Halloween is nearly here — the season of dusk, shadows, rustling leaves, trick or treat and a spooky tale or two. But it doesn’t have to mean purple and orange plastic. There’s a way to celebrate Halloween that feels atmospheric, moody, and entirely sustainable.
At Only Nice Things, we love this darker, more textured side of the season. But to be honest, we love it all year round. Mounted antlers, insects in resin, candle holders that lean distinctly gothic. It’s these pieces that bring real character.
And the best bit? You don’t have to pack them away on the 1st of November. These pieces can hang around a little longer while we get used to these dark nights and move into the most wonderful time of the year.
Creating Atmospheric Halloween Vignettes
Or just pretty collections to you and me. Small moments around your home, little corners that whisper “it’s autumn” rather than yell ‘boo!’
1. Mounted Antlers + Dark Textures
Find a wall or shelf. Mount some antlers (faux or real, but make it sustainable. Ours are vintage, sourced from hunting lodges being refitted and destined for the bonfire). Combine with dark wood, rich velvet, maybe some leather. The antlers are a proper focal point that can . Use candlelight or low lighting to throw interesting shadows. Our bakelite candle holders work beautifully here — tall taper holders, metal detailing. Chef’s kiss.
2. Insects in Resin + Natural Objects
Instead of foam pumpkins, think preserved insects in resin, shells, feathers, or dried flowers. Arrange them in glass cloches (or under glass bell jars) with vintage candleholders or dark ceramics around. It’s tactile, curious, odd — in a good way.
3. Candlelight & Flickers
Candles are central. Use Victorian (or Victorian style) holders in mixed metals or dark finishes. Let wax drip, use a range of shapes and sizes - pillars, votives, taper candles. Or cluster several small candles around a cloche or paperweight to catch reflections.
4. Layered Textures & Deep Colours
Layer in richer fabrics — velvets, brocades, damasks — over plain surfaces. Dark woods, gloss ceramics, metal textures: these all make a great contrast with softer elements. Our vintage pieces, glossy ceramics, and bold metal candle holders help with that mix. Feature walls are really not the one, instead use moody wallpaper or all four walls, or take deep paint colours up over your ceiling too.
5. Reuse, Collect, Curate Over Time
This is where sustainability meets style. Instead of swathes of plastic tat that will break in a few months, add just one or two pieces: a new candle-holder, antlers, an insect in resin, a weird and wonderful majolica plate. Let your Halloween décor grow into something meaningful, not mass-produced, not landfill fodder.
Creators Doing Dark & Sustainable Halloween Homes Beautifully
Here are a couple of designers and creators who set mood, mix vintage with curated pieces, and show how Halloween decor can be stylish, sustainable, and atmospheric. Credit fully to them — and inspiration for you.
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@kevrosehome — (Instagram: KevRoseHome) Instagram
Bold colonial-inspired rooms, strong contrasts, handmade pieces, natural textures and seashore finds. The seasonal vignettes show how dramatic objects and vintage finds make a home feel lived-in, curated, and atmospheric. Amazing cabinet of curiosity style bookshelves, and this year’s pool noodle octopus is a masterpiece! -
@dark.interiors — (Instagram) dark.interiors
They specialise in rich tones, dramatic shadows, layered vintage and curiosities. Their Halloween styling often features mounted antlers, dark ceramics, candle clusters. It feels thrilling rather than kitsch. And they go for it all year round. Love.
Halloween can be more than cartoon witches and mass-produced plastics. It can be about season, texture, mood, history, and objects you’ll keep. At Only Nice Things, we believe in decor with integrity — pieces that last, pieces that tell. If you approach Halloween decor as you would building a collection, you’ll end up with displays that feel hauntingly beautiful, personal, and lasting.
Here’s to a spooky season filled with candlelight, shadows, curious objects, and sustainable style. Gather what you love — you might find you already own the perfect piece to start.