When it comes to Halloween, we often imagine classic pumpkins, ghosts, and spiders swathed in moody hues. However, some are swapping their spooky decor for something a little more light-hearted—enter: Pinkoween.

Pinkoween embraces a rosy palette, ditching the traditional orange and black. The trend is partly a response to a love of pink in interiors over the years, thanks to Barbiecore and millennial pink swarming social media scenes.

However, it also speaks to a larger attempt to lighten up Halloween decor, making it feel more timeless and integrated with pieces you already have on hand. Think: blush pumpkins, warm-toned table linens, and pastel floral skull vases.

Ahead, we tapped two experts for their tips on how to get a Pinkoween look—or any lighter, brighter Halloween style—including choosing a color palette, what decor to buy, and why the trend is so popular.

How to Decorate for Pinkoween

As the name goes, Pinkoween is in large part a love letter to brighter hues. 

“There’s a growing trend toward using softer colors for Halloween decor, like blush pinks, light purples, and metallics, which are a fun departure from the traditional dark tones,” Barbara Alves, founder of Host to Perfection, notes.

Kelsey Klos, co-founder of House of Fete, finds that the theme has a way of complimenting everyday decor. 

“Adding small elements in a rainbow of colors throughout my home makes the seasons feel natural and intentional as we shift into fall and Halloween.” she says.

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Along with rosy shades, Pinkoween is also about incorporating them into playful accents.

“We suggest combining blush tones with metallics like rose gold to give it a fun, glamorous vibe,” Alves says. “Soft pink pumpkins, fairy lights, and cute motifs like witch hats and fairy wings can bring this theme to life. It’s all about having fun and keeping the look light and whimsical.”

Still, you don’t have to stick to uber-vibrant shades—anything light and bright does the trick. 

“Even though pastel colors are trending, we suggest using neutral tones like cream and light gold with dark accents for contrast, like a deep purple,” Alves suggests.

Types of Decor to Include

When decorating in a more timeless or “Pinkoween” way for Halloween, it’s helpful to incorporate decor that transcends trends. 

“I truly believe in adding heirloom quality pieces to my home, in my favorite color palette, so they can come out year after year,” Klos notes.

Since Pinkoween embraces a cuter, less spooky version of Halloween, the decor should reflect that feeling. 

“Textures like velvet and natural fibers like jute or linen add softness and warmth,” Alves offers as an example. “As for motifs, we recommend witch hats, brooms, black butterflies, black birds, and lots of candles. Adding white mums to the mix also enhances the look.”

For pieces that can specifically bring in a pop of color, there are ample options. Not sure where to start?

“I use colorful pumpkins around the house to accent what I already have,” Klos recommends. “Some of my favorite pieces to get out every year are illustrated ‘trick-or-treat’ artwork, ceramic ghosts, and fall-themed coffee mugs.”

Meaningful decorations can also help invoke that warm, fuzzy feeling. 

“Photos trick-or-treating or carving pumpkins will add fun decor while being intentional and [sparking] nostalgia,” Klos says.

Other Non-Scary Halloween Styles to Try

While Pinkoween is trending as of late, it isn’t the only way to decorate for Halloween in a non-traditional way. Maybe you just like the idea of incorporating less spine-chilling elements. In that case, you can get creative and craft your own version of Pinkoween.

“I suggest picking a color palette before you start buying, creating a Pinterest board or mood board with themes and textures that inspire you for the season,” Klos says.

Alves, for one, enjoys a more pared-back palette.

“We love decorating with black-and-white themes, incorporating pumpkins and lots of candles for a softer, more inviting atmosphere,” she notes. “We stick to black and white because it feels timeless and elegant, but still very much in the spirit of the season.”

“For many years, we have used black butterflies, which, though dark, are cute and not scary,” Alves elaborates. “I also like to use a witch cauldron as a flower pot, adding mums to the cauldron for a playful touch.”

On the flip side, Klos enjoys going beyond pink and including every color of the rainbow. 

“I tend to lean into jewel tones while still incorporating the classic orange and black,” she explains. “This allows me to use my iconic traditional items but incorporate the colorful aesthetic I love.”