I just love spooky season! Whether you go totally creepy for Halloween or you keep it toned down, there are so many ways to sprinkle touches of “spook” throughout your space! My taste in Halloween decor has evolved quite a lot over the years. From doing the bare minimum to going over the top – I’ve done it all. Now, I’m going to share how to create a simple yet spooky scene for Halloween that strikes just the right mood.

First up – spooky portraits. There is nothing that says “spook” quite like an old-style portrait. Whether you use an actual vintage piece or use a reproduction, you can’t go wrong with the authentic haunted vibe that comes from hanging a picture that looks as if its eyes may or may not be following you across the room (don’t you get that feeling from those old photos?!).

How to Create a Simple yet Spooky Scene for Halloween? Old Portraits.

I have a “thing” for adopting old portraits. I have quite the collection built and while I love to display them year-round, I do find they feel just right this time of the year. Now, if you don’t have your own authentic portraits to display, have no fear! There are so many options available to purchase and print wonderful quality reproductions. My favorite sources for high quality reproductions come from Etsy. Heirloom Print Shop is one of my favorites, but plug in a search for vintage prints and you’ll have oodles of options! Check out this authentic vintage portrait available in my shop, here!

This year, I decided to try a few cheapie changing portraits that I found on Amazon. I was pleasantly surprised at the quality of the portrait itself – the image is clear and the transformation is definite. The frame is a glossy black plastic – which wasn’t a surprise for the price. I decided to trim off the plastic frame and place the portrait inside 8×10 frames I had on hand. Frames are easy to find at a great price at thrift stores. Don’t forget discount stores like Dollar General will have simple frames at a good price for your very own spooky portrait gallery!

Simple Yet Spooky: Floating Candles, Spider Webs & More!

I love the illusion of floating objects. I’ve created hallways filled with floating witch hats and wanted to add candles to the mix this year. I grabbed a set of the Harry Potter candles from Pottery Barn. I also found a similar set on amazon for less, here!

Adding in a spider web or two can’t hurt, right? Use a few sheets of creepy cloth to achieve a truly organic and creepy vibe! See where I grab my creepy cloth, here!

Have you ever taken a death-defying trip on The Haunted Mansion ride at Disney Parks? One of my favorite scenes during the ride is when the doom buggies slowly creep by the singing heads in the graveyard. I use bust planters throughout the year but they make a fabulously moody addition to my spooky scenes, too. I filled this bust planter with dried maple leaves for a dramatic touch!

There you have it, my friends. You’re now armed with everything you need to create a simple yet spooky scene for Halloween! As always, do what you love and what fits your vibe. Adding a bit of spook to your seasonal decor doesn’t have to be complicated or spendy! Tell me how you add bits of “spook” to your space and as always, peace, love, & light (after coffee), all!