23+ Black and White Halloween Decor Ideas
The classic black and white color combination captures Halloween’s mysterious spirit while bringing sophisticated spookiness to any home without the typical orange chaos. This timeless monochromatic palette creates dramatic visual impact that feels both elegant and eerily atmospheric.
We’ve gathered 27 hauntingly beautiful ideas that blend timeless elegance with seasonal fun, ranging from quick five-minute projects to elaborate weekend undertakings. These black and white decorations will make your home look frighteningly fabulous while maintaining the sophisticated aesthetic you love all season long.
1. Skeleton Garland
Seriously, a skeleton garland is way more fun than the usual paper bats or pumpkin lights. Grab a pack of those miniature plastic skeletons (dollar stores or craft shops have them, just make sure they’re jointed so you can pose them), and some sturdy black twine.
Use a needle or a sharp skewer to poke a hole through each skeleton’s hand or skull-don’t worry, they’re tougher than they look-and thread them onto the twine, spacing them a few inches apart. The trick is to bend each skeleton into a different “dance move” before hanging, so they look like they’re mid-spooky rave.
Hang the garland across your mantel or doorway, let the bones catch the light (bonus points if you use glow-in-the-dark paint on a few), and watch as their shadows creep up the wall whenever someone walks by. It’s cheap, creative, and a little bit eerie-Halloween nailed, right?
2. Black Cat Silhouettes
Cutting out black cat shapes from matte cardstock is way easier than it looks, just grab a few reference cat pose images online (arched backs, stretching, prowling) and trace them onto the cardstock before cutting them out. Stick them up on your white walls with double-sided tape, clustering some for drama or spacing them for a stealthy effect.
The real trick: poke tiny holes for the eyes and tuck little yellow LED fairy lights behind each cat’s face, so the eyes glow in the dark-don’t overdo the light, just a subtle gleam does the trick. Mix up the cat’s sizes and poses to make it look like they’re creeping along your walls; it creates a playful sense of movement, and honestly, people will ask where you got them.
3. White Pumpkins with Black Paint
Start with smooth, white pumpkins-real or faux, either works. Using matte or glossy black acrylic paint and a fine-tipped brush, sketch out dramatic Victorian scrolls, lacey spiderwebs, or gothic patterns directly onto the pumpkin’s surface.
Don’t stress about perfection; a steady hand helps, but a little wobble just adds to the haunted mansion vibe. For extra flair, let some designs drip artistically down the sides, it creates a shadowy, candlelit look.
Group a few together on your mantel or dining table for instant, sophisticated Halloween drama-no carving or mess required, and you can reuse them year after year.
4. Spider Web Tablecloth
Picture this: a gauzy, white tablecloth printed with an insanely detailed spider web pattern, tossed over your dining or coffee table. The translucent fabric lets the dark tabletop peek through, really showing off the web’s design when light hits it just right.
Sprinkled across are little black spiders (they’re printed, not real-promise), which add just enough creepy-cute detail without being overkill. The scalloped edges mimic the look of actual web tendrils, giving the whole thing a super elegant, haunting vibe.
Just drape it right out of the package, no ironing needed, and let it instantly set the scene for your Halloween spread-plus, cleanup’s a breeze since it hides crumbs and fingerprints better than you’d think.
5. Bat Wall Decals
Grab a pack of matte black bat wall decals (you’ll find them everywhere this season), then start arranging them on a white wall-no fancy tools needed, just peel and stick. For that wow-factor, mix up the bat sizes and angles; cluster the tiny ones at the “tail” and let the bigger bats take the lead, as if they’re bursting from a corner or swirling above a mantle.
The trick is in the movement: angle some to dive or swoop, so they look like they’re actually mid-flight, not just stuck in a row. Step back every few minutes to see how your swarm’s taking shape, and adjust for the most realistic effect.
When Halloween’s over, they peel off clean, no damage or mess, and you’re left with a blank canvas for your next idea.
6. Skull Candle Holders
Grab a couple of weathered ceramic skull candle holders-bone white with intricate black details around the eyes and teeth, these things are instant conversation starters. Pop in some tall black candles, and let them drip white wax down the sides for that perfectly creepy, haunted look.
The candlelight flickers, casting dancing shadows across the skulls’ faces, which somehow makes them even more eerie after dark. Set them on your mantel, dining table, or even your porch for a gothic touch, and don’t stress about arranging them perfectly; a little asymmetry adds to the haunted-house vibe.
If you want to go all in, scatter a few faux cobwebs or sprigs of black faux foliage around them, you’ll have a dramatic centerpiece with barely any effort.
7. Black and White Striped Candles
Start with a set of tall, black and white striped pillar candles-these are the centerpiece of your moody Halloween display. Place them on a vintage silver tray (you can usually score one at a thrift store), letting the metallic finish bounce candlelight around in flickering patterns.
Don’t worry about the wax drips; actually, let the melted wax build up and run down the sides, it adds to the haunted, gothic vibe you’re after. Cluster a few miniature raven figurines among the candles, nestling them right up against the wax pools.
Tuck in some dried black roses for a touch of romance and decay-if you can’t find actual black roses, spray paint dried blooms yourself. The trick here is keeping everything grouped together, so the candlelight casts bold, dramatic shadows on a white wall behind your setup.
It’s a super easy way to make a striking, mysterious focal point for your Halloween table or mantel.
8. Ghost String Lights
Grab a pack of mini LED string lights, and drape each bulb with a square of sheer white fabric-think tulle or cheesecloth works best. Twist a bit of thread or fishing line under each bulb’s “head” to create that iconic ghost shape, and let the ends of the fabric trail down for an extra wispy effect.
Hang them across your mantel, bookshelf, or even a doorway, letting the translucent fabric float and shift with every draft; the soft white glow against a black wall looks super moody and spectral, it’s spooky without being cheesy. These DIY ghosts are reusable, so you can stash them away and use ‘em again next year-just don’t be surprised if guests ask where you bought them!
9. Polka Dot Witch Hats
Grab a set of classic witch hats-think dramatic, tall, and matte black-and give them a playful twist with a smattering of crisp white polka dots. Use fabric paint or iron-on vinyl for the spots, and don’t worry about consistency, varied sizes makes it look more whimsical.
Next, add a dash of old-school glam: pin on a few vintage pearl hat pins and dangle some delicate silver spider charms from the brim. Arrange your finished hats on antique hat stands (thrift stores are goldmines for these), then cluster them on your mantel or entry table.
Altogether, it’s a striking mix of spooky, stylish, and a little bit cheeky-guaranteed to get compliments at your Halloween party!
10. Black Lace Doilies
Start by layering black lace doilies with spiderweb and skull patterns over a crisp white tablecloth-don’t worry about perfect symmetry, let them overlap at different angles for a cool, dimensional look. The contrast makes those gothic designs pop, and the layered shadows add instant drama.
If you want that vintage, haunted vibe, gently fray the edges with a seam ripper or your fingers (just go slow so you don’t wreck the whole thing). Scatter some tiny silver sequins around for a little unexpected shimmer, it catches candlelight and makes the whole setup feel more magical.
This trick is perfect for a Halloween dinner or snack table, and you can even mix in a few plain black or white doilies to break up the pattern. Bonus: thrift stores are goldmines for these doilies, so you don’t have to splurge on brand new ones.
11. White Pumpkins with Black Polka Dots
Turn white pumpkins into instant showstoppers by hand-painting black polka dots in different sizes all over their surfaces-don’t stress about making the dots perfect, the hand-done charm is half the fun! Use glossy black acrylic paint for extra contrast and shine, letting each layer dry before you add a second coat for that super-bold look.
Once dry, arrange your spotted pumpkins on a distressed white staircase, weaving a sleek black velvet ribbon between them for a sophisticated, cohesive vibe. If you’ve got moonlight or a spotlight handy, let it highlight those smooth, dotted surfaces for extra drama.
This setup is chic, playful, and totally Instagram-worthy, plus it’s surprisingly fast to pull together, you’ll be amazed at how it elevates the whole space.
12. Skull Mason Jars
Grab a few mason jars and give them a totally macabre upgrade-here’s how: Start by cleaning the jars and taping off any spots you don’t want painted. Print or trace anatomically correct skull silhouettes onto sticky paper, then stick them on the jars as stencils.
Spray the jars with matte black paint, focusing on getting a crisp outline around the skull shapes (pull the stencils off while the paint’s still a little tacky for sharp lines). Pop in some flickering LED tea lights-this turns the skulls into spooky shadows when the lights are low.
For a gothic finishing touch, wrap a silver chain around the neck of each jar and dangle a tiny skeleton key from it, the whole effect is haunting and seriously cool. Set these up on your porch, shelves, or as a dinner table centerpiece-instant eerie vibes without any fuss.
13. Black Feather Wreath
This black feather wreath is a total showstopper-think gothic elegance meets Halloween drama. Grab a plain wreath base (foam or wire works), then hot glue rows of black feathers all around it, layering for that lush, full effect.
You can use raven feathers for a longer, trailing look down the sides, it gives the wreath a more haunting silhouette. Next, tuck in a few mini white skulls between the feathers-plastic or resin ones from any craft store are perfect.
For extra spook, add a couple of small, delicate silver spider ornaments, letting them peek out from the plumage like they’re crawling home. Finish by weaving a thin silver ribbon through the feathers, loosely wrapping it so it catches any light and adds a subtle shimmer.
Hang it on your door and instantly turn your entryway into a gothic masterpiece-neighbors will think you hired a decorator!
14. White Ghost Mason Jars
Take a few mason jars-any size will work, but bigger ones really stand out-and give them a good coat of matte white spray paint. Let them dry completely, then use a black paint pen or acrylic paint to draw on simple ghost faces: think big oval eyes, round mouths, and maybe a wavy edge at the bottom for extra spookiness.
For the magic part, drop in battery-operated tealights or string lights; when they’re lit from inside, those ghostly faces glow and cast creepy shadows all over your walls. Line them up on your mantel, scatter them down the front steps, or cluster them on your table for a haunted, but not-too-scary, vibe-your guests (and trick-or-treaters) will love how they seem to float in the dark.
Don’t be surprised if you end up making a whole ghostly family, it’s oddly addictive!
15. Black and White Chevron Banners
Crisp black and white chevron banners instantly sharpen any Halloween setup, stringing them across mantels or doorways is the easiest way to add bold drama without a lot of fuss. Grab some sturdy cardstock (matte and glossy if you want to play with the light), cut out triangles, and use a ruler to pencil in those zig-zag lines-you can alternate the finishes for a look that’s way more interesting than just plain paper.
Fill in the stripes with black acrylic paint or a permanent marker, then punch holes in the corners and thread with black ribbon or baker’s twine. Hang them in smooth, scalloped swags, letting the geometric pattern create a cool visual tension against pumpkins or candlelight.
Don’t stress perfection: the contrast is what makes it pop, and a few hand-drawn quirks just add to the homemade charm.
16. Spider Web Votive Holders
Start with plain glass votives (the dollar store kind are perfect), and wrap them in layers of white yarn to mimic tangled spider webs. Keep the strands slightly uneven so they crisscross naturally, imperfections only add to the eerie effect.
Secure the yarn with a dab of hot glue, making sure it hugs the glass tightly. Then, attach a few bold black spiders on top of the web for an instantly creepy accent, plastic ones work perfectly, but you can spray-paint them glossy for extra drama.
Drop in LED candles or tea lights, and watch as the glow filters through the yarn, casting web-like shadows across the room. Cluster a few together on a shelf, mantle, or dinner table, and you’ll have an effortlessly spooky centerpiece that looks straight out of a haunted lair.
17. Black and White Candy Jars
Grab a few tall apothecary jars-mismatched shapes only add to the vibe-and fill them with a medley of black and white striped candies, glossy licorice twists, and monochrome chocolates. The trick is to go all-in on the color scheme: skip anything with color, and pile the jars high for instant visual drama.
For a vintage, gothic touch, use old-school labels with swirling gothic fonts-you can DIY these with printable templates or even scribble them by hand if you’re in a rush. Top each jar with a tarnished silver lid (or faux silver spray-painted ones if you’re thrifty), then tie a thin black ribbon around the neck for a subtle flourish.
Arrange the jars on a distressed white sideboard right up against a charcoal wall, the contrast will make everything pop and look way more luxe than you’d expect from a candy display. This setup is zero-fuss, looks amazing, and doubles as both decor and a treat station, so your guests won’t stop talking about it.
18. Black and White Striped Table Runner
Lay this dramatic black and white striped table runner down the center of your table, and suddenly the whole space feels more haunted and stylish. The bold stripes make any table pop-especially under moody candlelight.
Those frayed edges and barely-there silver threads catch the light in the most subtle way, adding a bit of magic without being too flashy. Plus, look closer and you’ll spot tiny embroidered spiders and webs peeking out randomly in the stripes, which is a clever nod to Halloween without resorting to plastic skeletons everywhere.
Layer it over a solid tablecloth for extra dimension, or let it stand alone for a modern, optical illusion effect-your guests won’t stop talking about it.
19. Ghost Silhouette Window Clings
Cut out your own ghostly silhouettes from translucent white contact paper or even wax paper, then add crisp black outlines using a marker or black construction paper-don’t worry if your drawing skills aren’t perfect, the spookier the better. Stick these shapes to your windows with a little double-sided tape or static cling spray, spacing them out for a layered, haunting effect when the lights are on behind them.
Some folks like to use classic “boo!” faces, others go for more mysterious, abstract shapes; mix them up for variety. When night falls, your windows will glow with eerie, floating ghosts-no need to buy expensive pre-made clings, and you can make new ones every year.
20. White Pumpkins with Spider Designs
Grab a bunch of white pumpkins-real or faux both work-and turn them into statement pieces with some spooky spider web flair. For the webs, use a thin paintbrush and black acrylic paint to freehand intricate designs right onto the pumpkin’s surface; if painting isn’t your thing, you can also get creative with black yarn, string, or even washi tape, just lay it out in webby patterns and secure the ends underneath.
Little plastic spiders (or hand-drawn ones, if you’re artsy) add that extra creepy-crawly effect, crawl them across your webs for a lifelike touch. Arrange pumpkins of different sizes together for a dramatic, high-contrast cluster-this looks especially good on mantels, front steps, or as a dining table centerpiece.
The best part: no carving, no mess, and you can reuse your masterpieces year after year.
21. White Candles in Black Holders
Picture tall, white taper candles set in chunky black ceramic or alabaster holders-it’s instant gothic glam, no need to overthink it. Go for an odd number (three or five) and vary the height of your candles so the setup looks intentional, not static.
Let some wax drip down the sides for that perfectly imperfect haunted vibe; don’t rush to clean it up, the messier, the better. If you can find holders with a skull or gothic detail, even better-those little touches really push the look into Halloween territory.
Light them up just before guests arrive, the flickering flames and dramatic shadows will make your table or mantel look like it came straight out of a stylish haunted manor.
22. Skull Garland
A macabre garland of little white skulls, each strung along a silky black ribbon, instantly elevates any room with a touch of goth-chic. To make your own, grab a pack of lightweight mini skulls (craft stores or online), and choose a satin ribbon wide enough to support them without sagging.
For extra drama, alternate the skulls’ sizes and pick out a few with different facial expressions-it keeps things interesting, trust me. Hot glue tiny black roses or feathers to some of the skulls for a Victorian funeral vibe, plus it adds texture.
For a vintage look, lightly dab skulls with diluted black or brown paint so they don’t look too “store-bought.” Once dry, space them evenly along your ribbon, using hot glue or threading wire through the base of each skull. Drape your garland along a mantel, doorframe, or wind it up your staircase railing; the subtle aged finish will make guests do a double-take, it’s way cooler than plastic pumpkins.
23. Black and White Paper Fans
Create instant drama with black and white accordion-folded paper fans, they’re an easy way to fill a blank wall with Halloween style. Grab some heavy paper in black and white (scrapbook or poster board works), fold it back and forth in a classic accordion style, then fan it out and secure the ends with tape or a staple.
Make a few in different sizes for that layered, overlapping look-bigger ones anchor the display, smaller ones fill in gaps. To level up the spooky vibe, use a white gel pen or black marker to draw subtle spider webs on some fans, or glue on cut-out silhouettes of cats, bats, or witches.
Arrange the finished fans in clusters on your walls or above a mantle, letting the crisp black and white cast bold geometric shadows. For a moody Victorian twist, mix in dark ribbon streamers or a few faux mourning brooches, and you’ll get an elegant, eerie backdrop that’s anything but basic.
24. Painted Black Pumpkins with White Faces
Grab a few pumpkins (real or faux, any size works), and hit them with a couple coats of matte black spray paint-make sure they’re dry before moving on. Now the fun part: use a white paint pen or acrylic paint to draw faces, you can go classic jack-o’-lantern with triangle eyes and toothy grins, or get fancy with Day of the Dead-inspired swirls, dots, and dramatic eyes.
Group different sizes together on your mantel or entryway for a bold, artsy vibe; the high-contrast look is super striking, plus, you don’t have to worry about any messy pumpkin guts. These are way less hassle than carving, and you can reuse them next year, just touch up any chips and you’re good to go.