15 Pumpkin Decorating Contest Ideas to Win This Season—room Designs You’ll Love

ByHannah Reposesh

Ready to turn your pumpkins into showstoppers and your rooms into instant fall magic? I’ve pulled together fifteen complete, wildly different design concepts that feel like full-blown set pieces—each one built around a pumpkin idea that could absolutely win a contest. Think vivid color palettes, layered textures, and clever styling so your pumpkin isn’t just cute; it’s the centerpiece of an unforgettable room.

We’re talking entryways, dining rooms, fireplaces, kitchens, and even moody libraries—each with a signature pumpkin moment that locks in the vibe. Grab a cider, and let’s tour your soon-to-be-viral spaces.

1. Moody Librarian Nook With Gilded Botanical Pumpkins

Photorealistic medium shot of a moody librarian nook: deep teal walls, a tufted brown leather chair, vintage brass pharmacy lamp casting warm light on a side table with a cluster of matte-black pumpkins stenciled with delicate gold ferns and vines; emerald velvet pillows, a Persian rug with oxblood and midnight blue, stacks of old books, a gilded leaf garland draped across a bookcase, and a small brass-framed mirror reflecting the glow; rich, layered textures and a lush, scholarly vibe; no people. this …

Picture a cozy reading nook with deep teal walls, a tufted leather chair, and a vintage brass pharmacy lamp. On the side table, a cluster of matte-black pumpkins stenciled with delicate gold ferns and vines glows under warm light.

Keep the palette lush and layered—emerald velvet pillows, a Persian rug with oxblood and midnight blue, and stacks of old books. Add a gilded leaf garland across a bookcase and a small brass-framed mirror to bounce the glow around.

  • Colors: Teal, matte black, gold, oxblood
  • Must-Have: Botanical stencil on pumpkins for a luxe, scholarly vibe

2. Scandinavian Entry With Chalk-Illustrated White Pumpkins

Photorealistic wide entryway scene in Scandinavian style: white walls, a pale oak bench, woven baskets for shoes, a console with a neat line of white-painted pumpkins illustrated with black chalk line drawings of houses, stars, and sweet phrases; jute runner on the floor, round black-framed mirror above the console, eucalyptus stems in a stone vase; crisp, minimal, playful but clean; soft natural daylight, no people.

Go crisp and minimal with white walls, a pale oak bench, and woven baskets for shoes. On the console, feature a line of white-painted pumpkins illustrated with black chalk—think simple line drawings: houses, stars, and sweet phrases.

Layer in a jute runner, a round black-framed mirror, and eucalyptus stems in a stone vase. The pumpkins are the friendly greeting as soon as you open the door—playful but clean.

  • Colors: White, soft oak, charcoal, sage green
  • Must-Have: Chalk marker art for removable, customizable designs

3. French Country Dining With Lace-Decoupaged Pumpkins

Photorealistic overhead detail shot of a French country dining table: linen runners, mismatched vintage plates, brass candlesticks, and a centerpiece of soft cream pumpkins decoupaged with antique lace in delicate panels; pumpkins perched on stacked books and wooden breadboards for varied height; hints of a crystal chandelier above and fresh hydrangeas nearby; palette of cream, warm brass, soft blue, pale green; romantic, textured, French cottage mood; warm ambient light.

Set the table with linen runners, mismatched vintage plates, and brass candlesticks. Place lace-decoupaged pumpkins down the center—soft cream pumpkins with antique lace applied in delicate panels for a French cottage mood.

Let the pumpkins sit on stacked books and wooden breadboards to vary height. A crystal chandelier and fresh hydrangeas finish the pastoral fantasy.

  • Colors: Cream, warm brass, soft blue, pale green
  • Must-Have: Lace-decoupage for romance and texture

4. Glam Art Deco Bar Cart With Mirror-Mosaic Pumpkins

Photorealistic medium shot of a glam Art Deco bar cart vignette: gold bar cart against a charcoal wall, stocked with smoked glass coupes, cut-crystal decanters, and black cocktail napkins; focal mirror-mosaic pumpkins throwing dazzling glints of light like a disco ball; a framed line-art print on the wall and a small palm for movement; colors of charcoal, gold, black, mirrored silver; dimmed ambient lighting for reflective sparkle; no people.

Roll out a gold bar cart against a charcoal wall and add smoked glass coupes, cut-crystal decanters, and black cocktail napkins. The star: mirror-mosaic pumpkins that throw glints of light like a disco ball.

Pop in a framed line-art print and a small palm for movement. When the lights dim, the pumpkins turn the room into a stylish speakeasy.

  • Colors: Charcoal, gold, black, mirrored silver
  • Must-Have: Mirror tiles or reflective shards for a dazzling finish

5. Cozy Farmhouse Mantel With Patchwork Fabric Pumpkins

Photorealistic wide fireplace mantel scene in cozy farmhouse style: whitewashed mantel above stacked logs, a plaid throw nearby; hand-sewn fabric pumpkins made from patchwork flannel and ticking stripes, stems crafted from cinnamon sticks arranged across the mantel; galvanized lanterns, a reclaimed wooden sign, dried wheat in a jug; palette of cream, rust, denim blue, barn red; warm, homemade vibe; soft evening glow from lanterns; no people.

Build a simple farmhouse moment with a whitewashed mantel, stacked logs, and a plaid throw. On top, arrange hand-sewn fabric pumpkins made from patchwork flannel and ticking stripes, stems crafted from cinnamon sticks.

Mix in galvanized lanterns, a reclaimed wooden sign, and dried wheat in a jug. The effect feels homemade, warm, and ready for hot cocoa season.

  • Colors: Cream, rust, denim blue, barn red
  • Must-Have: Mix of cozy textiles for the pumpkin bodies

6. Desert Modern Living Room With Terracotta Clay-Painted Pumpkins

Photorealistic medium living room shot in desert modern style: low-profile sectional, woven coffee table, cacti in terracotta pots; pumpkins painted in layered clay tones—terracotta, adobe blush, and sand—with white geometric linework inspired by desert pottery; styled on a reclaimed wood tray with palo santo and a ceramic vase; colors terracotta, sand, blush, ivory; sun-kissed natural light and matte finishes; no people.

Keep it breezy with a low-profile sectional, woven coffee table, and cacti in terracotta pots. Your pumpkins? Painted in layered clay tones—terracotta, adobe blush, and sand—with white geometric linework inspired by desert pottery.

Style them on a reclaimed wood tray with palo santo and a ceramic vase. It’s modern, sun-kissed, and Instagram-ready.

  • Colors: Terracotta, sand, blush, ivory
  • Must-Have: Matte clay paint finish and simple geo patterns

7. Cottagecore Kitchen With Pressed-Flower Pumpkins

Photorealistic closeup of cottagecore kitchen island: pumpkins decoupaged with pressed wildflowers—pansies, ferns, Queen Anne’s lace—sealed glossy; scattered apples and a flour-dusted pie tin for lived-in charm; warm view to open shelving with copper pans and a gingham under-sink curtain softly blurred in background; fairy lights around the window adding a gentle glow; colors cream, soft green, blush, copper; romantic heirloom vibe.

Set a sweet kitchen scene with open shelving, copper pans, and a gingham curtain under the sink. On the island, display pumpkins decoupaged with pressed wildflowers—pansies, ferns, and Queen Anne’s lace—sealed glossy.

Scatter a few apples and a flour-dusted pie tin for lived-in charm. A string of fairy lights around the window adds glow to those delicate blooms.

  • Colors: Cream, soft green, blush, copper
  • Must-Have: Real pressed botanicals for a romantic heirloom vibe

8. Coastal Entryway With Rope-Wrapped Nautical Pumpkins

Photorealistic wide coastal entryway: shiplap walls, weathered bench, navy striped rug; pumpkins wrapped in thick jute rope spiraling from top to base, finished with a knotted stem and tiny seashell accents; rattan basket nearby, round porthole mirror on wall, glass hurricane with sand; palette navy, sand, white, driftwood gray; bright airy daylight, maritime charm; no people.

Think breezy boardwalk: shiplap walls, a weathered bench, and a navy striped rug. Your pumpkins get wrapped in thick jute rope spiraling from top to base, then finished with a knotted stem and tiny seashell accents.

Add a rattan basket, a round porthole mirror, and a glass hurricane with sand. It’s fall, but with salty air and maritime charm.

  • Colors: Navy, sand, white, driftwood gray
  • Must-Have: Rope-wrapped bodies and shell details

9. Mid-Century Lounge With Color-Blocked Mod Pumpkins

Photorealistic medium mid-century lounge vignette: low teak credenza, saffron accent chair, starburst clock on the wall; color-blocked mod pumpkins in mustard, avocado, tangerine, and teal divided by crisp white lines, neatly taped for precision; a vintage record sleeve propped up and a skinny lamp with a cone shade; playful, graphic, mid-century fabulous; clean, even lighting; no people.

Set up a low teak credenza, a saffron accent chair, and a starburst clock. Your pumpkins are color-blocked in retro brights: mustard, avocado, tangerine, and teal, divided by crisp white lines.

Prop a vintage record sleeve and add a skinny lamp with a cone shade. It’s playful, graphic, and completely mid-century fabulous.

  • Colors: Mustard, avocado, teal, tangerine, white
  • Must-Have: Tape off clean blocks for that mod precision

10. Black-Tie Dining Room With Velvet-Studded Pumpkins

Photorealistic closeup centerpiece on a black-tie dining table: marble tabletop with smoked glass goblets and taper candles; plush velvet-covered pumpkins in deep oxblood and forest tones, studded with antique brass upholstery tacks in symmetrical lattice patterns; velvet napkins and gold flatware framing the composition; dramatic black walls softly blurred; luxurious, moody lighting with warm candle glow.

Go dramatic with black walls, a marble-topped table, and smoked glass goblets. Place plush velvet-covered pumpkins along the center, each studded with antique brass upholstery tacks in lattice patterns.

Echo the richness with velvet napkins, gold flatware, and taper candles. This is the pumpkin that shows up in a tux and steals the show.

  • Colors: Black, oxblood, forest, gold
  • Must-Have: Velvet wrap plus symmetrical tack detailing

11. Industrial Loft Shelfie With Concrete-Effect Pumpkins

Photorealistic medium shelfie in an industrial loft: brick wall backdrop, metal shelving, Edison bulbs casting warm light; pumpkins painted with a concrete effect—layered gray tones, subtle sponging, fine hairline cracks—paired with steel planters and a black-framed typographic print; a trailing pothos softening the metal; colors concrete gray, black, olive green, warm brick; rugged, sculptural, gallery-cool; no people.

Lean into grit: brick wall, metal shelving, and Edison bulbs. Paint your pumpkins with a concrete effect—gray layers, subtle sponging, and fine cracks—then pair with steel planters and a black-framed typographic print.

Pop in a trailing pothos to soften the edges. It’s rugged, sculptural, and totally gallery-cool.

  • Colors: Concrete gray, black, olive green, warm brick
  • Must-Have: Textured paint technique for that stone-like realism

12. Boho Sunroom With Macramé-Wrapped Pumpkins

Photorealistic closeup of a boho sunroom tabletop: low mango-wood table with terracotta tea lights and pampas grass nearby; pumpkins wearing cream cotton macramé sleeves with knots, fringe, and wooden bead accents hugging their curves; layered rugs and a hint of a hanging rattan chair blurred in background; palette cream, clay, caramel, sage; soft, sunlit, grounded texture; no people.

Fill a sunny nook with layered rugs, floor cushions, and a low mango-wood table. Your pumpkins wear macramé sleeves—cream cotton knots and fringe hugging their curves, finished with wooden bead accents.

Add pampas grass, a hanging rattan chair, and terracotta tea lights. The knit texture makes the whole room feel soft and grounded.

  • Colors: Cream, clay, caramel, sage
  • Must-Have: Knotted covers sized to each pumpkin

13. Witchy Apothecary Corner With Smoky Ombre Pumpkins

Photorealistic corner shot of a witchy apothecary display: black floating shelves with amber bottles and labeled jars of “herbs”; pumpkins painted in charcoal-to-plum smoky ombre with misty edges, each bearing hand-lettered labels like “Moonseed” and “Nightshade”; dried lavender bundles, vintage mortar and pestle, and battery candle flicker for atmosphere; colors charcoal, plum, smoke, antique amber; mysterious, stylish, slightly spooky; no people.

Create a moody vignette with black floating shelves, amber bottles, and labeled jars of “herbs.” Paint pumpkins in a charcoal-to-plum ombre with misty edges, then add hand-lettered labels like “Moonseed” or “Nightshade.”

Layer in dried lavender, a vintage mortar and pestle, and a flicker of battery candles. It’s mysterious, stylish, and a little delightfully spooky.

  • Colors: Charcoal, plum, smoke, antique amber
  • Must-Have: Soft ombre transitions and apothecary-style labels

14. Preppy Mudroom With Plaid-Painted Tailgate Pumpkins

Photorealistic medium mudroom bench scene with preppy vibe: beadboard hooks, woven baskets, rubber boots lined up; pumpkins hand-painted in bold tartan patterns—navy, hunter green, and cherry red with cream lines—clean, taped plaid accuracy; a varsity-style pennant on the wall and a plaid blanket tossed over a crate; bright, cheerful daylight; crisp, spirited tailgate energy; no people.

Set a cheery mudroom with beadboard hooks, woven baskets, and rubber boots lined up. On the bench, pumpkins hand-painted in bold tartan—navy, hunter green, and red—bring that collegiate tailgate energy.

Hang a varsity-style pennant and toss a plaid blanket over a crate. It’s crisp, spirited, and perfect before a big game.

  • Colors: Navy, hunter, cherry red, cream
  • Must-Have: Clean plaid lines—use thin tape for accuracy

15. Garden Conservatory With Moss-Covered Fairy Pumpkins

Photorealistic wide garden conservatory corner: terracotta pots, climbing ivy, weathered potting bench; pumpkins fully covered in sheet moss, dotted with tiny faux mushrooms, miniature doors, and fairy windows; set on bark slabs with twinkle lights tucked into foliage; palette moss green, wood brown, copper, soft cream; whimsical, lush, storybook mood with soft dappled greenhouse light; no people.

Imagine a greenhouse corner with terracotta pots, climbing ivy, and a weathered potting bench. The pumpkins are completely covered in sheet moss, dotted with tiny faux mushrooms, miniature doors, and fairy windows.

Place them on bark slabs with twinkle lights tucked into the foliage. It’s whimsical, lush, and straight out of a storybook.

  • Colors: Moss green, wood brown, copper, soft cream
  • Must-Have: Natural textures and miniature accents for enchantment

Pro tip for winning: Choose a concept that connects your pumpkin to the space it lives in. When your pumpkin feels like it belongs—color-matched, styled with intention, and supported by lighting—your whole scene becomes unforgettable. Snap photos from a few angles, light it warmly, and let that contest judge fall in love with the room as much as the pumpkin.

Pick your favorite vibe, gather your supplies, and go create some seasonal magic. Your winning pumpkin is waiting to happen.

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