Boom, shake the room

Channel the essence of Fright Night in rooms on October 31 and you might find yourself conjuring up some spookily stylish looks. The moody hues and candlelight might even look good enough to become a permanent fixture.

“The key to achieving the perfect atmosphere is to carefully consider lighting,” says Catharine Denham, head of design for BHS homewares. “If space allows, combine opulent candelabras with a statement chandelier, to create a truly gothic feel. Lights with dimmer switches will allow you to easily control the level of light and the mood of the room.”

Mixing dark metallics with sumptuous velvets can help create a dramatic and luxurious feel, she adds. Adding accessories, such as cushions and throws in rich rusts and burnt oranges, will ensure your decor remains on-trend once Halloween is over too.

SET THE SCENE

Forget scary masks and witches’ hats, the stylish way to kit your home out for Halloween is with pumpkins.

:: If your carving skills are lacking the expertise needed to craft a picturesque scene amid this giant orange vegetable, cheat and invest in a gorgeous Large Outdoor Pumpkin Candle, available in Orange or Silver, £49.95, Nordic House (www.nordichouse.co.uk).

:: Decorate the entrance to your home by placing items like Glass Halloween Potion Bottles, £4 each, The Contemporary Home (www.tch.net), close to your door. You can have some fun by hanging a My Little Day Glitter Garland Halloween, £12.50, Scandi Mini (www.scandimini.co.uk), too.

:: If you’re having friends over, turn the hallway into a gorgeous grotto of pumpkins. Sainsbury’s have launched their largest ever Halloween range this year, featuring by Sainsbury’s Halloween Pinata Pumpkin, £10; Tombstone, £5; Glitter Pumpkin Light Small, £7; Light Up Pumpkin Large, £12; Glitter Pumpkin Light Medium, £9; Black Tinsel Cat, £5; Chip And Dip, £2, and Halloween Glitter Wreath, £5.

:: And for a more grown up affair, set the table with candles, twigs and pumpkins and add this great array of goodies: by Sainsbury’s Standing Black Raven, £4; Skull Pillar Candle Black, £5; Metallic Taper Candles, £4 for three; Black Candelabra, £15; Skull LED Light Black, £3, and Hanging Pumpkin Bride, £3.50, all in store at selected Sainsbury’s (www.sainsburys.co.uk).

LIGHTING THE WAY

Things will go bump in the night, so be sure to light a candle or two so you can see your way around.

:: If youngsters are partying, this Halloween Wax Battery Candle, £6, The Contemporary Home (www.tch.net), gives off the effect of a candle without the danger of a real flame - especially useful if little ones are dressing up and running around.

:: Stir up spells and blow the budget on this delectable Curved Cauldron Table Lamp, £309.95, Lime Lace (www.limelace.co.uk); perfect for lighting up a hallway.

:: Place a Kosta Boda Still Life Skull Sculpture in Green, £28, The Scandinavian Shop (www.scandinavianshop.co.uk), on the mantelpiece, for a classy way to spook family and friends.

:: And finally, make a display of flickering candlelight for a cosy Fright Night feel. by Sainsbury’s Standing Black Raven, £4; Skull Pillar Candle Black, £5; Black Candelabra, £15, Metallic Taper Candles, £4 for three, all in store at selected Sainsbury’s (www.sainsburys.co.uk).

HOMELY EXTRAS

If you fancy investing in some dark opulence or getting an orangey glow from some on-trend copper hues, now’s the time to splash out on something that will look just as fabulous once all the fun and frolics are over.

:: This Jonathan Adler Pop Decanter in Orange, £198, Amara (www.amara.com), makes a very bold statement. Made from hand-blown glass, it looks glorious in any setting.

:: A cowhide rug never goes out of style, so as well as setting off any dark Halloween-themed extras perfectly, it will look amazing all year round, particularly when teamed with bright colours or earthy browns. Cowhide Rug in Black, £399, Carpetright (available late October; www.carpetright.co.uk).

:: For a pretty pumpkin effect, set these Decorative Faux Pumpkins, £8 each, Nordic House (www.nordichouse.co.uk), along a mantelpiece, interspersed with some ivy.

:: A dark, gothic theme can look amazing in the bedroom. Show off this exquisite Rococco Noir Bed, currently reduced to £529 from £799 from Newtons (newtonsfurniture.co.uk), and either opt for a magical monochrome scheme or dark, inky hues, with the odd pop of colour.

:: The classier version of orange is, of course, copper - a metallic that’s still a big hit on the high street and in homes. So splash out on a few treats to make a gorgeous Halloween display (light candles in between the shiny pieces of homeware for a reflective flicker that will really set the mood) and you’ll be able to keep them on show all year long. Modern Metallics Collection, from £10-£38, Oliver Bonas (www.oliverbonas.com).