Halloween is right around the corner, and while it's tempting to run to the store for the latest spooky décor, you can save both time and money by getting creative with what you already have at home. With a little imagination, ordinary household items can be transformed into eerie decorations that set the perfect Halloween mood. Plus, repurposing what you already own is a great way to get festive while reducing waste.
Let’s dive into some fun, easy, and affordable Halloween decorating ideas you can create without leaving the house!
1. DIY Ghosts with Old Sheets
Got an old bed sheet tucked away in the closet? Turn it into a spooky ghost! This is one of the simplest and most iconic Halloween decorations, and all it takes is a sheet, a marker, and a little creativity. Drape the sheet over a balloon or a bunched-up pile of newspapers to create a floating effect. Use a black marker to draw eerie eyes and a mouth, then hang your ghost from the ceiling or a tree outside with some string. It’s a classic look, but it never fails to make a fun statement.
Pro tip: If you have a fan, set it up nearby to blow a gentle breeze on the ghost for that extra spooky flutter.
2. Spooky Candle Holders from Jars
You probably have some old glass jars lying around—think empty pickle jars, mason jars, or even those leftover spaghetti sauce containers. These can easily be transformed into eerie candle holders. Clean out the jars and place small candles or tea lights inside them. For an added spooky touch, wrap the jars with gauze or tissue paper to create a mummy effect, using googly eyes for that final creepy look. You can also paint the jars in black, orange, or white, cut out scary shapes (like bats or pumpkins), and stick them to the jars for a glowing silhouette effect once the candles are lit.
3. Bat Mobile from Old Hangers
Got an old wire hanger in your closet? Turn it into a spooky bat mobile! All you need is some black paper or construction paper to cut out bat shapes. Once you've got a bunch of bats, attach them to the wire hanger with some thread or fishing line. Hang the mobile from the ceiling and let the bats "fly" in the breeze. This simple craft creates a hauntingly fun decoration that's perfect for a living room or porch.
4. Wine Bottle Candle Holders
Instead of throwing out empty wine bottles, repurpose them for your Halloween décor. Place long, taper candles in the neck of each bottle and light them. Let the wax drip down the sides for that creepy, gothic vibe. You can even paint the bottles black or orange for extra flair. These DIY candle holders work well as table centerpieces or to add some mood lighting around your home.
5. Spider Webs from Cotton Balls
Store-bought spider webs can be a hassle, but did you know you can create your own webs using plain cotton balls? Stretch them out as much as possible to form a web-like texture, and drape them over your furniture, mantel, or even your front door. For an even creepier vibe, sprinkle plastic spiders (if you have some from a previous Halloween) or craft your own from pipe cleaners. The end result is both spooky and surprisingly realistic!
This is a great, easy option if you're looking to give your home that abandoned, haunted-house feel without purchasing synthetic materials.
6. Creepy Silhouettes in the Window
If you’re looking to give the neighbors a little scare, try making creepy silhouettes for your windows. All you need is some black construction paper or even cardboard. Cut out shapes of witches, cats, bats, or creepy hands reaching out. Tape them to the inside of your windows, and when the lights are on inside at night, it will look like shadowy figures are lurking behind the curtains.
This idea works wonders for making your house look haunted from the outside while using basic supplies you likely already have.
7. DIY Tombstones from Cardboard Boxes
Who needs to buy expensive foam tombstones when you can make your own at home? Take those old cardboard boxes you have from online shopping and turn them into spooky grave markers. Cut them into tombstone shapes and paint them gray. Use a black marker or paint to write creepy epitaphs like “R.I.P.” or “Here Lies Dracula.” Place them around your yard or even indoors to create a mini graveyard scene.
8. Tin Can Luminaries
Do you have empty tin cans in your recycling bin? Clean them out, fill them with water, and freeze them overnight. Once frozen, use a hammer and nail to carefully punch small holes in patterns like stars, bats, or pumpkins. After the water melts and the cans are dry, place candles or battery-operated lights inside. The light will shine through the holes, casting spooky patterns in the dark. These luminaries are perfect for lighting up your front steps or porch on Halloween night.
9. Floating Witch Hats from Hats and String
If you happen to have old witch hats from previous Halloweens, this idea is perfect. All you need is some string or fishing line. Attach the string to the top of the hats and hang them from the ceiling or a tree outside. The hats will appear to float, creating a whimsical yet spooky decoration. Add some LED lights or glow sticks inside for an added eerie effect after dark.
10. Decorate with Nature: Pumpkins, Pinecones, and Twigs
Why not bring some of the outdoors inside for your Halloween décor? Collect twigs, pinecones, or even pumpkins you might already have lying around. You can create a spooky display by arranging the natural elements in vases, across the mantel, or in bowls. For an extra eerie touch, spray paint the twigs black or white and add a few faux spiders.
Pumpkins, while traditionally carved, can also be painted for a mess-free and creative display. Use leftover paints from other projects to create ghost faces or designs in Halloween colors.
11. Create a Potion Station with Glass Bottles
If you have some old glass bottles or jars (like those from vinegar or olive oil), gather them up to create a potion station. Add some food coloring to water and fill the bottles. Label them with spooky names like “Witch’s Brew,” “Spider Venom,” or “Ghostly Goo” using masking tape and a permanent marker. Line them up on a shelf or kitchen counter for a creepy, yet easy Halloween display.
For a final touch, place a few small candles or a cauldron nearby to complete the scene.
12. Repurpose Old Clothes into Scarecrows or Dummies
Got some clothes that are headed for the donation bin? Why not give them a new life this Halloween? Create a scarecrow or a creepy dummy by stuffing old jeans and shirts with newspaper or towels. Prop them up in a chair on your porch or place them at the entrance of your home. Add a mask or a carved pumpkin as the head, and you’ve got yourself an instant spooky character to greet trick-or-treaters.