Halloween decor and the spooky vibe you’re trying to create.
Use soft, warm lighting to create the perfect mysterious and atmospheric ambiance. It’s also recommended that colored bulbs be used only in essential areas.
Loud Noise Machine
Nothing beats the good old spooky noises and howling thunder but if they’re too loud you’ll probably get in trouble. It’s important to strike the right balance that helps you create an immersive experience for everyone, adults and kids alike.
These sounds if used rightly can change the game for you but if you blast it at full volume, you’re probably going to ruin things.
Anything Glittery
Overindulging in glitter is considered to be a sin and you need to stay away from it. A little glitter didn’t hurt anyone but the problem occurs when you go overboard with it resulting in an overall tacky look.
A few glittery pumpkins or skeletons are good to go as accent pieces.
Inflatable Garden
Be mindful of using too many inflatables. While Halloween-themed inflatables are fun, especially if you have kids, your yard doesn’t need to be packed with them.
Overloading your garden with inflatables can take away from the eerie vibe you’re trying to create and make it feel more playful than spooky.
Plastic Tombstones
With plastic tombstones, you can wave goodbye to the dreams of having a spooky yard. Plastic tombstones end up giving a tacky and clunky look instead of the eerie vibe we want to set up on Halloween.
By real stone tombstone from your nearby store or if you don’t want to spend money, you can always DIY too. Outshine the competition this Halloween and set up the spookiest decor in your area.
Need some inspiration? Skim through this piece on “How to Create the Spookiest House on the Block“.
Reapting Worn Out Decor
There’s no harm in repeating last year’s decor, after all, we want to make sustainable decisions when it comes to Halloween decor. However, if the items are worn out and unfit for use unless you can sew or mend them, they’ll need to be thrown in the bin.
Are you planning on holding a Halloween party this season? Take help from our guide on “How to Plan the Perfect Halloween Party“.
