A Dark Academia Halloween
It’s no secret that I love Halloween & all the witchy folklore behind it. I mean heck, I made a best-selling perfume a few years back inspired by All Hallow’s Eve, and aptly named it Wilde Coven. There was even an accompanying playlist that went along with it (and you can still listen to it here on Spotify) to really get you into a witchy headspace.
And while there is always a time and place for the good ol’ fashioned cheesy Halloween decor, I usually like to opt for a more refined approach. Think Hogwarts from Harry Potter, or even The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina. And believe it or not, there is actually a name for this design aesthetic, Dark Academia.
If you're not familiar, dark academia is an aesthetic that feels like an old (potentially spooky) university library after hours. Think rich wood, worn leather, flickering candlelight, moody oil portraits, and a stack of well-loved books. It's a little romantic, a little mysterious, and a whole lot cozy.
What I love most about dark academia during Halloween is that it lets you lean into the spooky season without it feeling like a costume shop exploded in your living room. It's all about texture, history, and a few well-placed eerie details that make guests do a double take.
Here are a few of my favorite ways to bring the look home:
Start with a moody portrait. Nothing sets the tone quite like a vintage-style witch portrait in a dark oval frame. Is it cool? Yes! Is it also a little creepy? Also, yes!!
Bring in the bones (tastefully). I originally became obsessed with these spine-shaped beeswax candles after watching Harry Potter one year, and thought what a cute yet subtle way to bring in some magic into your space!
Build a little haunted village. Have kids? Bring in these little matte charcoal houses. They can be tucked onto a mantel or bookshelf to give major old-town-at-midnight vibes. Especially with a tealight glowing through the windows…so cute! I remember as a kid I was obsessed with the little holiday towns my mom would set up during Christmas, so I can only imagine how feral I would be if I saw these back in the day.
Swap the orange for amber and rust. A dried fern wreath tied with a deep burgundy velvet bow is my idea of the perfect autumn front door. Warm, earthy, and just a touch gothic. Plus it can transition well into Thanksgiving.
Set a witchy table. Earthy stoneware plates, plaid and gingham tea towels, and vintage-inspired glassware make any weeknight dinner feel like a gathering of the coven.
Don't forget the scent. As a former perfumer, I will always tell you that scent is the most overlooked part of design! Diffusing Vitruvi's Chai Spice blend fills the whole house with warm, spicy coziness. It's like a hug in a mug, but for your home. Plus I have a discount code to save you up to 15% on your order! All you have to do is type in “WILDEFOLKAUSTIN” before checking out!
You can shop this entire Halloween Look over on my ShopMy page, linked here.
Psst! Some of the links below are affiliate links, so if you shop through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only share pieces I genuinely love and would use in my own home or the Bungalow. Thank you for supporting Wilde Folk!