6 Tacky Halloween Decor Pieces That Instantly Make a Home Look Bad

Many people love decorating the inside of their home as well as the front yard in honor of Halloween, but when it comes to this type of seasonal decor, pros have strong opinions on what to display and what to skip. Many beloved Halloween decor items read as tacky, expert interior designers say, and you’re better off avoiding them entirely. That said, there are still plenty of creative approaches that you can take to decorate for the season and holiday in style.

Here, learn more about six types of Halloween decor that interior designers would love to see you pass up. They also share insights on what to showcase in order to welcome the holiday through a more aesthetically pleasing lens.

Neon or Brightly Colored Signs

Many interior designers aren’t big fans of yard signs as it is, but you will especially want to steer clear of any that are neon or brightly colored, according to Audrey Scheck, the founder of Audrey Scheck Design.

“These often compete with a home’s natural tones and can take away from the cozy, layered atmosphere we aim to create,” says Scheck.

It’s wiser to stay within a color palette that complements your home’s exterior and natural surroundings—think earthy, warm tones that reflect the landscape and hues around you.

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Plastic Decorations

Scheck also isn’t a proponent of decorating for the holidays using plastic accents, noting that they often don’t last from one year to the next.

“We prefer pieces that feel lasting and thoughtfully made,” she says.

Your best alternative? Weave some natural elements into your Halloween display, such as pumpkins and wreaths, the designer shares—after all, these are classic for a reason! This is a more sustainable approach, too.

Inflatables

Sure, young children may go wild for inflatables, but that doesn’t mean you should put them in your yard. Stephanie Brown, the founder of Saint Louise Design, considers a yard full of inflatable decor to be at the top of her list of what not to do come Halloween, noting that this can “quickly feel chaotic,” she says. If you really must incorporate one to satisfy your kids, select it wisely, she suggests.

“The key is choosing one high-impact inflatable, instead of letting them take over,” Brown says.

Incorporating Too Many Themes

Just as you wouldn’t try to embrace too many different themes during the normal year, you shouldn’t attempt to do so during the Halloween season, either, Brown instructs. However, she notes that many people will take this approach, especially as it pertains to their outdoor display.

“Witches, clowns, aliens, and cartoon characters all in one yard just feel disjointed,” the designer says.

Consider this the right time to play favorites, Brown adds, explaining that you will really want to edit and land on no more than two themes for your display.

Colored Cobwebs

Brown says that she has failed to see colored cobwebs really shine in anyone’s yard.

“No matter how you stretch them, neon orange or bright green webs always look fake,” she says.

That said, decorating with cobwebs is still totally fair game in her book; just think about going neutral. “I would stick to classic white if you love the look,” Brown says.

Throw Pillows

Tempted to spice up your front porch or living room with the addition of a few seasonal throw pillows? Rethink using any with cheeky phrases on them, instructs Elizabeth Vergara, the CEO and founder of Vergara Homes.

“They’re tacky, clash with other decor, and eventually become out of style,” she says.

There’s nothing wrong with opting for colored or patterned pillows with seasonal designs and calling it a day—just skip the words!