Halloween decorations, however wonderful, aren’t typically known for being particularly subtle. This year, take things in a different direction with some creepy but chic Halloween mantel decor ideas below. From elegant to gothic, these boo-tiful scroll stoppers from Instagram will bring you all the spook without sacrificing style.
Fireplace mantels are a fantastic opportunity to showcase little bits and bobs of seasonal decor, and Halloween is no exception. If you’re looking to switch things up on your mantel for the spooky season but don’t want it to look like a scene straight out of a horror movie, look no further. We’ve rounded up 23 of the best Halloween mantel decor ideas that feel stylish and just the right amount tacky (that’s part of it, after all!).
Whether you’re planning on going all out with a haunting display or prefer something a little more subdued, there’s bound to be an idea below that speaks to your Halloween style. So scroll on for some major mantelspiration, and get ready to give your fireplace the treatment it deserves come October 31.
But before we let you feast on all that Halloween eye candy, we must give credit where credit is due. These Instagrammers below have some serious skills in crafting a mantel that’s both scary and chic, so be sure to give them a follow for more holiday decorating inspo.
OK, let’s get the pumpkin rolling!
Eerie and Elegant Minimal Mantel
This elegant and minimal mantel decor is perfect for those who prefer to keep things bare-bones (if you’ll pardon the pun). A few simple elements—bat cutouts, a painted pumpkin, and a witch’s cat perched on the mantel shelf—are all it takes to create a spooky yet understated look.
Batty (but Chic) Halloween Mantel
Spook and style go hand-in-hand with this next mantel decor idea. A swarm of paper bats takes center stage, while the black flower vase and moody candlesticks add a touch of elegance. Pair that with a few strategically placed pumpkins, and you’ve got a chic Halloween mantel that’s sure to impress.
Floating Candles Halloween Mantel
@reserve_home kept things subtle with a smattering of candles seemingly suspended in midair. An occasional pumpkin on the coffee table helps explain what’s going on, in case it’s too subtle… Ten points to Gryffindor (and a few extra for style) if you pull this one off!
Gourd-Geous Halloween Mantel
Move over, ghosts and goblins! This mantel is all about celebrating the humble pumpkin in all its glory. From glitzy gourds to pumpkin pillows, it has us feeling all sorts of Halloween excitement. Fall leaves and grasses help to round things out, resulting in a display that is equal parts festive and chic.
Haunted Farmhouse Halloween Mantel
Creepy spiders, crows, and pumpkins—eek! This next mantel has all the rustic charm of a country farmhouse, with a few spooky props thrown in for good measure. Even the cotton spider webs, a staple of tacky Halloween decor, seem to add an artful touch to the ensemble.
Black & White Neutral Halloween Mantel
Though this mantel has creepy factor in spades (bats, crows, pumpkins, and Mr. Bones himself!), the constrained color scheme doesn’t assault the eyes. By eschewing the traditional oranges and blacks of Halloween, @stephaniehannablog created a look that is both stylish and on-theme.
Gothic Glam Halloween Mantel
A black painted mantel is a natural way to give your Halloween decor a spooky edge. But one sitting against a black wall? Now that’s downright scary! This haunting display from @houseofnebu is the epitome of gothic glam, with its all-black color palette and luxe details.
Ghoul-den Halloween Mantel
And speaking of glam, gold Halloween mantel decor is having a moment! While it’s more glitzy than gore, it’s perfect for the more mature crowd who still want to get into the Halloween spirit. Get crafty with some spray paint to achieve a similar look as @treehousethreadsblog.
Rustic Halloween Fireplace Mantel
For larger rooms, don’t be afraid to think outside the box (or, in this case, the mantel) and carry your Halloween theme throughout the entire space. @lizmariegalvan lined her mantel with jack-o’-lanterns and then placed a few more around the room for a cohesive look. Simply boo-tiful!
Dark and Dashing Halloween Mantel
Here’s a perfectly balanced Halloween mantel from @our.cozy.white.home. The TV anchors the display, while the twigs and bats add just the right amount of weight on either side. We love how she’s used black and white as her base colors, with pops of orange for a Halloween-themed twist.
Cozy White Jack-O’-Lantern Mantel
Who says Halloween means orange and black? We love how these jack-o-lanterns blend into the neutral color palette of creams and whites. The fall leaf garland and candles add to the cozy vibe, making this mantel the perfect place to curl up with a pumpkin latte on a chilly autumn night.
Bewitching Halloween Mantel
If you’ve got an old Halloween costume lying around the house, now’s the time to put it to good use! This next mantel features a little witch’s hat and cape as part of the decor. The metallic fabric feels right at home with the gold-and-green color scheme, and the overall effect is surprisingly chic.
Glitzy Faux Halloween Mantel
This faux mantel proves that Halloween doesn’t have to be all about gore and ghouls (and that you don’t need a working fireplace to create a stunning mantel display). A few gilded pumpkins, a minimalist print, and some DIY bats come together for a glamorous take on the holiday.
Sophisticated and Spooky Halloween Mantel
@crazywonderfulblog created a dramatic scene that extends past the fireplace with bats fluttering on the walls and pumpkins spilling out of the firebox and onto the floor. The mantel is clearly the focus of this look, but it feels like the whole room is decorated for Halloween—a spooktacular feat!
Moody Falloween Mantel
If the fall season were a mantel, it would probably look a lot like this one from @gold_is_a_neutral. Oranges and greens abound, with plenty of gourds and leaves on display. An ideal setup for anyone who doesn’t want to switch gears too much come October.
Black Twig Wreath Halloween Mantel
If a trip to a haunted forest is on your Halloween bucket list, this mantel is for you. The black wreath immediately sets the scene, while the rest of the decorations add to the spooky vibe. But watch out! The branches may just be harboring a few ghosts of their own…
Rainbow Pumpkin Halloween Mantel
A rainbow of mini pumpkins is a far cry from the traditional jack-o-lantern, but we love how they look on this mantel from @leannelimwalkerhome. If you’re planning on hosting a Halloween party this year, this is a great way to add extra color and fun to your home decor without going too over the top.
Witch Hat Halloween Mantel
Stylish Halloween mantel ideas don’t get much better than this! Floating witch hats, Harry Potter hanging candlesticks, and pumpkin galore make this mantel ideal for any aspiring witch or wizard. And the bat-infested tree sitting on the hearth is just the icing on the cake.
Hocus-Pocus Halloween Mantel
Once again, the black-and-white Halloween mantel decor turns the traditional orange and black on its head (but still looks the part.) A garland reading “hocus pocus” is the focal point of this display, with other decorations like pumpkins and monochrome prints beautifully layered on top.
Boho Halloween Mantel of Horrors
Up next, we have a fireplace mantel taken straight out of a horror movie (literally)! Do you remember the gruesome man-eating plant from Little Shop of Horrors? It provided @bohofrisco with the perfect inspiration for her Halloween decor. Plant parents, take note!
Black Magic Halloween Mantel
To initiate you into the dark arts of Halloween decorating, we present this spooky mantel from @daniellemoss_. Black floating candles, decorative bats, and ghosts lining the mantel create a truly bewitching display. Just open up your spell book and let the magic begin!
Crescent Moon Halloween Mantel
More-is-more Halloween maximalists, we have a treat for you! This mantel from @jaglever is a bit busy, but it still looks amazing. A fall wreath hangs above the mantel, while a crescent moon, pumpkins, bats, and skulls create a spooky scene below. So much Halloween goodness all in one place!
Trick-or-Treat Halloween Mantel
Halloween mantel decor, but make it extra small. Every piece on this mantel is miniature, from the pumpkins to the garlands to the spooky signs. Proportions are key when working with limited space, and this dainty vignette hits the mark. Not too overwhelming, but still on-theme and fun!
Over to You!
Mantel decor is a fun way to bring Halloween into your home, but it doesn’t have to be tacky or overdone. And while skulls, skeletons, and spiders might be the first things that come to mind when you think of the holiday, we hope these Halloween mantel ideas have shown you that there are plenty of other ways to decorate for the season. So whether you keep things simple with a few white pumpkins or go all out with a display that would make even the Addams Family proud, make sure your existing style shines through!
One of the easiest ways to decorate for Halloween is to swap out existing art with seasonal prints. At Displate, we have a huge selection of Halloween-themed posters that are perfect for mantels, walls, and more. Plus, they’re easy to switch out when the holiday is over! From vintage Halloween art prints to Universal Monsters posters to Marvel Halloween designs, we’ve got something for everyone.
What are your favorite Halloween mantel decorating ideas from the list? Let us know in the comments below! And be sure to check out our Halloween Pinterest board for more Halloween inspiration.
Happy haunting!
