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This post will show you 22 ideas for the perfect Halloween decorations outdoor!
Halloween is one of the most exciting times of the year; a short but wonderful holiday where immersive decor, treats, and scary movies become the absolute protagonists.
Whether you can’t wait to go all out on your Halloween decorations outdoor or need inspiration for a more understated take on all the fun, this holiday and its magic will have something for you.
All you need is creativity and the 22 ideas I have collected in this post to create the best Halloween decorations outdoor!
How To Choose Halloween Decorations Outdoor That Work for Your Space
Before investing in any Halloween decorations, it’s important to take some time to plan your vision.
Especially when it comes to outdoor, seasonal decor, it can be challenging to choose pieces that will work together and fit your space without having a clear idea of what you are trying to achieve.
Consider the following points to create an easy framework of reference for your Halloween decorations outdoor. This will help you maximize your budget, making seasonal shopping more focused and sustainable.
- Narrow down your theme: Halloween is a broad term covering many characters, pop culture references, and traditions. Opt for a subsection of the genre for a more cohesive result (e.g.: a witch-themed front porch)
- Commit to a style that fits your home exterior: impactful Halloween decor looks like it flawlessly belongs to your home. If you love modern, minimalist decor, don’t be afraid to apply this design to your decorations too. The more you stray from traditional takes on Halloween, the more you’ll have to scour for the perfect pieces. However, some patience and the occasional DIY will surely reward your efforts!
Now that you understand how to choose the best Halloween decorations outdoor for your space, let’s dive into the 22 ideas I have gathered to give you all the inspiration you may need!
22 Ideas for the Best Halloween Decorations Outdoor
Create A Scary Pumpkin Patch
Source: @simplybeautifulbyangela (Simply Beautiful by Angela)
I love Halloween decorations outdoor that double as fall decor; they can be set up earlier in the season, saving you plenty of time and money.
Recreate a pumpkin patch with a rustic wood wagon and a few hay bales. All you’ll have to do is add a scary twist replacing traditional pumpkins with stunning Jack-o’-lanterns.
This idea will work perfectly in a bright, traditional orange palette or neutral tones, making it a great match for more modern homes.
Hang Witch Hats to Welcome You Home
Source: @careyushome (Carey Us Home – The Blog)
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Nothing screams Halloween decor more than a beautiful, black witch hat. Why not use it as the main character of your Halloween decorations outdoor?
Consider hanging a set of 5 to 10 witch hats on your front porch for the perfect, spooky front door decor.
Remember to play with different heights and colors/patterns for a more impactful setup. Shiny fabrics, for instance, will look fantastic with nighttime lighting.
DIY a Jack-o’-Lantern Garland
Source: @brittt_rose
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- Plastic Jack-O Lanterns: Option 1 | Option 2 (Buy on Amazon)
- Bat & Boogie Doormat
- White Lanterns (Buy on Amazon)
A seasonal porch garland is the perfect piece to make a statement.
Consider investing some time in creating your very own Jack-o’-lantern garland for stunning and unique outdoor decor. All you will need is a good selection of your favorite scary pumpkins, some zip ties, and warm string lights.
For a more budget-friendly take on this idea, consider using paper lanterns like these. The result will look just as beautiful!
Opt for Giant Spiders
Source: @livingwithlady
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If I had to describe my worst nightmare, it would look a lot like the inspiration photo above. Nothing scarier than an army of giant spiders taking over your home!
I love the extra touch of the cardboard planks and the rope spiderweb. So creative!
Witches & Bats for the Perfect Spooky Entrance
Source: @karaspartyideas
Hanging pieces are great Halloween decorations outdoor because they help create a more immersive experience.
If you are looking for more elaborate decorations compared to simple witch hats or lanterns, consider recreating this easy DIY. All you need are witch leg props in your preferred color and a set of affordable paper parasols.
Be mindful to replace the parasols with small nylon umbrellas if the items will be hung on a tree or have direct exposure to the weather.
Include Dead Plants
Source:@down_mulberry_lane
To fully capture the spirit of Halloween, consider including dead or burned plants in your decor.
Especially when used in contrast with more traditional fall decor and brighter colors such as white and orange, the blacks and dark brown of dead leaves and twigs will add a sinister dimension to your decorations.
I love the idea of covering half of your front door wreath with black leaves, perfectly representing the dark, deadly tones of so many Halloween stories!
Combine Fall And Halloween Decorations
Source: @courtneyfitzp01
If you are looking for a cozy approach to Halloween decorations outdoor, then you should focus on incorporating a few Halloween-themed touches to more traditional fall decor.
Prioritize a warm, traditional palette filled with tones of orange, brown, and rustic materials such as wood and metal. Think of a fall harvest of pumpkins, aromatic herbs, and chrysanthemums in wicker baskets and terracotta planters.
Then finish your composition with a few, carefully placed spiders, some fun pillows, and miniature broomsticks are your window decor. The result will be cozy and understated but, at the same time, filled with character and fun details.
Include Scary Directional Signs
Source: @joyfulsouthernhome
Directional signs are great pieces of decor: timeless and filled with the pop culture references behind some of the most iconic Halloween stories.
Whether you want to add them to your porch, or attach them to a tree in your front yard, consider including scary directional signs in your decorations this year.
You can even create your signs from scratch to fully customize their appearance if you are looking for truly unique pieces. It will be a bit more time-consuming but worth the additional effort as you’ll be able to use them year after year!
Set Up The Perfect Witch Haven
Source: @decor_doctor
I would be lying if I didn’t mention that witches are my favorite part of Halloween (I am part of the generation raised on Harry Potter and Hocus Pocus after all!).
If you also love this theme, use your Halloween decorations outdoor to create the perfect witch club on your patio.
Bonus points if you replace your blackboard quote each morning with a fun new one. My favorite, in case you need inspiration, is “There’s a Little Witch in All of Us” from Practical Magic!
Create Your Own Halloween Art
Source: @courtneyfitzp01
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It can be challenging to fully upgrade your fall decor into a Halloween theme, especially if you decide to invest in more high-quality, expensive pieces at the beginning of the season.
A budget-friendly way to add a Halloween touch to your fall porch decor is to create your own Halloween art, framing it and displaying it alongside your existing pieces.
This will allow you to create art and signs that perfectly fit your aesthetic and also make it easier for you to switch them out next year for a new look with minimal investment.
Don’t worry if you are not the most creative. I love using Canva and existing templates to help me come up with fun ideas. Try it out!
Create the Perfect Trick or Treat Cart
Source: @margaretofyork (Margaret of York)
Halloween gives us some of the best candies of the year, making it treat season not only for the children that come ringing the door on the 31st but also for adults.
I always like setting up a Halloween candy cart near the entrance. This not only helps if you miss out on a trick-or-treater, but it can also be a welcomed surprise for any of your guests and delivery drivers.
The hardest part is not to stop by it each time you leave home!
Use Porch Signs
Source: @decor_ate_with_sharon
Porch signs are a fun way to include your favorite sayings in your Halloween decorations outdoor.
Whether you decide to hand-paint it yourself or opt for a ready-made one, make sure to include at least one in your decorations this year!
They tend to be ever-green pieces are you will be able to re-use them for many years to come. We love sustainable seasonal decorations!
Choose A Garland for Simple Decor
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If you are looking for ideas that take 5 minutes or less to recreate, then this one is for you.
No need to invest time and money in elaborate Halloween decorations outdoor if it feels overwhelming. At the end of the day, this process is supposed to be fun and a way for you to showcase your creativity and Halloween spirit.
For the perfect time-saving solution, opt for a beautiful Halloween garland. You can choose to hang it on your porch, on a tree in your front yard, or even by your entrance.
Mix And Match For An Eclectic Look
Source: @champsnshoppin
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If you are looking for a way to display all your favorite Halloween decorations outdoor without worrying too much about a specific decorating style or a grand vision, then an eclectic composition is what you need!
Grab all your favorite Halloween pieces you have collected over the years and be ready to try out different styling options.
Combine different styles, themes, and colors by creating an eclectic but tasteful mix of decorations for your outdoors. If you are not sure how to make certain pieces fit together, focus first on placing your larger, statement items and then move down from there until your fillers have their spot too.
Decorate Your Planters
Source: @hefinleyfarmhouse
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If you are looking for ways to include Halloween decorations outdoor but, at the same time, don’t want to distract from your garden’s beautiful flowers, consider combining the two.
Add decoration sticks to your planters for the perfect Halloween touch. Figurines such as pumpkins, witch props, and ghosts will make your flowers and herbs the stars of the show without sacrificing the holiday’s spirit!
Use Wooden Crates For A Budget-Friendly Option
It can be useful to protect your Halloween decorations outdoor from the weather, especially intend on displaying them for a long time.
Using wooden crates as the basis for your display will provide some structure to your decorations, making it also easier to protect pieces from wind and rain.
Make sure to combine different sizes and layouts for a stunning result.
Add A Scarecrow
Scarecrows are icons of fall and, in part, of Halloween itself.
If you are looking for decorations that can last through the entire season, consider adding a scarecrow to your selection.
You can keep it neutral or add a scary face and ripped clothes to embrace the darker side of Halloween decor. No matter the style, this piece is sure to be a timeless addition to your Halloween decorations outdoor.
Create Your Graveyard
Source: @ditaso_fashion_by_tanja
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Creepy graveyards are a staple of any worthy Halloween story.
Get creative and set up your graveyard in your front yard for the best on-theme decorations your neighborhood will see.
I like the idea of lightening up the theme by adding a few fun tombstones like the one in the inspiration photo above. It will be the perfect occasion to mourn your last paycheck and good summer weather!
Add Spiderweb to your Railing
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A spider web is a beautiful option for Halloween decorations outdoor.
Consider covering your railing, porch, or trees with it for an understated but impactful Halloween look.
Make sure to decide beforehand the surface you plan to cover with it and plan accordingly. For a beautiful result, you will likely need several layers and some time to arrange it well.
Keep It Simple
Source: @elizabethalpaughart_design
This idea is a simpler take on the giant spider set-up we looked at earlier. I think it’s a perfect example of how a simple, single-focus theme can still yield very gorgeous decorations.
Deciding on a specific type of decor, especially if the pieces are relatively easy to set up and low maintenance, can be a great way to turn Halloween decorations into a low-effort affair.
If you don’t love spiders, consider a set of paper pumpkin lanterns to display on your porch and windows. Another straightforward solution that will look just as great!
Add a Few Skeletons
Skeletons are a must-have when it comes to Halloween decorations outdoor.
Invest in a couple of skeletons and get creative with your setup. Think of funny facial expressions, hand placements, or a skit they could represent.
Give them names and watch them become the main characters of your Halloween decor.
Use String Lights
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Halloween is the night of flickering candles, lanterns, and moonlight.
Add to the beautiful lighting using on-theme string lights for the perfect atmosphere. This will also help keep the space safe and accessible as trick-or-treaters move through your yard and porch. I love a win-win decor solution.
To Conclude
This post showed you 22 ideas to create stunning Halloween decorations outdoor!
Get creative and step outside your comfort zone to embrace the spooky spirit and the magic that Halloween brings. All you need is attention to detail, good imagination, and a vision for your space.