Finding the right Halloween decorations for small spaces has always been just a tad problematic.
First, you’ve got space limitations. This means that after the Halloween season passes you’ll be left with boxes filled with spider webs, Jack-o-lanterns, fake ghosts that have definitely seen better times, and no space to store them.
Second, I could never justify spending too much money on something that will be useful for only a month, tops. Yes, I’m very fun at parties. But I always promise myself that I’ll get some decorations post-season when they’re cheaper and I never do. Then, Halloween creeps closer once more and this blind circle starts all over again.
And I’m sure you’ve also been in at least one of these situations. May I say, deadly sure (Halloween, yay).
But what if I told you that there are Halloween decorations for small spaces that not only look amazing but can also stay up all year long?
Yes, stuff that you don’t have to hide in a box. This list contains items that can be used as a Halloween piece of decor but can also serve other purposes.
There’s only one thing to remember. The level of spookiness of some of these items relies on how you style them (what you pair them up with and where). But even more important is the atmosphere. Dimmed lights are an absolute must. A spooky soundtrack and sounds are advisable. DIY paper bats, spiders, or cobwebs are always welcome.
P.S.
This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase after clicking a link like that, I’ll earn a small commission (at no additional cost to you) to feed the bottomless pit that is my cat.
Skull organizer bowl
Skulls are a staple of Halloween decorations for small spaces at this point. And they are probably the most universal pieces of decor among all the witches, skeletons, and pumpkins.
This skull bowl is the perfect example of an elegant decorative piece. The matte finish tones down the harshness some usually associate with skulls. It looks chic but still a bit spooky – just what you want from a Halloween decoration you’d keep around longer
What to do after Halloween?
This particular skull bowl is a multipurpose piece.
You can put it by the entrance door and keep your keys in it. It will also make for a great jewelry box in a small bedroom. Necklaces hanging over its edges will give it a certain treasure-hunting vibe. Or you can use it as a planter (blood-red flowers would look amazing in it). Also, during Halloween, you can store candy in it. After, you can still store candy and snacks in it. Skulls are amazing, huh?
Color Changing String Lights
I absolutely love string lights. They tend to add this softness to the room no matter the season. But turn them orange and, oh boy, the Halloween spirit rages on.
These battery-operated fairy lights come in a set of 2. And, among 16 other different colors, they can glow the sweet pumpkin-y orange. You can hang them in your main room. For even cooler effect, attach these to your window with window decals in place. That’s one of the most ideal (and spookiest) Halloween decorations for small spaces.
Also, you can wrap them around your balcony railings (these are waterproof and safe for outdoor use). And if you do go the balcony route then, hey, you can keep them there all through the Christmas season.
What to do after Halloween?
There’s plenty of options. Hang them over your bed or your reading nook to create a soft, warm, atmosphere. Keep them in a mason jar to create a sweet night light or an alternative to candles. Attach polaroid pictures to them using decorative clothespins. That’s just a few cool ideas for string lights and there’s plenty more.
Spooky candles
What is more menacing than a skull-shaped candle? A melting skull-shaped candle. Gradually being eaten by the fire, beads of wax landing on its bare features. Its blank eyes staring at you in the low candlelight reminding you of the fleeting nature of our existence.
See why skull-shaped candles are perfect for Halloween?
And it’s not just the skull candles that can bring out the spookiness. These candles below, shaped like anatomically correct spines, already induce the creepiness without being lit. There’s a joke about “sending shivers down your spine” somewhere in here.
This polygonal kitty cat candle below is special. It contains a metal cat skeleton inside that gets uncovered the more you burn it. In the end, you’ll be left with a creepy but also kind of cute interpretation of a feline skeleton.
Black cats are already a common sight on Halloween. So you can keep this candle unburnt as a Halloween decoration. But if you want to terrify your visitors (or yourself) you might want to let it burn for a few hours.
What to do after Halloween?
This kind of candle can add a lot more personality and depth to your small apartment.
You can display them as accent decor pieces in visible places. Put these on a colorful or patterned tray to both catch the wax and make them more noticeable. Also, you can keep them unburnt and simply admire their intricate design. Plus, imagine what a conversation piece that would be: “Hey, have you seen my spines?”
Spooky pillows
If your couch is not in the best shape or seems too boring to your artistic eye – throw a pillow on it! Better yet, find a pillow that can serve as a standalone decoration piece for Halloween. Talk about killing two ravens with one stone (please, don’t hurt ravens).
You can, of course, go for a pillowcase with eyeballs, zombies, or menacing pumpkins. But if you want this purchase to count and stay put way past the Halloween season, go for something subtler. It’s like choosing between jump scares and thrilling suspense. One can get too old too quickly but the other one will stay with you for a long time.
SKELETONS, BLACK CATS, FOREST pillowcases via Amazon
Every piece of decor you have can contribute to creating a spooky Halloween atmosphere when the right time comes. Plus, you’ll have something to cuddle during the Halloween movies marathon. You’ll need all the moral support you can get.
What to do after Halloween?
Spooky pillowcases or not, it’s still a pillow. And a decorative one at that. To make sure it fits in well, choose a pillowcase that matches the color scheme of your room. But if you want to take a safer, less brain-crunching approach then, hey, black goes well with almost anything. And if you simply love cats, skulls, or crows then go ahead and show that off with these Halloween pillowcases.
Garlands
We often forget about garlands when styling walls. But we shouldn’t, because they are capable of adding a minimalist but gorgeous detailing to the room. And, in the right setting, they can be the ideal Halloween decorations for small spaces.
The wide variety of garlands allows you to choose what aesthetic you want to go for. Just look at the garlands in this section. One is a mysterious, elegant piece with phases of the moon that oozes magic and boho vibes. The second one is a bit more festive and fun, with colors perfectly reflecting the autumn spirit. But the third one is the most Halloween-centered, with ghostly lights twinkling on long, enchanting branches.
What to do after Halloween?
It all depends on you. You can leave them up as a small accent piece on your wall. Maybe, you can even surround them with framed art or pictures.
But you can also bundle up the garland, set it in a transparent container or vase, and use it as a bedding for faux flowers or twigs. Additionally, you can use them instead of string lights when styling your room.
Skull Wall Decals
These Halloween-themed wall decals will turn any surface into a beautiful accent wall. And who would’ve thought they could look so elegant? A bit gothic and edgy, but elegant nonetheless.
With dimmed lights and a couple of DIY paper bats, this scenery can become a full-blown Halloween bonanza. The skulls come in 40 different colors, including silver copper and gold.
Also, you can follow the aesthetic of the image above. Find a glass container that can serve as a vase and fill it with orange string lights (like the #1 from our list). Then, see if you can find a few branches in a nearby park or forest and add them to the vase. There you go, a spooky vignette to set the Halloween mood.
What to do after Halloween?
Minimalist vinyl decals such as these have been pretty popular for a while now. And no wonder, it’s a golden middle between bare walls and expensive wallpaper. So you can leave these up all year long. Add a few accents to the room in the same color as the skulls to make them work.
But if you change your mind, these Halloween decals can be safely removed without staining or damaging your walls. But why would you? Just look how they elevate and add personality to a blank white wall.
Crystals
Add a dash of witchcraft to your Halloween setting with these beautiful crystals. Crystals, such as quartz above, are commonly associated with magic and spells. So if you’d like something more sophisticated than Halloween-themed caricatures of witches, these babies are the way to go.
Crystals come in a variety of shapes, colors, and textures. Choosing the color is completely up to you. Now, as to shapes, since we’re talking Halloween decorations for small spaces, I’d go for a tower shape (pictured above). Tall crystals like these take up little space but definitely draw attention to themselves.
Combine these crystals with candles or string lights to bring out the spookiness. This will also bounce the light around your room creating a mysterious atmosphere.
What to do after Halloween?
There’s no denying, crystals are a beauty to admire. So use it in styling your apartment. Keep them in a cluster as an accent piece on your bookshelf. Combine them with other things you love to create a lovely vignette. Incorporate them into a succulent terrarium. Set them up on your desk to create a soothing atmosphere. This is where you let your inner stylist roam free.
Moon Wall Clock
I’ll just skip waxing poetics about interior design for once. Let’s put it simply. This clock is gorgeous.
As for Halloween, well, a full moon and Halloween are a perfect pairing. You can cut out bats or spiders out of black paper and stick them to the clock if you need more spookiness. They will look especially menacing at night, backlit by the glow of the clock.
What to do after Halloween?
Choosing the right Halloween decorations for a small space is a matter of functionality. If a piece can perform multiple functions without taking up valuable space, it’s a go. And this clock ticks all the boxes. It sits on a wall, looks stunning, tells time, and glows in the dark. Leave it up and enjoy the view.
Window Decals
HarborDesignCo
Window decals are the best Halloween decorations for small spaces. No extra space needed, no wires, no damage from rain or wind. Applying them is simple and, boy, do they look spooky!
Jack and Sally, Black cat window decals via Etsy
If you want to make the best of Halloween decals, here’s what to do. Make sure you have opaque blinds or curtains on the window. This will give the window a smooth background to make it pop. Next, attach string lights to the inner frame of your window and turn them on. This will put your decal in the spotlight and will draw attention to it from the streets.
What to do after Halloween?
You leave the decal on the window. This especially makes sense if you get the ”Nightmare before Christmas” decals. Why? Well, because the movie covers two holidays at once, so you’ll be all set for the Christmas season. Plus, Sally and Jack are such an iconic couple that transcends holidays and decorations. So, if you love the movie, let it show on your window.
Spooky blankets
These spooky blankets surely live up to their name. You wouldn’t normally think of a blanket as a Halloween decoration, but that’s where you’re missing out. It’s just what your sofa needs to live up to the spooky Halloween expectations. And if you combine a blanket like this with the pillows we’ve mentioned before, you’re getting double points.
Another thing you could do is use a blanket as a drapery on your walls as mentioned in our post on accent walls. Plus, drapery is getting more and more recognition these days in the interior design circles, so you’ll be on trend.
What to do after Halloween?
There are a couple of reasons why blankets make for great Halloween decorations for small spaces. First, a single blanket can completely transform the look and style of your sofa. And in this case, we’re going for a cozy but mysterious abode of the Supreme.
Second, you can use it as drapery and hang it on your wall. Whether you do it for Halloween only or leave it for the whole year is up to you. But going this route will add a more interesting texture to your apartment than a regular piece of art.
But no matter what is woven or printed on it, it’s still a cozy warm blanket. You can never have too many blankets like this.
Halloween soap bars
How do you dress up a bathroom for a Halloween season? The cheapest and most effective way is the most festive or spookiest soap you can find. Whatever floats your boat.
Cleanse your skin with the pastel skulls of your enemies. Embrace the power and bubbles oozing from an Ouija board. Feel the texture of someone’s fingers as you soap up your own. Release your new pet tarantula from its glycerin confinements with perfect hygiene.
Ouija board, fingers, spider soaps via Etsy
What to do after Halloween?
It’s soap. Let it fulfill its destiny.
Candle luminaries
Lighting up a luminary like this is one of the easiest ways of creating a mysterious Halloween atmosphere. The shadows cast on your walls by a tea light candle will be perfect in their eeriness. Just what this holiday calls for. It is one of the ultimate Halloween decorations for small spaces that can make a big difference in little time.
What to do after Halloween?
The craftsmanship put into this luminary makes it beautiful in every light. The light color and wooden texture will be easy to match with almost any interior. In daylight, it looks delicate and brings a sense of lightness to the room. But at night, when you light up a candle, it can transport you to another world.
The soft light can help you unwind after a long day, be a great companion to soft music or to binge-watching your favorite horror movies.
Spooky bookmarks
Here’s a piece of simple advice for decorating small spaces for Halloween. Use what you already have and enhance it. The enhancing bit can be achieved through DIY projects or by adding small details to your belongings that will completely transform them. The devil is in the details.
You can create your own spellbook by adding these bookmarks to old yellowed books or vintage-styled notebooks. But if you don’t have those, you can get some on a flea market for cheap or just stick with any book you have. Put a messily arranged stack of books somewhere visible and add one of these bookmarks (or all of them) to the mix. It will look like a private library of a messy but genius witch, plotting to create her next powerful and terrifying curse.
What to do after Halloween?
First and foremost, these are bookmarks. Use them as such.
Or get creative and try to fit them in somewhere interesting. Between drawers, under a desktop monitor, or maybe under a standing lamp? You can have infinite fun with these.
EDIT: these bookmarks are, unfortunately, no longer available. However, you can check out this shop with similar 3D bookmarks.
Pumpkin succulent planters
If you’re going to dress up your own home for Halloween, your succulents deserve the same treatment. Not only your green succulents would look great coupled with bright orange, but they’ll also look like a live top of the pumpkin. You can get a bunch of these pumpkin succulent planters and arrange them in a little Halloween display. But you can also couple them with other items on this list (the candles, for example) to create a spooky vignette.
Pumpkins come in many colors and so do these planters. So if you are a bit on the fence with keeping a bright orange ol’ Jack all year long, you’ve got options. The trio of succulents above still looks like pumpkins but will be easier to match to a more toned-down interior design.
ceramic Pumpkin planters via Etsy
What to do after Halloween?
Well, you can keep your succulents in them for as long as you want.
Then again, you could replant them in some other succulent pot. You can then use the pumpkin planter as a small organizer. The ceramic ones above even have a lid that will keep your possessions safe from the eyes.
Skull lamp
If you want your table lamp to be something more than a light bulb on a stick, you know what you need to do. Add a skull to the mix!
These table lamps not only look unique but also pose as the ultimate Halloween decorations for small spaces you can keep up all year. These spooky babies also come in a variety of colors and lamp shade styles. Additionally, you can browse the store for other types of skull lamps, including a more industrial version.
But what really makes them special, is that on Halloween they will shine. Literally and figuratively. To create a spooky atmosphere, just turn all the other lights off. Let the skull be the first thing people see when they enter the room. Spookfest initiated.
What to do after Halloween?
As I said before, this lamp is unique. Not often do you come across a table lamp that can be a standalone accent piece and not bankrupt you. So use it as your most prized possession. Show it off.
Macbook Spooky Book Cases
Remember how I said that a key to decorating a small apartment is multifunctionality? Well, meet another piece that will serve you well on a daily basis but will also look awesome as a Halloween decoration.
These Macbook cases imitate famous book covers to the smallest detail. You can find a case for multiple Macbook and iPad models.
The store offers a wide selection of books but I’ve focused on finding the most Halloween appropriate. So basically it’s Edgar Allan Poe, Harry Potter spell books, fairytales (that are a lot more terrifying than we’ve been led to believe), and Frankenstein.
Edgar Allan Poe, Harry Potter, Frankenstein cases via Superbook
How do you turn these into Halloween decorations? Well, you can set them up against a wall or a back of a bookshelf. This way, they can serve as a backdrop for other spooky items from this list. For one thing, coupling one of these cases with candles and crystals will create a mysterious witchy vignette.
What to do after Halloween?
Use a case of your choice to carry your Macbook around. This will not only protect your laptop but will also help you express your personality. Plus, they just look awesome and that’s reason enough to get one.
EDIT: this shop is, unfortunately, no longer available. However, check out this shop that makes laptop cases out of recycled books (some very fitting for a Halloween setting).
Skull bookends
If spooky bookmarks fail to create your perfect spellbook library, no worries. These skull bookends will definitely do the trick. Spooky, menacing, but elegant, they’ll transform any stack of books into something way more terrifying.
These stunning bookends are available in multiple colors. So you can match the color to your interior’s color scheme, your books, or just go with your favorite color. No matter what approach you choose, they’d still do a great of job of being passively terrifying this Halloween season.
What to do after Halloween?
I’d pair these with a personal collection of horror novels. Alternatively, if you are a medical student, you know that your textbooks were made to rest between these bookends, right?
But in all seriousness, adding skulls to your interior design is a bold way of giving it an alternative spin. Try it.
Decorative Pumpkins
Around Halloween, it’s hard to ignore pumpkins. But what’s even harder is to find pumpkins that can serve as Halloween decorations for small spaces and be on an all-year-round display without it being weird.
Fortunately, there are decorative pieces that are shaped like pumpkins. This includes velvet pillows or handpainted faux pumpkins that utilize classic, easy-to-match patterns.
These pumpkins are not spooky in a conventional way. But in the right lighting and arrangement, they certainly can be.
Look at decorative pumpkins as a way to add more interesting textures to your surroundings. A knit pumpkin will warm up the place, making you want to cuddle up with a good book and a cup of tea. Ceramic handpainted ones look sophisticated and high-end, just what you need to add more chic to your abode. Anyone can find something for themselves.
Knit pumpkins via Nevada knits
What to do after Halloween?
Use them as a decorative piece when styling your apartment. Associated with warm autumn and harvest, they can make you feel more relaxed and welcome at home. So the faux pumpkins would look great in a kitchen or living room.
The same goes for pumpkin pillows. Yes, they’ll do great on a sofa or a chair but they’ll truly “pop” anywhere but.
Skull vase
Let’s end this list on a beautiful, delicate, flowery note. And, you guessed it, skulls because Halloween is their time to shine.
These vases are similar to the skull organizer we’ve seen before. But its shape is now more uniform and fluid, not taking the attention away from the flowers but adding to them. Although flowers and skulls are a classic pairing, dating back to the 16th century and Vanitas, they can still do a pretty good job of spooking your visitors.
For Halloween, you can use them as vases, sure. But you can also fill one of these skulls with a blood-red drink, spooky cookies, or fake spiders.
What to do after Halloween?
It’s a skull-shaped vase. So you can use it occasionally for fresh flowers. Or you can create your own composition using faux flowers, twigs, battery-operated string lights, and any other details that can come to mind. After all, you have to pretty up your new bony roommate.
Got your head swirling from all the ideas for Halloween decorations for small spaces? Then don’t forget to pin this post to your “Halloween” Pinterest board so no ideas slip your mind 😉
