An interiors expert reveals seven Halloween decorating mistakes that can make your home look tacky.
Spooky season is officially here, and many of us will be busy decorating our homes with pumpkins, skeletons, and cobwebs.
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Mother and daughter scooping carved pumpkins. Make a jack-o-lantern in your own kitchen. Credit: Getty
But Halloween decoration expert Miriam Gomez of J Bell Services says many people make mistakes when decorating their homes that can leave a bad impression on the neighbors. I made it clear.
too much orange and black
Orange and black are classic Halloween colors, but too much of them can make your home look like a Halloween shop, Miriam said.
She says, “Orange and black are great for Halloween decorations, but the key is subtlety.
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Mature woman in costume decorating home for Halloween. Everything has to be perfect when the family gets together. She is hanging different types of garlands Credit: Getty
“Instead of flooding every corner of your home with bold color, mix it with neutral colors like gray or deep purple.
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“This creates a more sophisticated look without losing the spooky vibe.”
plastic gravestone
Experts have revealed that plastic gravestones are often perceived as cartoonish rather than creepy.
She said: “Plastic headstones tend to be ungainly and sticky.
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Halloween display featuring ghosts, tombstones and Dracula. Credit: Getty
“If you want to create the feel of a haunted cemetery, choose smaller, more modest pieces, or make your own gravestones out of wood or cardboard for a more authentic DIY feel.”
too many lights
String lights are a classic Halloween decoration, but using too many can be overwhelming.
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Miriam says, “When it comes to Halloween lights, less is more.
“Use dim, warm-colored lighting and candles to create an eerie yet inviting atmosphere.
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Experts say too much light can be overwhelming Credit: Getty
“Avoid flashing or too bright lights, as they can strain your eyes and detract from the spooky atmosphere.”
Faux materials and excessive glitter
Faux plastic decorations and buckets of glitter can make your home look fancy.
how to save on halloween
Cuttings are not saved: Once carved, pumpkins last only 3 to 5 days before they start to rot. So, wait until a day or two before Halloween to carve so you don’t have to buy a replacement.
Cold Carving: Carve your pumpkin correctly the first time. To avoid mistakes, download a free template from Hobbycraft.
Devilish Cheap Decor: Make a spooky spider web using old string or rope.
Save money on face paint: Cut costs by using old eyeliner or eyeshadow, and dab on talc if you want a ghostly white shade.
Cut-price candy: Before you buy sweets to hand out as treats, empty your cupboard and see what’s in there. If you need more, buy in bulk sales and compare prices per kilo before purchasing.
Petrify your pot luck: To keep hosting costs down, have your guests bring delicious, themed food to your party.
Songs that will send chills down your spine: Turn to YouTube for some scary-good free playlists. There are dozens of channels with hour-long music mixes.
Make a spooky swish: Swishing, or swapping clothes with friends, is an easy way to get a new wardrobe. Host a spooky swish before Halloween and swap costumes for kids and adults.
Scary giveaways: Register for your local free Halloween event. Check your local Nextdoor or Facebook pages or search eventbrite.co.uk for ideas.
Blood Deal: Don’t go for expensive fake blood. Create your own edible version instead. It can be used for decorating cakes and costumes.
Shop on November 1st: Head to the store the day after Halloween to stock up and bag next year’s bargains. Be sure to purchase a larger size for your child’s costume as they grow.
Miriam says: ‘Too much glitter or fake materials, such as plastic skeletons or faux spider webs, can make your decorations look cheap.
“Stick to real pumpkins, dried leaves, and natural textures to create a classier, more authentic Halloween atmosphere.”
loud repeating sound
“Boo” and “gar” decorations may seem fun when you first purchase them, but they can quickly become very annoying.
Miriam says: “Sound machines with screeching effects or loud, repetitive music can destroy the spooky atmosphere you’re aiming for.
“Instead, choose soft environmental sounds, such as the rustling of leaves or a distant howl.
“This creates an atmosphere of anxiety without overwhelming the neighbors.”
inflatable garden decoration
Miriam says inflatable garden decorations may seem exaggerated, but they often look tacky.
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Inflatable decorations can be a nuisance to neighbors Credit: Getty
Experts say, “Some inflatables can be funny, but oversized pumpkins, ghosts, and zombies usually clash with the spooky atmosphere you want to create.”
“It can also easily drift into your neighbor’s garden, which is not ideal.
“Instead, consider using more classic decorations like carved pumpkins and natural elements that enhance the Halloween spirit without sacrificing style.”
Does not incorporate classic elements
Carved pumpkins with expertly crafted designs are timeless and add festive charm to any home.
Miriam says: “Carving a real pumpkin with a unique design or traditional face adds character and authenticity.
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Pumpkins give your home a classy and authentic feelCredit: Getty
“You can also collect natural materials like corn stalks, twigs, and dark leaves to display around your front door.
“This approach creates a warm and cozy atmosphere while maintaining a spooky touch, making your home feel both festive and stylish.”
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