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Create a Spooky Home Without the High Cost
Let’s be real—store - bought Halloween decorations are a total letdown sometimes. They’re pricey, right? And half the time, you’ll walk down the street and see the exact same plastic skeleton on three different porches. You want your place to feel festive, unique… like yours. But dropping a bunch of cash on cheap plastic? No thanks.
The fix? Make your own. Seriously. You don’t need to be a craft whiz. With some basic stuff you might already have (or can grab for cheap) and a little creativity, you’ll have a space that feels spooky - fun and totally one - of - a - kind. This guide’s got 22 indoor DIY ideas—simple, budget - friendly, and they actually make an impact. Trust me, your guests will be asking where you got them.
1. Floating Witch Hats
This one’s pure magic—literally. It adds that “wait, how’d they do that?” vibe to any room. All you need are cheap black witch hats (I got mine at the dollar store last year), clear fishing line (invisible is key here), safety pins, and those removable ceiling hooks (no holes! Win.).
First, pin a length of fishing line to the pointy top of each hat. Then tie the other end to a hook. Here’s the secret: hang them at different heights. Some high, some low. It makes them look like they’re just floating there, mid - air. Perfect for the entryway—greet guests with a little witchy flair—or over the dining table. My cousin did this last Halloween, and I swear I stared at them for five minutes trying to figure out the trick.
2. Eerie Paper Bat Swarm
Bats are classic Halloween, and a swarm? Instantly spooky. The best part? It costs next to nothing. Grab some black cardstock (the thicker stuff holds up better), scissors, and double - sided tape.
First, find a bat template online—print a few sizes, like tiny ones and medium ones, for depth. Trace ’em onto the cardstock and cut ’em out. Now, fold the wings just a little—not too much, just enough to give them a 3D look. It makes all the difference from flat, boring bats.
Arrange them on a wall in a swooping pattern. Start from a corner, or above the fireplace, or even a doorway. My neighbor did this on her living room wall, and from across the room, you’d swear they’re flying. Total bang for your buck.
3. Ghostly Cheesecloth Figures
These ghosts are so ethereal—way better than the plastic ones. You’ll need cheesecloth (grab a big roll from the craft store), liquid fabric starch, a mold (a balloon, a plastic bottle, even a roll of paper towels works), and black felt for eyes.
Dip the cheesecloth in the starch—soak it good. Then drape it over your mold. Make sure it has those wispy, ghostly folds. Let it dry completely—this is the boring part, but don’t rush it. Once it’s hard, pop the balloon or pull out the bottle, and it’ll hold its shape. Glue on tiny felt eyes, and boom—ghosts.
I put mine on my bookshelf last year, and my cat kept staring at them like she was gonna pounce. Place ’em on shelves, tables, or even the fireplace mantel. They’re subtle but so creepy - cute.
4. Creepy Spider Web Mantel
Turn your fireplace into a spider’s lair—so easy, and it looks intense. Grab bags of that stretchy cotton spider web stuff (you can get a pack for $2 at the dollar store) and a bunch of plastic spiders (mix sizes—small ones for detail, big ones for shock).
Here’s the pro tip: stretch the webbing thin. The thinner it is, the more realistic it looks. If you leave it clumpy, it just looks like cotton. Drape it across the mantel, wrap it around picture frames, even cover the candleholders. Then tuck the spiders in—some hanging from the web, some crawling on the edges.
My mom did this once, and my little brother refused to go near the fireplace for a week. Mission accomplished, right?
5. Apothecary Jar Display
This is for all the witchy, potion - loving vibes. Collect glass jars of different shapes and sizes—thrift stores are goldmines for this. I found a few old mason jars and a tall, skinny one that looks like it’s straight out of a wizard’s shop.
Fill ’em with “spooky” ingredients, then add handmade labels. Here are my go - tos:
- Eyeballs: Peeled grapes or lychee fruit in water. Trust me, lychees look exactly like eyeballs—my friend did a double - take when she saw them.
- Worms: Gummy worms in water tinted with green food coloring. Go easy on the coloring, though—too much and it looks fake.
- Spider Eggs: Tapioca pearls in a cloudy liquid (just add a drop of milk to water).
Print labels that look old—think “Eye of Newt” or “Venom”—and tie ’em on with twine. Stack ’em on a shelf or a side table. It’s such a fun conversation starter.
6. Spooky Book Covers
Want a haunted library feel without buying new books? This is it. It’s a super simple paper craft—no scissors skills required.
Print spooky book cover designs from the internet onto regular or textured paper (textured makes it look more authentic). Look for titles like “Advanced Potion - Making” or “A History of Ghosts”—Harry Potter vibes, but Halloween - y. Cut ’em to fit the books you already own (old paperbacks work best—no need to ruin nice ones) and tape ’em on the inside.
Stack a few on your side table or line ’em up on a shelf. I did this with my cookbooks last year, and now “Cursed Cakes” sits next to my actual recipe books. It’s silly, but it makes me smile every time I see it.
7. Candlelit Window Silhouettes
This one looks good from inside and out—perfect for trick - or - treaters. Grab black construction paper, scissors, and tape. Cut out Halloween shapes: black cats, witches on brooms, haunted houses, even skeletons. Keep ’em simple—you don’t need perfect lines.
Tape ’em to the inside of your window panes. Then, at night, put battery - operated candles (real ones are too risky near paper!) or a small lamp on the windowsill behind the cutouts. The light backlights the shapes, and suddenly you’ve got these eerie silhouettes.
My neighbor did witches and black cats, and from the street, it looks like a little Halloween scene. So easy, but so effective.
8. Creepy Crawly Staircase
This is a cheap thrill—literally. Buy a pack of plastic rats or spiders (the dollar store has huge packs). Grab some removable adhesive putty (so it doesn’t damage the stairs).
Stick ’em to the vertical part of each stair riser. Arrange ’em like they’re crawling up or down—mix directions for chaos. My friend did this, and I screamed the first time I walked up her stairs. It’s such a silly, unexpected surprise.
Pro tip: Put a few extra - big spiders near the top. The payoff is worth it.
9. Ghostly Mirror Message
This is the ultimate subtle scare—great for guest bathrooms. Mix equal parts white craft glue and water. Grab a small paintbrush. Write a creepy message on the mirror: “Help Me,” “I’m watching you,” or even something silly like “Boo!” if you’re not into the super scary stuff.
Let it dry completely. It’ll be clear—you won’t even see it. But when someone takes a shower and the mirror fogs up? The message reappears. My sister did this to me once, and I stood there frozen for a second. So genius, and so easy.
10. Potion Bottle Collection
Repurpose old glass bottles into colorful potions—so much better than buying new decor. Collect empty wine bottles, olive oil bottles, or any glass container with a cool shape. Clean ’em out and peel off the labels (use rubbing alcohol if the glue sticks—trust me, it works).
Fill ’em with water and a few drops of food coloring: bright green for “Poison,” deep purple for “Enchanted Elixir,” neon pink for “Love Potion” (spooky and cute). Add a pinch of glitter for that magical shimmer. Cork ’em up, tie on custom labels with twine, and you’re done.
I have a few on my kitchen windowsill—they catch the light and look so pretty. Plus, it’s a great way to reuse bottles instead of throwing them away.
11. Hanging Cage Props
Who knew laundry baskets could be spooky? You’ll need two identical round plastic laundry baskets, black spray paint, zip ties, and a prop (a plastic skeleton, a rubber raven, even a stuffed black cat).
Spray paint both baskets black—do a couple of coats so it’s even. Let ’em dry. Put your prop inside one basket. Flip the other basket upside down and place it on top to make a cage. Use zip ties to connect the two baskets—tighten ’em good so it’s secure.
Hang it from the ceiling with a chain or thick rope. I hung mine in my living room last year, and it was the focal point of all my Halloween decor. So unexpected, and so cool.
12. Enchanted Floating Candles
Harry Potter fans, this one’s for you. Recreate that magical Great Hall vibe with floating candles. You’ll need paper towel tubes, LED tea lights, white or creamy paint, and a hot glue gun.
Paint the paper towel tubes—let the paint be a little uneven, like old wax. Once dry, use the hot glue gun to make “wax drips” around one end. Let the glue cool. Push an LED tea light into the top (the kind with the on/off switch—so easy).
Hang ’em from the ceiling with clear fishing line, at different heights. Turn off the lights, and they look like they’re floating. My niece did this for her Halloween party, and all the kids lost their minds. Total magic.
13. Creepy Specimen Jars
Mad scientist vibes, coming right up. Find large glass jars with lids—thrift stores or even your pantry (old pasta sauce jars work!) are perfect. Put creepy plastic toys inside: spiders, snakes, small dolls, even toy bugs.
Fill the jars with water, then add a few drops of green or yellow food coloring to make it murky. The murkier, the creepier—it makes it look like you’re hiding something weird. Screw on the lid, and set ’em on a shelf or desk.
I have one with a tiny doll head in it—my brother says it’s “disturbing,” which means I nailed it.
14. Black Branch Centerpiece
This is so dramatic, and it’s free (if you have trees!). Collect fallen branches from your yard—look for ones with interesting shapes, lots of twists and turns. Trim ’em to fit your vase or pot.
Spray paint ’em matte black—matte is key, glossy looks too shiny. Let ’em dry. Arrange ’em in a large vase. You can hang small ornaments from ’em: tiny plastic skulls, paper bats, even little pumpkins.
I used this as a dining table centerpiece last year. It’s dark, moody, and totally Halloween - y. Plus, you can reuse the branches next year—just touch up the paint.
15. Mummy-Wrapped Vases
Turn any glass jar or vase into a mummy—so cute, even for people who don’t love scary decor. You’ll need a glass container, gauze (from your first - aid kit—no need to buy new!), and googly eyes (the bigger, the better).
Wrap the gauze around the jar, overlapping it so it looks like mummy bandages. Secure the end with a dot of hot glue. Leave a small gap for the eyes—glue on the googly eyes there. Put an LED tea light inside, and it glows through the gauze.
I made these for my office last year, and everyone wanted one. They’re silly, spooky, and so easy to make.
16. Raven & Crow Perches
Crows and ravens are classic gothic Halloween—they add that “something’s watching” feel. Buy a few artificial black crows or ravens from the craft store (they’re usually cheap around Halloween).
Place ’em in unexpected spots: on top of curtain rods, on bookshelves, on door frames, even on top of picture frames. The key is to put ’em where people aren’t expecting—so every time someone looks up, they see a crow.
My friend did this, and I kept feeling like I was being watched. It’s subtle, but it sets the mood so well.
17. Dripping 'Blood' Candles
This is a quick way to turn normal candles into gory decor. Grab plain white pillar candles (the dollar store has these too). Get a red candle—any size works.
Light the red candle and hold it over the white one. Let the red wax drip down the sides. The more drips, the more it looks like blood. Do this over a plate or newspaper—wax is messy!
Group a few of these together on a tray or the mantel. They look so sinister, but they took five minutes to make. My cousin used these at her horror movie night, and they set the tone perfectly.
18. Haunted Portrait Gallery
Turn your family photos into spooky art—so fun, and personal. Hit up thrift stores for old, ornate picture frames—look for ones with chipped paint, they’re more haunted - looking.
Print black - and - white photos: ghosts, classic horror movie characters, or even edit your own family photos with a ghostly effect (Canva has free filters for this!). Replace the art in your frames with these spooky pics.
Hang ’em up for October. My mom did this with a photo of my grandma—she added a ghostly overlay, and it’s actually kind of sweet (and a little creepy). It’s a great way to make decor feel personal.
19. Gourd & Pumpkin Creatures
This is a family - friendly craft—great for kids (and adults who love getting messy). Grab small pumpkins and gourds—they’re cheap at the grocery store in October.
Use paint, hot glue, and craft supplies to turn ’em into monsters. Here are some ideas:
- Paint a pumpkin white, wrap it in gauze, and glue on googly eyes—mummy pumpkin!
- Cut a tiny slit in a gourd, glue in plastic vampire fangs—vampire gourd.
- Stick black thumbtacks in a pumpkin for eyes—spider pumpkin.
My niece and nephew made these last year, and we displayed them on the kitchen counter. They’re so cute, and they last for weeks.
20. Spider Egg Sacs
These are so creepy—perfect for people who love the gross - out Halloween stuff. You’ll need white pantyhose or tights (old ones work!), plastic spiders, a foam or plastic ball (ping - pong balls work for small sacs), and cotton batting.
Put the ball inside the pantyhose. Fill the space around it with cotton batting and small plastic spiders—pack it tight, but not too tight. Tie the top with string.
Hang ’em from the ceiling, a doorway, or even in a corner. They look like they’re ready to hatch. My friend hung these in her basement, and I refused to go down there alone. Mission accomplished.
21. Spooky Terrarium
Create a tiny haunted world—so cool, and it’s a great desk decor. Use a large glass jar, cloche, or even a fishbowl. Add a base: soil, black sand, or even crushed black rocks.
Then build your scene: small bare twigs for dead trees, moss for overgrown ground, a tiny plastic skeleton or skull as the star. You can even make a tiny tombstone from clay or a piece of stone.
I made one for my desk last year, and I kept rearranging the skeleton—moving it like it was “haunting” the trees. It’s a fun little project that you can tweak all month.
22. Shadow Puppet Corner
This is interactive—great for parties or kids. Cut scary shapes from black cardstock: a spindly hand, a monster’s head, a witch on a broom, even a ghost. Tape ’em to thin wooden skewers (or chopsticks, if that’s what you have).
Put a lamp on the floor, aimed at a blank wall. Stand between the lamp and the wall, hold the puppets, and move ’em around. The shadows get big and distorted—way scarier than the cutouts themselves.
My niece spent an hour playing with this at my Halloween party. She made the monster “eat” the witch, and all the kids cheered. It’s simple, but it’s so much fun.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I use for Halloween decorations at home?
Oh, so many things you probably already have! Black paper, cheesecloth, glass jars (old pasta sauce jars, anyone?), cotton balls, fallen branches—all perfect. And repurposing stuff works too: laundry baskets for cages, wine bottles for potions, even old books for spooky covers. I raid my craft drawer and garage every year, and I barely buy anything new.
How can I make my house look scary for Halloween on a budget?
Focus on impact, not cost. A swarm of paper bats costs $2 in supplies and fills a whole wall. Dimming the lights and using LED candles? Free, and it instantly makes the room feel spooky. Stretch cotton spider webs are $1 a bag and cover your mantel, shelves, whatever. It’s not about how much you spend—it’s about how you arrange the cheap stuff. I once made my whole living room feel scary with just bats, webs, and a few candles. Total cost: $5.
How do you make simple ghost decorations?
The cheesecloth and starch trick is my go - to—it’s easy and looks great. But if you don’t have starch, try this: blow up a white balloon, draw a face on it with a black marker, and hang it from the ceiling. Or cut a white trash bag into strips, tie it to a tree branch (or a coat rack inside), and add googly eyes. My nephew made the trash bag ghosts last year, and they looked surprisingly good. No fancy supplies needed!
Conclusion
Here’s the thing: you don’t need a big budget to make your home feel Halloween - ready. These 22 ideas are proof—all you need is a little creativity and some basic stuff. And the best part? When you make your own decor, it’s yours. No one else will have the same cheesecloth ghosts or potion bottles or shadow puppet corner.
I’m already planning which ones I’m doing this year—I think the floating candles and the haunted portrait gallery are first on my list. Which one are you gonna try? Do a little experiment, have fun with it… and definitely share your creations in the comments. I’d love to see what you come up with!
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