Have you ever had that moment in October where you realize Halloween is around the corner and your house doesn’t feel festive at all? You want it to look cute and decorated, but you don’t have days to craft or a big budget to spend. I’ve been there too. That’s why I love quick, simple Halloween DIYs you can actually finish in one sitting. The kind that make your home look spooky-cute without leaving a mess of half-finished projects behind.
These DIY Halloween decorations are fun, affordable, and easy enough that you can make them tonight. Grab a few supplies, put on your favorite spooky playlist, and let’s turn your home into something you’ll actually brag about this October.
1. Floating Ghosts
Imagine walking up to your porch and seeing little ghosts swaying in the breeze. It’s simple, a little spooky, and so easy to pull together.
- What you need: White cheesecloth, balloons, fishing line, black felt or paper for eyes.
- How to do it: Blow up the balloons, drape the cheesecloth over them, add eyes, and hang with fishing line.
- Extra tip: Slip a glow stick inside each balloon for an eerie glow at night.
You’ll be amazed how much character these little ghosts bring to your entryway.
2. Spider Web Table Runner
Your dining table deserves a little Halloween spirit too. A DIY spider web table runner instantly makes it party-ready without buying expensive décor.
- What you need: Black felt or fabric, chalk, scissors.
- How to do it: Fold the fabric, sketch half a web with chalk, then cut it out. Unfold to reveal the full web.
- Extra tip: Scatter mini plastic spiders across the runner for extra creepy points.
It takes minutes, but it looks like you spent hours planning your table.
3. Mason Jar Mummies
Mason jars are probably sitting in your kitchen right now, and they make the cutest little mummies. These work as candy jars, candle holders, or just fun decorations for your counter.
- What you need: Mason jars, gauze or medical tape, googly eyes, glue, tea light candles.
- How to do it: Wrap jars with gauze, glue on googly eyes, and pop a candle or candy inside.
- Extra tip: Use flameless candles if you want them glowing all night long.
They’re quirky, fast to make, and always get a smile from kids and adults.
4. Flying Bat Wall
A bat wall is the easiest way to make a big statement. All you need is cardstock and scissors, and suddenly a blank wall looks like something out of a Halloween movie.
- What you need: Black cardstock, scissors, tape.
- How to do it: Cut out bat shapes in different sizes, then tape them to the wall in a swooping pattern.
- Extra tip: Fold the wings slightly so they pop off the wall.
It’s bold, dramatic, and takes less than 20 minutes to set up.
5. Pumpkin Balloon Garland
Pumpkins don’t always have to be carved. A balloon garland is fast, fun, and perfect for both parties and porches.
- What you need: Orange balloons, black marker or vinyl stickers, string, tape.
- How to do it: Blow up balloons, draw or stick jack-o’-lantern faces, and tie them together to form a garland.
- Extra tip: Add a few green balloons at the top to look like pumpkin stems.
This is one of those crafts that instantly sets the mood for a party, even if you only decorate one wall.
6. Haunted Candle Sticks
Take those old candlesticks you never use and give them a haunted makeover. A little black paint and dripping red wax is all you need.
- What you need: Old candlesticks, black spray paint, red wax or hot glue with red paint.
- How to do it: Spray paint the candlesticks black. Melt red wax or paint hot glue so it drips down the sides.
- Extra tip: Pair them with black taper candles for maximum drama.
They look like something straight out of a gothic haunted house.
7. Ghost Garland
If you want something lighthearted and family-friendly, a ghost garland is perfect. It’s easy enough for kids to help, and it makes any mantel or doorway instantly festive.
- What you need: White tissue paper or fabric, cotton balls, string, markers.
- How to do it: Wrap tissue around a cotton ball, tie with string, draw little faces, and string them together.
- Extra tip: Alternate with orange tissue for a pumpkin-and-ghost combo.
You’ll love how quick it is, and the finished garland is just plain adorable.
8. Spooky Silhouette Windows
Your neighbors will love this one because it makes your house look decorated from the street. With just some poster board and scissors, you can turn your windows into Halloween scenes.
- What you need: Black poster board, scissors, tape, string lights.
- How to do it: Cut out shapes like witches, black cats, or haunted trees. Tape them inside your windows.
- Extra tip: Backlight with orange or purple string lights for an eerie glow.
This is one of the easiest ways to give your house instant Halloween curb appeal.
9. Jack-O’-Lantern Jars
Instead of carving pumpkins, try turning old jars into glowing jack-o’-lanterns. They look just as festive and last a lot longer.
- What you need: Glass jars, orange tissue paper, glue, black paper, tea lights.
- How to do it: Cover jars with orange tissue, cut black paper faces, glue them on, and add a candle inside.
- Extra tip: Use jars of different sizes so they look like a little pumpkin family.
They’re cheap, fast, and perfect for lining your porch or windowsill.
10. Creepy Crawly Lanterns
If you already have lanterns, this is the easiest Halloween makeover. Just add a few spooky touches and they’re transformed.
- What you need: Lanterns, fake spider webs, plastic spiders, flameless candles.
- How to do it: Stretch spider webbing inside the lantern, add fake spiders, and place a candle in the middle.
- Extra tip: Place one on your porch so trick-or-treaters get a little surprise.
They’re the perfect mix of spooky and stylish, and you can set them up in minutes.
Quick Recap
- Floating ghosts, bat walls, and silhouette windows make a big impact with little effort.
- Mason jar mummies, ghost garlands, and jack-o’-lantern jars are kid-friendly and budget-friendly.
- Balloon garlands, candlesticks, and lanterns instantly set the mood for parties and porches.
Final Thought
Halloween decorating doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With these 10 DIY Halloween decorations, you can make your home look festive in under an hour. The best part is that each project feels doable, even if you’re short on time. So grab a few supplies tonight, put on a spooky playlist, and watch your house transform into the kind of place that makes October feel extra magical.
