Creating a cozy Halloween display this year included using family items, vintage-inspired pieces from Etsy, and a few items left from last year. Decorating for fall and halloween is one of my big joys in life which means I started thinking about how I wanted to decorate back in August. Possibly July, honestly.

I want to share what I did, my mindset when deciding how I wanted to decorate, and tips on how to search for vintage decor on Etsy. 

One of my favorite things about my home is using vintage pieces in as many rooms as possible. I have items that were gifts from my grandma and grandpa’s wedding, I have pieces from my great grandma’s. I have things my grandma bought for my mom when she was growing up. It makes me super happy to have items that have a story.

I wanted to use that mindset when I decorated for fall this year. Last year was my first time decorating my house for fall, so I made the typical purchases: leaf garland, pumpkins, candles, etc. This year I added a little vintage spice to that decor I already have. I also wanted to just add to the home decor I already have. I didn’t want to take a bunch of things down only to put it all back up again. I wanted everything to be minimal and easy for me.

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Family Decorations

My first stop was my grandma’s house. I asked her if there was any fall decor she didn’t want to use anymore. Not only did I get some new to me pieces, I also spent like two hours going through all the bits and bobs my grandma has in her basement. Which truly means more to me than getting the actual decor items.

One of the first things I picked from my grandma’s fall stash were two witches I just thought were so cute. Their dresses and yarn hair add an element of texture next to all the faux pumpkins I put them next to. Intermixed are some fall foliage paper decorations my grandma had left over from when she was a para at my dad’s and aunt’s grade school. I just think the colors are so perfect for the vintage look I was going for. Last, she gave me some light up pumpkins I remember her using when I was little. Unfortunately, I don’t really have a plug for them in the spot I put them, but I’m thinking I may add a remote control candle so I can easily turn it on and off. 

Etsy Finds

Once I had a few items from my grandma, I went to Etsy to search for some vintage-inspired Halloween decor. It took me a while to find items, but I really love the few items I got. First, was a cute print that says “Ghouls Night Out” with a halloween passage. I also purchased a garland for my television stand that has vintage-inspired images. They have haunted houses, and classic halloween characters. The washed out colors on the paper make them look like they come from the 70s. I also purchased some witchy post cards that I want to DIY a second garland to add somewhere else in the room.

I’m linking the items I purchased and other items that were top contenders.

Reusing Items I Own

Like I said, last year I made the typical fall decor purchases which I simply placed randomly around the room. I love the pumpkins I got because they come in all shapes, color combinations and sizes. I also like the fall garland I got because I was able to add my own twinkle lights around it. I wanted to make sure the lights I use are remote controlled so I can turn them off when I’m watching a movie at night.

Coz-ifying the Space

Once I got everything I wanted, I just tried to make sure it looked cozy. This included pulling out a blanket with a cute fall print on it and adding a few lights and candles. I love the way lights and candles change the feel of a space. I have remote control twinkle lights that I seriously love. I also am super obsessed with fall scented candles, so I placed a few around my living room. When I have them on, I feel like I’m in the middle of a fall-themed hallmark movie.

Keywords to Use to Find Vintage Halloween Decor on Etsy

If you want to find your own Etsy items, here is what I typed in the search bar when I was shopping: 

• vintage fall decor
• vintage halloween
• 70s halloween
• mid-century halloween decor
• mid-century fall decor