35 DIY Halloween Decorations
Crafting your spooky decorations can make your Halloween more personal, unique, and budget-friendly.
From creepy outdoor setups to charming indoor displays, here are 35 DIY Halloween decoration ideas to transform your home into a haunted wonderland.
DIY Halloween Decorations
1. Paper Bag Luminaries
Transform your walkway into a spine-chilling path this Halloween with easy-to-make paper bag luminaries.
Start with basic brown paper lunch bags as your canvas. Using scissors, cut out spooky ghost faces or sinister bat shapes.
Give each bag a personalized touch by adding a splash of paint for extra creepiness.
Once your bags are prepped, place battery-operated candles inside to light them up safely and effectively.
2. Halloween Garland
As we dive into the spooky season, crafting a Halloween garland with traditional motifs like bats, ghosts, or pumpkins can transform any space into a festive haunt.
Made from simple materials such as paper or felt, this DIY project is budget-friendly and perfect for all ages.
To get started, choose your favorite Halloween shapes, cut them out, and attach them along a string.
Hang your creation over the mantel, across a doorway, or drape it on the porch to greet trick-or-treaters.
3. Spiderweb Doormat
Consider crafting a spiderweb doormat—it’s both budget-friendly and eerily effective. Start by picking up a plain doormat from your local store.
Using a stencil, paint a spiderweb pattern across the surface with black or white paint for a bold contrast.
This straightforward DIY project is perfect for those who enjoy quick crafts with festive results.
4. Jar Mummies
Try making these charming jar mummies. Start by grabbing some unused mason jars—any size will do.
Simply wrap each one with gauze or cheesecloth, layering them until they resemble tiny mummies.
To give them personality, affix a pair of googly eyes peering out through the wraps. Finally, pop in a tea light to turn your creation into a spooky luminary.
5. Floating Ghosts
With Halloween just around the corner, you’re probably searching for creative ways to spook up your space. Look no further than these charmingly eerie floating ghosts.
By using everyday items such as cheesecloth, a balloon, and some fabric stiffener, you can craft spectral figures that appear to hover in mid-air.
Simply drape cheesecloth over an inflated balloon, apply fabric stiffener generously, and let it dry.
Once sturdy, remove the balloon and hang the ghosts from your porch or ceiling.
6. Creepy Candle Holders
Halloween enthusiasts are always on the lookout for creative ways to enhance the spookiness of their homes, and transforming old candle holders is an ingenious, simple method.
Start by collecting some outdated or unused candle holders and let your imagination take over.
Adorn them with fake spiders that look just real enough to give a jolt to even the bravest of souls. Add strands of artificial cobwebs for an authentic haunted house vibe.
For the final touch, give the holders a coat of eerie black paint. Top them with tall, black candles to complete the look.
7. Skull Planters
Transforming faux skulls into unique planters is a creative way to add a spooky touch to your Halloween decor.
Start by cutting off the tops of the skulls, making room for your choice of plants. Opt for hardy succulents or eerie-looking greenery to maintain the theme.
Arrange these planters indoors or in your garden to enhance the eerie ambiance.
This DIY project not only elevates your seasonal decorations but also serves as a conversation starter at gatherings.
8. Haunted Mirror
Transforming an ordinary thrift mirror into a spooky Halloween centerpiece is simpler than it sounds. Begin by distressing the glass to give it an aged, haunted appearance.
Use black paint or spray-on frost, lightly applied, to create a foggy, mysterious surface that suggests tales of ghostly apparitions.
For added eeriness, select vinyl decals depicting classic Halloween motifs such as ghosts, skeletons, or cobwebs, and strategically place them on the mirror.
9. Pumpkin Balloons
Halloween is right around the corner, and crafting your decorations can add a personal touch to your spooky celebration.
An easy and delightful DIY idea is creating pumpkin balloons. Start by inflating orange balloons until they’re firm.
Next, grab a permanent marker and bring your artistic side to life by sketching jack-o’-lantern faces on the balloons.
This is a fun activity everyone can enjoy, and the results are both adorable and eerie. These festive balloons are incredibly versatile.
10. Witch Hat Luminaries
Creating witch-hat luminaries is a fun and simple way to evoke a magical atmosphere.
Start by acquiring some black felt witch hats and battery-operated tea lights, the kind that twinkle serenely in the dark.
Slip a tea light into each hat and then suspend them strategically from the ceiling or even from trees if you’re decorating outdoors.
The hats appear to float mid-air, casting a gentle, eerie glow that’s both stylish and spooky.
11. Spider Egg Sacs
Creating a spooky atmosphere for Halloween doesn’t have to break the bank. One clever and simple DIY decoration idea is crafting your spider egg sacs.
All you need are some white stockings and cotton batting—or spiderweb material if you prefer a more authentic look.
Fill the stockings with the material and add several plastic spiders for that extra creepy touch.
Once assembled, hang these faux egg sacs from tree branches or nestle them into the corners of your porch.
12. Bloody Handprint Window Clings
Transform your windows into a scene straight from a horror movie with DIY bloody handprint clings.
This easy Halloween project involves cutting out hand shapes from red cling film, which can be easily found at craft or department stores.
If cling film isn’t available, red craft paint works just as well—just make sure it’s removable.
Apply the cling film or painted handprints strategically to create a realistic and unsettling effect.
13. Ghostly Lawn Figures
As Halloween approaches, creative decoration ideas are at an all-time high. A simple yet spooky craft involves crafting ghostly figures for your lawn using common household items.
Start by placing tomato cages or sturdy sticks into the ground as the ghostly frame.
Then, drape white sheets over the frame to form the ghost’s body, allowing the fabric to billow in the wind for an eerie effect. To add a touch of character, use black fabric to create expressive eyes.
Arranging these spectral figures in groups can transform your yard into a scene straight out of a ghost story, making this an ideal decoration for a festive and haunting ambiance.
14. Bat Wall Art
If you want to add a touch of spooky creativity to your Halloween decor, crafting bat wall art is an easy and effective choice.
Start by cutting out multiple bat shapes using black construction paper or cardstock.
The key is to replicate the look of a swarm across your chosen surface, be it a wall, door, or even a cozy fireplace.
This simple decoration brings a dramatic sense to your space, creating a chilling effect that seamlessly captures the eerie Halloween vibe.
15. DIY Tombstones
Creating your own Halloween decorations can be a fun and cost-effective way to get into the spooky spirit, and DIY tombstones are a great starting point.
All you need is some foam board or thick cardboard to shape into classic headstone forms.
Paint them with shades of grey or black to evoke the time-worn look of a graveyard.
The final touch is adding chilling epitaphs like “Rest in Pieces” or “Here Lies the Wicked Witch,” which inject humor and fright.
16. Spooky Silhouettes
Spooky silhouettes are a creative and easy way to transform your home for Halloween.
Using simple black cardstock, you can cut out various eerie figures like witches, bats, or skeletons.
When you attach these shapes to your windows, they play with light to cast haunting shadows, adding a chilling yet charming touch to your decor.
You can customize the shapes and sizes to fit your space or theme, ensuring a personalized experience.
17. Pumpkin Lanterns
Creating the perfect Halloween ambiance is not just about carving a pumpkin; it’s about illuminating it right.
The idea of transforming your traditional jack-o’-lantern into a striking lantern is both innovative and simple to execute.
Replace the conventional candle with battery-operated LED or fairy lights, instantly ensuring safety—no more fire hazards or accidental extinguishments.
These modern light sources offer an enchanting, gentle glow that persists long after candles have burnt out.
18. Hanging Spider Orbs
Consider making hanging spider orbs. Start by inflating a balloon and wrapping it with black string, ensuring that you cover it in an intricate web-like pattern.
Once you’ve achieved your desired look, spray adhesive onto the string to solidify the structure.
Allow it to dry completely before popping and removing the balloon, leaving behind a perfect spider orb.
Hang the orbs in your outdoor spaces to create an eerie ambiance, delighting trick-or-treaters and adding flair to your Halloween setup.
19. Ghost Pillowcases
Try transforming ordinary white pillowcases into charming ghost-themed pieces. This DIY project is as easy as it is delightful.
Start with a plain white pillowcase and use fabric paint to design playful or scary ghost faces on the front. Don’t worry about perfection; the charm lies in their uniqueness.
Once dry, these ghost pillows are perfect for dressing up your porch furniture or adding a spooky touch to your living room couch.
20. Glow Stick Lanterns
With Halloween fast approaching, there’s no better time to get crafty and save a few bucks on decorations. Enter the simple yet spooky glow stick lanterns.
All you need are some clear mason jars, glow sticks, and Halloween-themed stickers or silhouettes.
Pop a glow stick into each jar, seal it tight, and watch as the jars transform into eerie, glowing lights that could fit right into any haunted house setting.
Perfect for lining walkways or scattering around your living room during a spooky bash, these lanterns double as charming night lights.
21. Monster Door Decor
Transforming your front door into a monster is a charming Halloween idea that’s sure to delight your neighborhood ghouls and goblins.
The process is straightforward, making it a perfect activity for families to enjoy together. Start by attaching oversized googly eyes for a playful look that instantly draws attention.
Craft fangs from white paper or cardboard to add a light-hearted touch of menace.
The pièce de résistance is a faux fur “unibrow,” which ties the whole look together with whimsical flair.
22. Zombie Hand Planters
Halloween enthusiasts looking for a unique yet eerie twist in home decor will love the zombie hand planter idea.
Start by picking up some affordable plastic zombie hands from a local craft store.
These hands provide the perfect spooky vessel for housing small succulents or air plants, which are both easy to care for and visually striking.
Place them strategically around your garden or on a windowsill to catch the eye of any passerby.
23. Skeleton Wreath
For those looking to add a touch of horror to their Halloween decor, a skeleton wreath is an excellent project.
This DIY creation involves using plastic skeletons and bones, which are readily available at most craft stores.
Begin by gathering the materials: a basic wreath form, skeleton parts, black ribbon or tulle, and a hot glue gun. Arrange the bones artfully around the wreath form, securing them with glue.
For added eeriness, incorporate tulle or ribbon, weaving it through the bones and creating dimension.
24. Spider Web Table Runner
In the realm of DIY Halloween decorations, crafting a spider web table runner can elevate your festive dining decor with a touch of eerie elegance.
Start by cutting a web pattern from black felt or lace, the intricate design capturing the essence of a spooky evening.
Draped across your table, this runner serves as a spine-chilling centerpiece. Enhance the effect with the addition of black candles, their flickering flames casting ghostly shadows.
25. Halloween Mason Jar Lanterns
Creating Halloween mason jar lanterns is a fun and simple DIY project perfect for adding a spooky touch to your home or yard.
Start by gathering a few mason jars and painting them in festive Halloween hues like orange, black, or purple.
Once dry, cut out jack-o’-lantern faces or ghost shapes from adhesive paper and stick them onto the jars, adding a personal and eerie flair.
Finish by placing a candle or some fairy lights inside each jar to cast a haunting glow.
26. Pumpkin Vase
Creating a pumpkin vase is a fun and unique way to spruce up your Halloween décor.
Start by selecting a medium-sized pumpkin and carefully hollowing it out, just as you would for carving.
Once you have a good cavity, use it as a vase, filling it with an arrangement that screams Halloween spirit.
Incorporate black roses and vibrant orange mums for a striking contrast. To elevate the eerie atmosphere, drape some faux cobwebs across the floral display.
27. Bloody Candles
Transform ordinary white candles into gruesome centerpieces with a simple but striking technique.
Start by lighting a red candle and carefully letting the wax drip onto white pillar candles, mimicking the look of fresh blood.
This effect creates a chilling yet visually captivating piece that opts for elegance over the conventional Halloween kitsch.
It’s ideal for those wanting to infuse their dinner party with a hint of gothic flair without going overboard.
28. Floating Witch Brooms
This simple DIY project is both creative and straightforward: take any broomstick and hang it from the ceiling with invisible fishing wire.
A quirky and enchanting illusion that will captivate visitors both indoors and outdoors.
Not only does it fit the Halloween theme perfectly, but it also adds a touch of magical whimsy to your home or yard.
Just imagine the look on your guests’ faces when they walk into a room with brooms mysteriously hovering above.
29. Black Lace Spiderwebs
Transform your home into a stylish haunt with DIY black lace spiderwebs this Halloween. It’s a straightforward project that packs a decorative punch.
Start by sourcing some black lace fabric—craft stores or online marketplaces are your best bet.
Carefully cut the lace into intricate web patterns; don’t worry if perfection eludes you, as the irregularity lends authenticity.
Once done, drape these webs over mirrors, windows, or any furniture piece needing a gothic touch. Effortlessly, your space embodies the Halloween spirit with an artistic flair.
30. Pumpkin Topiary
Transform your porch this Halloween with a creative pumpkin topiary. Start by stacking mini pumpkins, either real or artificial, atop one another to form a striking display.
For a festive touch, paint the pumpkins in traditional Halloween colors like orange, black, and purple, or decorate them with simple patterns like stripes and dots.
This combination adds a playful and spooky charm to your autumn decor. Topiaries work best on porches or entryways, providing a welcoming entrance for guests and trick-or-treaters.
31. DIY Creepy Portraits
Transforming ordinary photographs into spooky masterpieces is the perfect DIY project to creep up your Halloween decor.
Start by scouring thrift stores for vintage portraits, or dig out old family photos you’re willing to revamp.
With some basic art supplies like acrylic paint, a brush, and your imagination, you can reimagine these images into eerie artworks.
Add details like fangs, ghostly glowing eyes, or aged, decaying skin to give them an undead look.
32. Monster Eyeball Wreath
Try making a Monster Eyeball Wreath for your front door. Start by gathering an assortment of googly eyes—get creative with sizes to add dimension.
Next, find some green faux fur or a roll of black ribbon to enhance the monster theme.
Simply attach the googly eyes to a sturdy base, ensuring they cover the entire surface. Wrap or intertwine the fur or ribbon to add that monstrous touch.
33. Hanging Mason Jar Ghosts
Try crafting eerie yet charming hanging mason jar ghosts, an idea that is both simple and effective.
Begin by giving your mason jars a coat of white paint, transforming them into ghostly figures.
Next, use black paint or markers to draw on haunting faces, capturing various expressions from goofy grins to menacing frowns.
Finally, tuck LED candles inside to illuminate the figures with a spectral glow, casting shadows that dance eerily in the night air.
34. Yarn Spider Web
Decorating for Halloween doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. One of the simplest and most effective ways to add a spooky touch to your space is by crafting your yarn spider webs.
This DIY project requires only some yarn or string and a little creativity. Start by choosing a location, like your porch or a corner of your living room.
Thread the yarn in a web pattern, attaching it securely to walls or furniture. The web can stretch between trees or adorn a mantel for chilling charm.
Finish the look by placing a few fake spiders on the yarn, instantly enhancing the eerie ambiance.
35. Pumpkin Candle Holders
As Halloween approaches, many look to create a spine-chilling ambiance without breaking the bank, and crafting pumpkin candle holders is a delightful solution.
This DIY project involves hollowing out small pumpkins just enough to snugly fit candles or tealights inside.
Not only does this add a personal touch to holiday decorations, but it also casts an eerie glow perfect for both indoor and outdoor settings.
