Halloween Chic Décor? Oui, Merci!

When I first wrote this article in 2020, I never imagined it would lead to a mention in a Wall Street Journal piece from October 15, 2021, titled “Should Halloween Decor Be Chic?” (If you’re a subscriber, you can read the article here). As you might have guessed, I’m definitely on the “chic” team ;)!

Even though Halloween is much more popular in the United States than in France, many French people, including myself, really enjoy celebrating it every year. In some towns, you’ll see French children trick-or-treating in spooky costumes, dressing up as zombies, vampires, ghosts, witches, or other eerie creatures. We also have “La Toussaint,” or All Saints’ Day, which is an important holiday in France, celebrated on November 1st. Traditionally, it’s a day to honor all saints, but for many, it’s mainly a time to remember loved ones who have passed away and to bring chrysanthemums to cemeteries. On this day, you’ll find that banks, stores, and businesses are typically closed across the country.

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This post is not sponsored. I only share what I truly love. Some links are affiliate, meaning I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Merci!

My Spooky Chic Halloween Inspirations

I’ve always loved celebrating Halloween in one way or another. When autumn arrives, one of my favorite things to do is add a few decorations around the house that subtly capture the Halloween spirit. For these decorations, I’ve always been inspired by the films and aesthetics of Tim Burton (especially Corpse Bride and The Nightmare Before Christmas, which I love to re-watch every year!). I also find inspiration in the Gothic architecture of monuments in Paris and Prague (where I spent a year as a student), the surrealist works of artists like André Breton, Dali, and Magritte, the elegance of the Art Deco period, and some of the novels I devoured when I was younger, like The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka, Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson, and Fantastic and Cruel Tales by Guy de Maupassant.

For me, chic and classy Halloween decor is all about adding a touch of gothic style with a twist. There’s something so poetic about this aesthetic that brings to mind the Romantic literary and artistic movement that emerged in France in the late 18th century—a period I just adore. One of my favorite French classics from that time is Les Fleurs du Mal by Charles Baudelaire, which I highly recommend if you haven’t read it :)!

I prefer to decorate this way for Halloween rather than going for the more traditional route because I love creating a subtle “spooky chic” vibe without being too over the top. And honestly, you don’t need much to pull it off: a few black pillar candles and gold candlesticks, some decorative busts, white ceramic vases, a gorgeous old book or two—those kinds of mystical pieces you’d find in a Church or Cathedral or a Gothic French castle. Plus, I like to pick decor items that can double as part of my regular home decor throughout the year. But without giving too much away, I’ll let you explore my selection of items below for a truly spooky chic Halloween ;)!

For this Halloween décor selection, I’ve mixed in some well-known favorites along with a few hidden gems from French brands. I hope you’ll discover some new treasures! One of my top picks is Boncoeurs, a charming French brand known for its mystical pieces. They offer ex-votos, which are traditionally hung in places of worship as a sign of gratitude for a wish granted or a blessing received. Boncoeurs reimagines them as protective amulets you can hang on your walls. They also have lovely candle charms to add a unique touch to your favorite candles. You can check out Boncoeurs at Le Bon Marché in Paris or see their list of stockists to find one near you.

1. Anthropologie Gianna Grecian Bust Pot — Add a small fern to this bust pot for a touch of gothic charm.
2. Spooky Soirée Towels — Perfect for a Halloween gathering!
3. Officine Universelle Buly Pommade Concrète — A luxurious hand cream to keep your hands soft and hydrated.
4. Taschen Books: Witchcraft — A beautifully inspiring book that takes you on a journey through the global history of witchcraft, from its ancient roots to its modern forms. I highly recommend In Defence of Witches by French author Mona Chollet—it’s truly empowering.
5. La Soufflerie Porta Candle with Handle in Dark Blue — I absolutely love the color of this candle holder! You might also like their charming Blue Tête Vase.
6. Trudon Napoléon Bust Candle — I also recommend Trudon’s Mary candle, specially made for Halloween as a tribute to Mary Shelley, the author of Frankenstein.
7. Boncoeurs Ex-Voto Coeur Rayon Or — A stunning piece! Check for the nearest stockist here. I also love their gorgeous candle charms to add a decorative touch to your existing candles.
8. Astier de Villatte Les Nuits — Such a captivating scent, created by perfumer Dominique Ropion! It features an intoxicating blend of Turkish rose, damask rose, patchouli, and iris with woody, powdery undertones.
9. Boncoeurs Flore Hand Half Tray — A beautiful and unique piece for your home.
10. Diptyque L’Elide Candle — I stumbled upon this gorgeous candle while browsing the Diptyque website. I’m not sure if it’s part of a past collection (perhaps discontinued) or an upcoming one, but it’s currently only available on the France and International sites. I couldn’t resist and just bought it! I adore the black matte vessel featuring an illustration of the Roman goddess Fauna, along with Diptyque lettering by co-founder Desmond Knox-Leet. Simply sublime!

To all my chers ami.e.s (dear friends), I wish you a wonderfully spooky Halloween and a beautiful, cozy fall season! Enjoy every moment <3