Do you want simple Halloween crafts to take your home to the next level of spookiness without the pressure of complicated crafts? In the mood to be crafty with cheap materials that still look expensive? In this article, I will take you through easy and aesthetically appealing Halloween decoration ideas that are even simple to do even as a beginner. Whether it is DIY Halloween decorations to make with the kids, or stylish accents to create a modern interior, every idea is ideal to create a spooky and a welcoming atmosphere this season.
These simple Halloween crafts can be used to decorate your living room, create something in the kitchen, or prepare your front porch to receive trick or treaters, and they are versatile enough to fit your own style. I will guide you step-by-step- how to incorporate each of the items into your interior design, what to use, and how to make your Halloween decorations look purposeful and united. So, let us take a look at the first set of adorably spooky things.
Spooky Paper Plate Pumpkins
Simple crafts that are colorful and cute are some of my favorite ways to bring Halloween into the house, including Spooky Paper Plate Pumpkins. These can be simply hung in a comfortable family area or be placed along the wall of a casual dining area. I tend to cluster them in threes over a console table or entryway bench in a playful seasonal greeting. They are handmade and bright orange, so they are a fantastic accent but do not take over the room.
To make this craft real, I take orange paper plates, black construction paper to make faces, and green ribbon to make stems. I never fail to suggest that the pumpkins be layered on a neutral background, such as a taupe or beige wall, so as to allow the colors to pop. I prefer to hang them up with adhesive hooks or to hang them as a garland on twine. To make the area higher, I place some mini hay bales and LED candles on nearby furniture.
I discovered this is a family fun project. It is easy enough to engage people of all ages, and the outcome creates a rustic-meets-playful aesthetic that suits contemporary and traditional spaces alike. Better Homes & Gardens says that the use of unexpected materials such as paper in seasonal decor will bring a bit of whimsy and personalization that store-bought decor cannot.
The thing I would like to include in this arrangement is a thin wooden shelf to stagger the pumpkins to have more height. Some fake leaves or small plastic spiders may add depth and still have the theme consistent.
DIY Ghost Lanterns For Kids
As a decorator, I am always on the hunt to find projects that can serve as mood lighting and fun decor- DIY Ghost Lanterns fit the bill. I’ve displayed these on the fireplace mantel, windowsill, or side tables in a kid’s bedroom. They emit a gentle light that is perfect to set a warm and somewhat creepy mood but not so frightening that it would scare younger children.
I create them with clean mason jars, white gauze or cheesecloth and battery-powered tealights. Each ghost is given a personality by the use of googly eyes or hand-drawn faces. They can gently light up any surface when they are grouped in threes or scattered around a room. I usually combine them with the fall-related decorations such as pumpkins, acorns, or felt bats on the shelves or tables to bring the Halloween theme and the fall coziness into balance.
Personally, children enjoy seeing their small ghosts come to life with a simple switch. This is a project that is fun to do and has an instant visual reward. It is also a good method of adding ambient light to a room discreetly. Even Parents Magazine suggests crafts such as this one to help keep children creative when they are stuck inside on colder fall evenings.
To finalize the effect, I would suggest placing a table runner of black or orange color under the lanterns in case they are placed one next to another, and possibly use spider web mesh as a foundation to underline the Halloween atmosphere.
Easy Halloween Bat Garland
Garlands are the most versatile and efficient decoration item- and Halloween Bat Garland provides a smooth and somewhat edgy look. I tend to hang this craft over a living room mirror, or over open shelving, or over a back wall in a dining nook. The dark and moody atmosphere of the fluttering bats is not overwhelming and cluttered.
I cut out the bat shapes on black cardstock and glue them to twine with mini clothespins or glue dots to create the garland. I like to alternate the angles of the bats to resemble flight and make it dynamic. It looks particularly dramatic on white or neutral-colored walls, and even more so when it is paired with soft lighting in the vicinity such as sconces or fairy lights.
I have applied this garland in minimalist living rooms where a hint of black can actually bring out the fall mood. The plain silhouette can be combined with black frames, metal candleholders or matte ceramic vases with dried florals. It is a good time to embrace a monochrome Halloween palette to have a more contemporary appearance.
Next year I could add to this area by adding orange or metallic bats on top to add a contrasting pop or I could use gold clips instead of the regular clothespins to add a little glam. I also want to attempt to hang the garland on a ceiling beam over the dining room to make it more experiential.
Toilet Paper Roll Mummies
Toilet Paper Roll Mummies are not only fun crafts to make with kids, they are surprisingly cute when used as a small table or bookshelf vignette. I have them in a corner of the family room on a tiered tray, where they give a playful handmade feel that is not over the top but just right in the season.
The mummies are created using empty toilet paper rolls covered with strips of white fabric or gauze and with googly eyes showing through. I like to group them in odd quantities and place them next to little candles or artificial pumpkins. They go well with dark wooden furniture and particularly well when contrasted with a dark tray or black charger plate as a base.
It is one of those projects that I continually revisit with kids. It is easy, not messy, and it makes children feel like they own their Halloween decorations. These small mummies have become the family favorites, which are repeated each year. The Spruce Crafts also states that the beauty of DIY Halloween crafts is that they are imperfect and handmade and are particularly well suited to decorating common areas.
I would add one thing here though, a backdrop, a little Halloween-themed sign or chalkboard art behind the mummies would help complete the scene. Some LED string lights would make it more dimensional and luminous.
No-Carve Pumpkin Decorating Ideas
Pumpkin carving is a messy, temporary thing, and I prefer the No-Carve Pumpkin Decorating to add a more stylish, lasting effect. I tend to put these on a console table in the foyer or pile them on the fireplace hearth. They bring character and uplift the area without all the clean up of conventional carving.
I have painted, used washi tape, ribbons, and even pressed-on gems to decorate pumpkins. Metallic-accented matte white and black pumpkins provide a modern, upscale feel, whereas those painted in pastel colors will have a more whimsical, soft feel, which will be suitable in homes with a Scandinavian or contemporary bent. I also enjoy piling pumpkins of different sizes to make height and interest.
This is the best way to make your decor style shine through Halloween. No-carve pumpkins are so versatile, you can do farmhouse chic or glam goth. According to Martha Stewart Living, the no-carve is the most appropriate when one is interested in decorations that can last long and be reused during the fall period.
The one thing I would change is the shapes and textures- I would add some velvet-covered or glittery faux pumpkins to break the monotony of the visual. Placing pumpkins with faux eucalyptus or black lace runners gives the whole presentation an air of curatedness.
Creepy-Cute Spider Web Crafts
Spider Web Crafts are a perfect combination of creepy and chic, particularly in the case of living rooms or home offices where Halloween needs to be a bit tasteful. I have hung these on white walls or over large framed art work to immediately create the scene.
I use black yarn or twine stretched into web shapes and pinned down with thumbtacks or tape and layer them with faux spiders or white cotton mesh to add texture. They are awesome over a console table or behind a sofa. I have seen them painted on windowpanes, too, which gives it a ghostly touch when the light falls.
This is one of the most versatile Halloween crafts that I have found. One spider web centerpiece can make a minimal room instantly seasonal. HGTV observes that Halloween decorating is easy to customize because of the availability of common materials such as yarn.
In case I would like to add something to this space, I would bring in some candleholders in the form of spiders or bats around to fit the theme. It would also be more realistic to mix the sizes and densities of the web strands.
Halloween Popsicle Stick Puzzles
Activities that are also crafts are always a hit, particularly in families with young children. Halloween Popsicle Stick Puzzles are simple to store yet also provide a funky touch to the kid bedroom walls or craft room shelves. I have put a couple of completed ones in frames and propped them up on bookshelves as seasonal art.
I have them lined up 6-8 sticks, taped the back, and kids can draw a Halloween picture across the sticks. Once the tape has been removed, the puzzle can be played with or shown. Typical designs are pumpkins, ghosts, witches or bats. The image is made prominent by the use of bright colors and thick outlines, particularly in play areas where furniture is white or light in color.
This project is a combination of creativity and functionality. Children are allowed to design and then test themselves to reproduce it in the future. Good Housekeeping says that puzzles challenge problem-solving abilities and provide a DIY bonding activity.
I would use a special craft corner with pegboards on the wall to hang the puzzles to add to this display. Small bins with additional craft sticks and markers will make the fun not end with one design.
Glow-In-The-Dark Slime DIY
I always prefer to add something interactive when creating playful Halloween items to use with kids, and Glow-In-The-Dark Slime is just that. I tend to make this craft part of a kitchen nook or family room craft table set up. Not only does the slime amuse children but it also serves as a glowing accent as well when put in small clear jars along shelves or window ledges. The effect is a dimly illuminated room which is mystical and celebratory.
My slime is made with clear glue, saline solution, baking soda, and non-toxic glow pigment or glow-in-the-dark paint. I keep it in little plastic boxes or glass jars with creepy labels. Putting them in a clear tray down the sideboard or craft station is a nice way to add interest, particularly in low light. I prefer using this with black paper mats, fake bones or skeleton hand trays to add to the theme.
On my part, I have applied this slime craft during Halloween parties and it has always been the focus of children. It’s a safe, mess-contained project that sparks curiosity and joy. The Today Show has recently suggested glow-in-the-dark crafts as a sensory development and indoor fun activity on colder evenings.
To elevate this craft’s decorative impact, I’d recommend creating a backlit shelf or using black lights to amplify the glow. One could also add cobweb material or ghostly labels with old fonts.
Paper Bag Monster Puppets
Paper Bag Monster Puppets are simple to create and adorable to hang up with younger children and preschool-friendly decor. I prefer to put them on low bookshelves in the playroom or pin them to the wall with clothespins and twine. They are colorful and goofy and add Halloween fun to kid-friendly areas.
I normally make these puppets using brown paper lunch bags, colored construction paper, glue, and markers. All the monsters are unique, with one eye, or many teeth or fuzzy antennae constructed out of pipe cleaners. I then add glitter and googly eyes to make it more fun. They appear as a handmade puppet theater when they are placed next to toy bins or soft seating, and they are ready to play.
This is one of my favorite crafts to make with preschoolers. The ability to create their own characters promotes imagination and the bags can be used as treat holders or puppets to tell stories. Scholastic claims that open-ended design crafts such as this enhance early development and creative confidence.
In case I would expand on the space, I would include a mini puppet stage or an open bookshelf that would resemble a monster cave. I would also suggest putting a little string of LED pumpkin lights above the display to tie it all together.
Halloween Handprint Art Projects
Handprint Art Projects are classic heirlooms and perfect to adorn transitional spaces such as stairwells or walls in the hallway. I usually put them in frames and make a little seasonal gallery wall with floating black frames. The unusual forms and colors make the area cozy and intimate and distinctly celebratory.
I use washable paint in Halloween colors orange, green, purple and black to make these and press handprints on canvas or cardstock. The handprints are used as the foundation of creative designs starting with ghosts and spiders and going all the way to pumpkins and witches. I stick them up with Halloween-colored washi tape or in matted frames with captions such as My Little Monster 2025.
This is one of the traditions that have taken place in our house over the years. Every Halloween we put another hand print on it, and the accumulated hand prints are a record of childhood and holidays past. Good Housekeeping suggests using art created by kids in holiday decor to make spaces more personal and increase emotional connection during the season.
To mix it up, I would incorporate footprint art as well–maybe hung vertically in a 2-piece arrangement. A gallery light above the display in the hallway would add even more to the appearance.
DIY Witches’ Broom Pencil Favors
In areas such as home offices or study nooks, small touches of the holiday can go a long way. One of those crafts is DIY Witches Broom Pencil Favors which I have used to decorate a writing desk or homework space in honor of the Halloween season. They are practical, celebratory and adorable without crowding the room.
I use black string or washi tape to fasten raffia or shredded paper around the bottom of a pencil in order to create these. These tiny brooms fit perfectly in a mason jar or a pencil holder and add a fun witchy ambiance to any office space. I tend to add a fake spell book or a little cauldron of candy corn to them.
This is a smart craft since it can be used as both decoration and school supply. I have even given them out as party favors in the classroom. The same project was published in Country Living, which mentioned that functional crafts can create a sense of whimsy and practicality in themed rooms.
To finish off this display, I would put a framed Halloween quote on the desk, like, Spells in Progress, and perhaps a couple of black candles to cement the mystic atmosphere.
Pipe Cleaner Spider Rings
Pipe Cleaner Spider Rings are also excellent additions to crafting corners and Halloween table settings, as they are interactive and wearable Halloween touches. I tend to put these on napkin rings, craft table displays, or tiered trays with other homemade pieces. They are interactive and fun to both kids and adults due to their tactile nature.
I make them with black pipe cleaners, twisting four little pieces into legs and twisting them around a loop that fits a finger. I put on googly eyes or little beads to make each spider unique. I put them in little cauldrons or glass jars, as table scatter. They appear particularly well when they are combined with spider web coasters or napkins.
I have made these rings a standard on Halloween brunch tables or spooky tea parties at home. They are cheap, easy to create and make people talk. HGTV states that spider-related crafts are some of the most popular Halloween themes since they are simple to add and can be made creepy or cute based on the arrangement.
I would also include a small mirrored tray or black velvet base to place the rings on when they are not in use to make them a discreet, elegant table centerpiece.
Halloween Mask Making For Kids
There is hardly anything children enjoy more than creating their own parts of the costume- and Halloween Mask Making is the best indoor activity to do it. I have a folding table in the family room or kitchen and I set up a mask-making station with mirrors, paper templates, and decorative supplies. It turns a regular room into a holiday workshop.
I offer templates of cats, bats, pumpkins and witches which are cut out of cardstock or foam sheets. Children use feathers, sequins, markers and elastic bands to decorate. Completed masks may be displayed on the wall, on the heads of mannequins, or played in impromptu dress-up games. When hung on a curtain rod or a pegboard, they make immediate seasonal art.
Mask making is an experience and a craft. I have done Halloween playdates around it and it is always a hit. Martha Stewart recommends that you use DIY costume items in your decor to give it a personal touch as well as encourage creativity and storytelling.
I would complete this area by putting a giant blackboard to draw with chalk behind the crafting area or by installing floating shelves to display the finished masks as mini-gallery art.
DIY Haunted House Shadow Boxes
To make a more detailed and dimensional craft, Haunted House Shadow Boxes incorporate a gothic, miniature style that would fit in an adult living room or a foyer. I put them on console tables, with pillar candles and fake cobwebs to create a moody, storytelling effect.
They are created with shoeboxes or wooden crates as a foundation, with cardstock haunted house silhouettes, LED tea lights, and small decorations such as bats, tombstones, or ghost cutouts. Others have mini trees or black lace curtains. Backlit and carefully staged, these boxes are beautiful focal points.
It is an art form I like because it is long-lasting and artistic. I have even given shadow boxes as gifts to friends as seasonal decorations. Apartment Therapy suggests the use of shadow boxes to people who need Halloween art but do not want to be excessive.
To take this to the next level, I would mount the shadow box in a frame as though it was a wall hanging or create a series of them in a vertical line to give a gallery feel. It will be a cool addition to have motion sensor lights indoors to trick-or-treaters.
Egg Carton Eyeball Creatures
It is also eco-friendly and fun to turn a simple material such as an egg carton into Halloween decor. These egg carton eyeball monsters can be used as goofy centerpieces or mantle ornaments in a warm crafting corner or family dining area. I prefer realistic detail with my Halloween crafts so I put these on a black side table with LED tealights and cobweb fabric to give a dark but fun atmosphere.
The eyeball creatures are constructed with individual egg carton cups painted white with red vein-like streaks and then a bright colored iris is placed on top. I present them on small black plates or ceramic plates elevated to show off the hand crafted beauty. Putting a small bookshelf or a rack on the wall to hang these items will enable them to be at eye level, literally and figuratively, and it will enhance the effect.
This craft is very satisfying to me personally. It is fast, made of recycled products, and it suits families with children. Better Homes & Gardens notes that recycled Halloween crafts are on the rise, both because they are beautiful and because they are environmentally friendly. I also put in some small LED string lights around the display, so the eyeballs light up underneath, which is perfect evening ambiance.
In order to make this section even better, I would suggest using black gauze table runners or monster hand cutouts to make a mini Halloween scene around the eyeballs.
Painted Rock Halloween Characters
Painted rocks are a great option when you desire an organic look to your simple Halloween crafts. I prefer to put these in rustic or cottagecore-themed rooms, particularly around fireplaces or on wooden coffee tables. A combination of characters such as pumpkins, ghosts, witches and black cats painted on stones the size of a palm brings both a charm and seasonal appeal.
My favorite rocks are smooth river rocks, and I paint them with acrylics in orange, white, green, and black. I seal the designs using a glossy varnish finish to pop. It is also a curated touch to put them in wooden bowls or glass terrariums. I place them on the console table in my living room next to a lantern and autumn leaves to make a seasonal vignette.
These are some of the most long lasting Halloween decorations in my experience. I adore the way children are able to add to painting, and this is a family activity and a long-term decoration solution. Martha Stewart Living recommends rock crafts as great low-effort DIYs to decorate the holidays and I completely concur.
To improve this arrangement, I would add a rustic tray or basket and maybe sprinkle fake moss to provide the rocks with a forest-floor background.
Tissue Paper Ghost Chains
Ghosts made of floating tissue paper are a traditional Halloween craft-and one that can fit in easily with contemporary and traditional decor. I tend to suspend these over doorways or windows where they are illuminated by natural light and create a spooky effect. On neutral interiors, white ghosts on black thread or fishing line seem to be floating-they provide depth and whimsy without cluttering the space.
The ghosts are created by placing a cotton ball or foam ball into a tissue and tying it with a piece of string. Simple eyes are made using a black marker. I adore hanging them in garlands over mirrors or over headboards. I put themed throw pillows or mini pumpkins on shelves and side-tables to add to the room.
This is, in my opinion, one of the simplest Halloween decorations to scale- you can make dozens of them in less than an hour. They also give a room vertical dimension. Real Simple observes that hanging decor is particularly effective in houses that have little wall art or houses with low ceilings.
To finish off the theme, I would suggest some small wall decals or ghost-themed window clings in nearby locations to extend the Halloween theme.
Popsicle Stick Haunted Houses
Popsicle stick crafts may be too childish, but with the right styling, they may be used as adorable miniatures or as a centerpiece installation. I tend to put these haunted houses out on open shelving or dining hutches decorated with fall foliage and LED candles. These Halloween decorations give the sophisticated interiors a rustic and handmade effect.
All the houses are constructed by gluing popsicle sticks into rectangles and triangles and painting them with blacks, purples, or dark greens. I include such details as cotton cobwebs, glitter glue windows, and plastic spider decorations. Occasionally I glue the completed houses onto wooden bases to give a finished look.
These crafts are an awesome weekend project and have unlimited customization of designs. On my part, I love to add small doors that open or small pumpkins at the entrance. HGTV suggests adding handcrafted pieces to Halloween design to add texture and personal touch.
I would improve this area by proposing to use tiered trays or shadow boxes to make grouped haunted house displays of different heights and lighting.
Easy Halloween Yarn Pumpkins
Yarn pumpkins are simple, warm, and look great in modern farmhouse or Scandinavian design. I frequently put them on console tables, bookshelves or in woven baskets to give a soft textural effect. They are a wonderful substitute to the classic pumpkins and they can be used in neutral-colored homes.
I make each pumpkin by wrapping a foam ball or tied bundle of twine with chunky orange or white yarn. I take a cinnamon stick or rolled felt as the stem, and make it look like a vine by wrapping green floral tape around it. Placing some in a wooden bowl or placing them with real mini pumpkins will create a visual contrast and warmth.
These are my favorite items to decorate quickly with, they are easy to store and the neutral, cozy look makes them perfect to use during Halloween and fall. Country Living cites the yarn and textile pumpkin as one of the most popular fall decor trends since they combine softness and seasonal spirit.
To make it more fancy, I would suggest using plaid napkins or knitted coasters under your displays to repeat the theme of textiles.
Coffee Filter Bats And Ghosts
This craft is amazing in light as well as moody interiors. Coffee filter bats and ghosts may be shown in glass domes, suspended on ceilings, or tossed about tables to create a layered, ghostly effect. I prefer to put them on my entryway console where they stand out among the smooth surfaces of glass and metal.
I turn coffee filters into ghosts with heads and flowing bodies or fold them to cut out bat silhouettes to make them. I hang them on light fixtures or curtain rods with fine black wire. They are particularly dramatic against white walls, or with matte black accessories.
This craft reminds me of those easy school projects which become special somehow when they are presented in a special way. I like them as a space filler that does not require a long-term commitment to store-bought decor. Apartment Therapy recommends to incorporate hand-made decorations made of paper to add depth and diffuse light when there is a change in seasons.
To enhance this space, I would recommend putting a couple of ghosts or bats in clear cloches with candle holders or dark floral arrangements.
DIY Halloween Countdown Calendar
This is one to share with the planners and parents: a Halloween countdown calendar will make your decor more organized and fun. I incorporate my own in kitchen nooks or office areas. It is typically hung on a cork board or wooden ladder frame, with utility and decoration. It is one of the more interactive simple Halloween crafts- great to keep kids busy.
On every date square, there is a little activity note or treat. I create the calendar with mini envelopes, cardstock or mini clothespins clipped to jute twine. I stick themed stickers, glitter or spooky cut outs on every date. The season is marked by a countdown which is usually surrounded by small pumpkins and string lights on other furniture.
To me it is not just decor, but a ritual. It creates anticipation at home and makes each day a special day. Interactive crafts, such as countdowns, make seasonal decorating new and relevant to families, according to The Spruce.
A better solution would be to align the color scheme of the calendar with the room, say black-orange in the case of dark rooms or neutral in case of minimalist rooms.
Halloween Sock Puppets
Sock puppets are a fun and functional craft that can serve as decor as well as interactive entertainment. I prefer to show them in a comfy reading corner or children corner with thematic blankets and books around. Such Halloween crafts are particularly efficient in mellowing the mood of the room and remaining within the seasonal theme. I usually make a small puppet theater using cardboard and put the puppets in open baskets so that they are easy to reach and show.
All the puppets begin with an old sock and are re-designed using buttons, felt, yarn and googly eyes. I tend to draw traditional Halloween figures such as witches, mummies and vampires. I put personality with exaggerated noses or sewed smiles. To make the design more room-based, I employ complementary colors in decor around the room- such as black-orange pillows or striped curtains.
Personally, I have found these puppets to be more than toys, they stimulate the imagination and have a handcrafted appeal. Puppet play is a development tool that is frequently recommended by Parents Magazine, so the aesthetic and educational value of incorporating it into seasonal decor is twofold.
To make it better, you may stage a corner with a puppet stage, some Halloween storybooks, and even a child-sized chair to complete the picture.
Spooky Sensory Bottles
Spooky sensory bottles are aesthetically appealing and ideal in contemporary minimalist homes, nurseries, or children playrooms. I discover that they look great on floating shelves or window sills and provide the right amount of shimmer and movement without cluttering the area. These simple Halloween decorations are perfect in houses where interactive but relaxing decoration is important.
I create each bottle using transparent plastic or glass bottles of water, glitter, mini Halloween toys, and food coloring. The most common themes I use are purple glitter and bat confetti, orange dye and mini pumpkins, and green slime-like goo and eyeballs. I usually put a label and ribbon around the lid to give it a little more design.
I adore the way these sensory crafts draw attention. Children are fascinated by them and they serve as ambient seasonal decorations. The Spruce Crafts recommends sensory bottles as a great way to calm down overstimulated children, so they are a clever and chic addition to Halloween decor.
To enhance this presentation, I would suggest that bottles be arranged according to color theme and complemented with similar soft light or mini LED bases which would glow through the liquid.
Monster Bookmarks For Trick-Or-Treat Bags
Bookmarks may not be the first thing one thinks of in Halloween decor, but monster-themed bookmarks scattered throughout a home library or distributed as favors in trick-or-treat bags are both practical and fun decoration. I enjoy putting them in books on open bookshelves or as Halloween party place settings.
All the bookmarks are created using colorful cardstock or craft foam and cut in zig-zag teeth or silly monster shapes. I add personality with googly eyes, glitter, and pom-poms. To be extra fancy, I stuff them into spooky-themed books on display or pin them to gift bags on the coffee table.
This has always been one of my favorite projects since it is fast, does not involve any mess and makes people smile. HGTV recommends bookmarks as a Halloween favor station- particularly when you are hosting a party or school event.
To take this craft to the next level, how about making a mini monster library table with themed books, skeleton hand book ends and some spider webs hanging over the top?
Q-Tip Skeleton Crafts
This skeleton craft will be ideal in minimalist or monochromatic interior. I enjoy displaying Q-tip skeletons in shadow boxes, on dark paper, framed to hang in a gallery-style wall. They are also fun decorations to a Halloween-themed hallway or children study space.
I begin by placing Q-tips in skeleton form-cutting some into smaller segments to make arms, ribs, or legs. I paste them on black construction paper and use white crayon or chalk to label and effect. The outcome is unexpectedly clean and contemporary, particularly when it is framed in matte black or white.
These crafts are great to learn anatomy to children or simply to make cheap wall art. Better Homes and Gardens suggests that kids artwork can be turned into a rotating seasonal gallery and this is a good example of that in action.
To complete the space, I would put more framed Halloween prints, a skeleton-themed light string, or even 3D wall decals to make the gallery more immersive.
Halloween Finger Puppets
Finger puppets are small, adorable and very adaptable. I usually place them on end tables, tiered trays or on top of wrapped utensils at a Halloween dinner party. They are small in size and thus can easily fit in any room, particularly in modern or Scandinavian style homes that have minimal clutter.
All the puppets are created using felt, fabric glue and little stitching. I like the designs with small ghosts, zombies, and black cats with felt eyes and stitched mouths. I usually put them in a ceramic bowl or put them down a shelf with creepy signage and little pumpkins.
Design-wise, these are a form of whimsy and interactivity that does not occupy space. Good Housekeeping believes that the unexpected use of items in decor such as finger puppets can bring humor and originality, particularly when the design is clean.
To improve this area, I would recommend themed place cards or labels to make each of the puppets a character in a Halloween story or scene.
Upcycled Jar Jack-O’-Lanterns
Eco-friendly and eye-catching are glass jars that become glowing jack-o-lanterns. I tend to set them on window sills, entry tables or in groups on stair landings. Their translucent light works especially well in the contemporary homes with low lighting and creates a diffused effect.
I make them by cleaning and drying jars of all sizes, painting them in orange and yellow, and drawing or gluing on jack-o-lantern faces. I insert battery operated candles or fairy lights. I wrap some jars in gauze to resemble mummies and some I paint with glitter paint to give them glam.
The most wonderful thing about this craft is that it is very versatile and can be used again and again. They are used as nightlights and decorations during the season. Martha Stewart suggests the DIY luminaries made of glass jars, particularly when decorating Halloween patios and porches.
I would pair them with faux cobwebs or black lace doilies or even use them as a table centerpiece with some candy corn and dark florals scattered about.
DIY Potion Bottles With Labels
Potion bottles immediately up your Halloween game- particularly in gothic, witchcore, or moody decor. I enjoy having a corner of my home office or bar cart devoted to a DIY potion display, with jars and bottles as decorative apothecary-style pieces.
I reuse old glass bottles, wine bottles or medicine vials and fill them with colored water, beads, glitter, or dried herbs. I print labels that look old with names such as Bat Wings, Zombie Venom or Witch Brew and I stain them with tea. The labels themselves provide such a lot of story and character.
This design never fails to impress visitors- it appears to be professionally designed, yet it is very easy to make. Elle Decor also states that themed bar carts are among the most fashionable means of adding a seasonal touch to adult areas during holidays.
To finish off this display I would suggest adding some LED under-lighting, a fake spellbook, and a black feather quill to really sell the witchy aesthetic.
Easy Printable Halloween Masks
I adore the fact that printable Halloween masks are so simple to add to the house, they serve as both art and as something to play with. I have applied them to make a neutral-colored living room with strong seasonal accents such as black and orange cushions, tiny wooden crates with fake pumpkins, and a scary wall decal of flying bats. The finished masks can be displayed on small stands in a console table or wall shelf and the area will look playful and festive but not cluttered. The masks can also be used as last-minute costume accessories to any impromptu party or photo shoot.
The most appropriate masks are the ones that are printed on good cardstock with clear lines and bright patterns. I usually cut out some of the scariest or goofiest ones, like Frankenstein, witch, or cat face and pin them on the wall or hang them on string lights down a hallway. Place a bench underneath this DIY mask garland and add some seasonal cushions and suddenly you have a Halloween ready corner without much effort. It is also effective in foyers and children bedrooms.
My experience is that these fun crafts can be used to break the formality of a sleek or modern interior. I tend to suggest this to those clients who are interested in being chic yet festive at the same time. HGTV says that themed printables are an excellent way to engage kids in decorating without creating a mess, and I can not disagree with them.
To take this thought a step further, I would add a small workstation where kids or guests could color their own masks. Include a chic black side table with drawers to store markers, scissors, and glue and keep everything tidy and add depth to the decor.
Candy Corn-Inspired Paper Crafts
The candy corn-inspired paper crafts are warm and cheerful in palette and bring in both nostalgia and seasonal flair into my home. These crafts have been most effective in open dining rooms or breakfast nooks. A paper garland of candy corn across a bay window or strung above a sideboard actually brings fall into the room. My favorite is to use cream, orange and yellow colors to create a cohesive theme of harmony, and I even match the appearance with the same candles or a bowl of real candy corn to serve to the guests.
These paper crafts are beautiful in their versatility. I frequently cut cardstock into cones, layer them in candy-corn piles and place them in clear jars or wooden trays down the length of the dining table. You can even make paper flowers, in candy corn colors, which I prefer to show in matte black ceramic vases to contrast them. Combined with the bare minimum of furniture, including a dark-stained wood table, black wishbone chairs, and linen napkins, the scene is celebratory and yet adult.
Personally, I find that crafts such as this one are a fun way to be creative and match your general decor at the same time. Better Homes & Gardens observes that one of the secrets to elegant seasonal decoration is following a narrow color scheme, a trick that I never fail to share with my clients and friends.
To take it further, you can add wall art consisting of paper cutouts in the shape of candy corn. Pin them to cork boards covered in black felt or layer them on a canvas, it is cheap and fun to do as a family.
Halloween Door Hanger DIY
One of my favorite DIY Halloween door hanger projects to make a great first impression during the spooky season is crafting one. It could be a “Trick or Treat” sign, a wooden bat shape or a stack of pumpkins, these hangers immediately transform your front door into a part of the festivity. I tend to match mine with a black doormat, some fake cobwebs on the doorframe and a pair of lanterns to add some evening atmosphere.
To make the DIY piece have a cohesive exterior entryway, I would suggest hanging the DIY piece on a natural fiber wreath base or a firm foam backing. Add black satin ribbon, glittery orange details and mini plastic skeletons to make it playful. I also enjoy playing with symmetry here too, potted mums or hay bales on each side of the doorway is ideal. The door hanger should be illuminated at night with wall-mounted lanterns or LED candles to accentuate the hanger but not to overshadow it.
I have witnessed the power of small DIY details that can make an otherwise plain porch a festive, photogenic place over the years. In fact, Martha Stewart Living suggests layering textures and themes (like combining witch hats with pumpkins and skulls) for maximum effect — which I love to try in subtle ways with each hanger project.
To make this setup better, I would include a small accent bench in the space with seasonal pillows and maybe a trick-or-treat basket. It makes the entrance purposeful and friendly, particularly to the guests or children.
DIY Trick-Or-Treat Tote Bags
Not only are DIY trick-or-treat tote bags useful, they are also an adorable craft that will make your Halloween interior or costume station extra special. I enjoy having a tote-making station in a multipurpose room such as the den or breakfast area. A clean white table, neatly labeled craft bins, and a clothesline with finished totes clipped up like bunting makes it pretty and a good way to display each individual design.
I normally work with canvas bags and fabric paint in Halloween colors such as black, white, orange, and green. We will put ghost stamps, glittery spiderwebs or iron-on patches on them. The completed bags can also serve as decoration- I hang them on door knobs, coat hangers or on an entryway rack. A local rustic bench or storage chest can be used to finish the appearance and to store crafting items or candy.
I have seen a lot of my clients make this idea a seasonal ritual. Real Simple suggests that reusable trick-or-treat bags are a green and entertaining alternative to disposable plastic. I would not disagree more so, when they fit the rest of the style of your house.
To take it a step further, put name tags or stencils with the year so that they are collectible. Put some in a tall decorative basket or hang them next to a coat rack with Halloween hats and capes to have a ready-to-go costume corner.
These simple Halloween crafts require only some basic supplies and a bit of imagination to make your place a cheery, inviting, and fashionable seasonal environment. Whether you’re making printable masks, decorating a door hanger, or crafting DIY tote bags, there’s something here for every home and every style. If you’ve tried any of these ideas or have your own to share, leave a comment below—I’d love to hear how you bring Halloween to life in your home!
