If you love Halloween as much as we do, then you know decorating for the season is about more than just picking out the perfect pumpkins for your front porch. It’s also about decking out the inside of your home in ghoulishly delightful—yet appropriately elegant—decor.
A bedroom is the perfect place to start your spooky season makeover, but it doesn’t have to be kitschy haunted decor. Instead, we urge you to channel the darker side of the uber-popular “cottagecore” design trend by embracing moody colors, romantic lighting, and cozy textiles.
Here are five inspired looks from the design world of Instagram to help you bring all the spooky-sensuous vibes into your bedroom.
1. Forest accent wall
The simplest way to make a big impact in your bedroom is with a forest-inspired accent wall like this one from @theoldhouseonmain.
“This [accent wall] is so relevant to the moody hues that more and more people are leaning toward. I’m finishing up a project this week that’s full of dark colors and unexpected whimsy,” says design expert Jodi Terrell, of JNG Real Estate Solutions. “The forest motif is a perfect example of ‘everything that’s old is new again’ as it’s a refined and muted version of the old murals that may have donned your grandparents’ walls.”
Get the look: Transform your bedroom into an enchanted woodland with this peel-and-stick wallpaper from Etsy.
2. Whimsical wicker chest
If you’re not ready to get forest-deep with the dark cottage vibes, then you might want to select something more transitional for your bedroom like this whimsical wicker chest seen in the home of @home.in.herts.
“The wicker chest and baskets do double duty by adding organic texture and utility to the room,” says designer Gaby Jimenez. “Wicker baskets are ideal for storing extra blankets or pillows since the weave allows the fabrics to breathe. To create a dark cottagecore look, select wicker in rich, dark hues like walnut or cinnamon.”
Get the look: Store all of your extra pillows and blankets in this whimsical wicker trunk for $132.
3. Old-world chandelier
Even the darkest cottage bedroom needs some light, and we’re especially drawn to this old-world chandelier seen in the bedroom of the aptly named @witchs.hearth.
“The old-world chandelier reinforces my theory of nostalgia and escape,” says Terrell. “It also adds a rustic element and gives the space instant character. This is an easy and inexpensive way to transform a rental or even that cookie-cutter, new-construction bedroom.”
Get the look: Create the perfect cottagecore glow in your space with this French farmhouse chandelier that’s just over $250.
4. Lunar wall hanging
The magic of dark cottagecore can be had on a small budget, and this lunar wall hanging seen in the home of @thisurbanretreat is proof.
“The metal lunar wall hanging adds a touch of folklore to this aesthetic,” says Jimenez. “The moons of the season were often used by gardeners and farmers of the past as guidance for planting and harvesting. The metallic surface of this piece also reflects the silvery moon’s magic.”
Get the look: Find the perfect lunar wall hanging for your bedroom by shopping this collection on Etsy.
5. Dark wool throw blanket
No matter where you live, there’s no such thing as too many throw blankets, especially if one of them is as versatile and soft as this wool throw featured by @twentythirdbydeanne.
“Cozy wool blankets are a staple of dark cottagecore, especially in earthy hues like the one shown here,” says Jimenez. “These blankets add warmth, color, and lots of texture to the space.”
Get the look: Add some extra comfort to your bedroom with a luxurious throw blanket.
