There’s something quietly powerful about October.
It’s the month when everything begins to slow down — but also deepen. The light fades, the days grow shorter, and the air feels sharper. For me, October has always carried a quiet intensity: a mix of nostalgia, reflection, and transformation. It’s not loud. It’s not showy. But it speaks deeply.
As an artist, I find myself returning to October’s symbols, colours, and emotional textures often in my work — whether intentionally or as an undercurrent. In this post, I want to explore what this month means, both symbolically and emotionally, and how it can shape the way we decorate and feel through art in our living spaces.
Symbolism of October
October is all about change. In many cultures, it's the season of harvest, death, and renewal. It marks the final full breath before winter, a reminder of cycles — of what fades, what’s let go, and what may return in a new form.
It’s a deeply symbolic time for introspection. In ancient traditions, this was the veil-thinning month — the time when spiritual energy was closest, when ancestors were honoured, and when internal landscapes felt more vivid than ever.
That’s part of why October often shows up in my visual language: it mirrors the kind of inner worlds I try to express — where darkness isn’t something to fear but something to hold.
Birthstones & Zodiac Signs
If you’re drawn to personal symbolism, October is rich:
Birthstones: Opal and Tourmaline
These stones shimmer with depth and ambiguity, revealing different colours as light moves across them. I love how they reflect emotional nuance — nothing is ever just one thing. It’s a reminder of our inner complexity.
Zodiac: Libra (until Oct 22) and Scorpio (from Oct 23)
Libra brings balance, beauty, and the desire for harmony. Scorpio dives deep — emotionally, psychologically, and spiritually. If that tension between aesthetic calm and emotional intensity resonates with you… welcome to October energy.
October Colours in Art & Decor
The colours of October are rich, warm, and grounding — think:
Burnt orange
Deep wine red
Golden amber
Smoky grey
Earthy brown
Charcoal or black
View Red & Orange Floral Art Poster "VASE"
These tones are perfect for creating a moody, cozy atmosphere at home. They make a space feel rooted, thoughtful, even a bit meditative. I often use this palette when I want to tap into a more emotional and sensory tone in my pieces.
It’s not about making things dark for the sake of it — it’s about depth. About layering feelings, symbolisms, and internal seasons.
October Flower: Marigold
The marigold is October’s official flower. In floriography (the Victorian language of flowers), marigolds symbolize:
Grief and remembrance
Warmth and creativity
The sun and sacred rituals
They’re especially significant in Mexican culture during Día de los Muertos, where marigolds guide spirits with their bright colour and scent.
In my work, floral motifs often carry quiet metaphors. I love how marigolds bridge light and shadow, just like October itself — warm and golden, yet surrounded by falling leaves and the scent of change.
Choosing Art Prints for October Vibes
Whether you’re born in October or simply drawn to its melancholic beauty, incorporating art that reflects these themes can bring emotional richness to your space.
Here are a few things to consider:
Go for emotional tone over subject: Look for artwork that feels like October — introspective, layered, soft, or even eerie.
Layer textures and tones: Art prints that use warm highlights on dark backgrounds or muted botanical details can bring that sense of depth and seasonal slowness.
Look for symbolism: Floral elements (like marigolds, vines, dried leaves), halo-like shapes, or earthy shapes can all hold meaning.
Don’t be afraid of darkness: A little shadow in your wall art can create a beautiful contrast with natural light, adding soul to minimal or modern interiors.
I believe October decor doesn’t need to be themed or literal. It can be felt — through texture, through warmth, through contrast. A quiet piece of art on the wall can shift how we feel in a room without saying a single word.
October is one of the months that invites stillness. That allows us to sit with ourselves. It’s not the performative optimism of spring, or the buzzing excitement of summer. It’s the soft ache of change, the comfort of familiar textures, and the mystery of what lies ahead.
I hope this inspires you to rethink how you bring seasonal meaning into your space — not just through pumpkins or candles, but through emotional, symbolic, soulful art.
Expole full collection of my eccentric wall art posters & prints.
