The air is getting crisp, the leaves are changing colour, and pumpkin spice is officially back on the menu. That can only mean one thing: Halloween season has arrived. Whether you are planning a night in with friends, hosting a costume party, or simply want to bring some autumn magic into your apartment, now is the perfect time to decorate.
At Boardwalk, we love seeing our Resident Members get creative and celebrate together. Halloween is one of the most enjoyable times of the year to make your home come alive with imagination. You do not need a large space or a big budget to make it memorable. With a few simple materials, a bit of time, and a touch of creativity, you can turn your apartment into a cozy haunted hideaway that will impress every visitor.
Here are some fun, affordable, and safe ideas to help you bring the spirit of Halloween home this year.
Pumpkin Perfection
Pumpkins are the heart of Halloween décor. They are versatile, festive, and easy to customize.
Carved pumpkins are the traditional choice. Try stencilling creative designs or classic faces to light up your windowsill or balcony. Use battery-powered candles or LED tea lights for a safe glow.
Painted pumpkins are another great option. You can use acrylic paint to create modern designs, patterns, or spooky faces. Metallic gold, black, or pastel colours can fit right into your apartment’s existing décor.
If you want something reusable, faux pumpkins made of foam or plastic are ideal. They last for years and look just as charming. Place a few on your entryway table, balcony, or kitchen counter to bring a warm seasonal feel to your home.
Set the Mood with Lighting
Lighting can completely transform your space. Use warm-toned bulbs or string lights in orange, purple, or soft white to create a cozy yet eerie atmosphere. Drape a bit of cotton or gauze over lampshades to mimic cobwebs and cast a haunted glow.
Try placing LED candles near mirrors or metallic trays. The reflection creates a flickering effect that feels mysterious and inviting. You can even wrap fairy lights around picture frames or across your balcony railing for an extra touch of Halloween magic.
A Spooky Welcome
Your front door is your apartment’s first impression, so make it count. Create a Halloween wreath using black ribbon, orange flowers, faux spiderwebs, and small plastic bats or pumpkins. Add a fun doormat with a seasonal phrase such as “Trick or Treat Yourself” or “Enter If You Dare.”
Many Resident Members use removable hooks or command strips, which make decorating easy and apartment-friendly. When Halloween is over, everything comes down without leaving a trace.
Window Shadows and Silhouettes
Your windows can tell a story after dark. Cut out shapes of bats, witches, ghosts, or black cats from paper and tape them to your windowpanes. When your lights are on inside, they create haunting silhouettes that glow from the street.
If you want a simple but stunning backdrop, hang a white sheet or light curtain and add black cutouts of flying bats or spooky trees. This creates a soft shadowed effect that looks fantastic from both inside and outside your apartment.
Floating Ghosts and Fabric Fun
This idea is easy, safe, and looks great. Inflate a few white balloons, drape them with cheesecloth, and draw faces using a marker. Hang them from your ceiling with clear string to make it look like ghosts are floating through your apartment.
If you prefer a more elegant aesthetic, use dark grey or black tulle over your curtains or lamps to give your home a gothic feel. The result is subtle, sophisticated, and still very festive.
The Kitchen Cauldron
Turn your kitchen into a witch’s workshop with a few themed touches. Fill glass jars with candy corn, gummy worms, or plastic spiders and label them as “Witch’s Brew” or “Zombie Snacks.” You can also set up a snack tray with Halloween treats like popcorn, pretzels, and caramel apples.
Use a black tablecloth or orange napkins to tie everything together. Add a bowl of fruit punch with floating orange slices or frozen grapes to create a “potion” effect for guests.
Subtle but Spooky Details
If you prefer a low-key look, you can still bring Halloween charm into your apartment through colour and texture. Replace your usual throw pillows with ones in burnt orange, deep purple, or charcoal grey. Add a plaid blanket to your couch and a pumpkin-scented candle on your coffee table.
Print vintage-style black-and-white photos and frame them in gold or black frames to create the illusion of old “haunted portraits.” A small skull, raven figurine, or bowl of candy on your shelf is enough to complete the look.
Music, Movies, and Ambience
Décor goes beyond visuals. Create a Halloween playlist with classic songs like “Monster Mash” or instrumental soundtracks from spooky films. Stream your favourite Halloween movies for background ambience. Pair it with popcorn and dimmed lights for the ultimate cozy October night in.
Celebrate with Your Community
One of the best things about living in a Boardwalk community is sharing experiences with your neighbours. Many of our Resident Members decorate their balconies, doors, and windows, creating entire hallways filled with Halloween spirit. Some communities even host decorating contests, pumpkin carving challenges, or trick-or-treat nights for families.
Check your community bulletin board or Resident Member Portal to see what fun events are happening near you. It is a wonderful opportunity to meet new people, show off your creativity, and be part of the festive spirit.
Safe and Smart Decorating
Always make sure your decorations are safe and lease-friendly. Avoid open flames, keep walkways clear, and use removable materials for hanging décor. LED candles, adhesive hooks, and light fabric are your best friends. Keeping safety in mind ensures everyone can enjoy the holiday comfortably.
Make Every Season Special
Halloween is more than just a day on the calendar. It is a time to express yourself, create memories, and feel part of something larger. At Boardwalk, we believe every season is an opportunity to make your apartment feel like home. Whether you are celebrating with spooky decorations, fall baking, or community events, we are here to make every day enjoyable.
Happy Halloween from all of us at Boardwalk!
Visit bwalk.com to explore community updates, seasonal ideas, and ways to make your apartment a place where every season shines.