As Halloween approaches, I find myself diving headfirst into the world of DIY ghost decorations.
It’s about more than just festooning my home with spooky crafts; it’s a chance to unleash creativity and tackle the frustrating store-bought options that just don’t capture the fun of a homemade haunt.
In this article, I’ll share some fantastic ideas to effortlessly bring your ghostly visions to life!
DIY Ghost Decoration
Ghost decoration is a popular way to add a spooky touch to homes during Halloween.
This can include hanging white sheets to create ghostly figures, using glowing eyes to make them appear alive, or placing floating ghosts in yards.
People often decorate with these creations to thrill and entertain, making their homes a fun stop for trick-or-treaters.
Anyone can create an eerie atmosphere that captures the season’s excitement with just a few simple materials.
1. Ghostly Milk Jug Lanterns
You can transform empty milk jugs into adorable ghost lanterns. Just clean out the jug, draw a spooky face with a black marker, and place a battery-operated tea light inside.
This craft is perfect for a fun evening activity with the kids. You can line them up along your walkway or porch for a cute yet eerie glow.
To add a bit more flair, consider painting the inside of the jug with a thin layer of white paint.
It diffuses the light nicely and makes the ghost faces stand out even more in the dark.
2. Floating Cheesecloth Ghosts
Create ethereal floating ghosts using cheesecloth, liquid starch, and a balloon. Blow up a balloon, cover it with cheesecloth soaked in liquid starch, and let it dry.
Once the cheesecloth is stiff, pop the balloon and you have a floating ghost.
Hang these around your house or yard using fishing line for a spooky effect. You can even add glow-in-the-dark paint for a ghostly glow at night.
This decoration is perfect for both indoor and outdoor settings, adding a touch of ghostly charm to any Halloween scene.
3. Ghostly Wind Chimes
Turn ordinary wind chimes into spooky ghost decorations by adding white fabric and ghost faces.
Cut out ghost shapes from white fabric, draw on some spooky faces, and attach them to the wind chime.
When the wind blows, your ghostly figures will dance and create eerie sounds.
This craft is a great way to repurpose an old wind chime and add some Halloween spirit to your garden or porch.
The ghostly chimes create a hauntingly beautiful atmosphere that’s sure to delight and spook your guests.
4. Ghost Doorway Curtains
Create a ghostly entrance to your home with ghost doorway curtains. Cut ghost shapes out of white fabric or plastic tablecloths, draw on some creepy faces, and hang them in your doorway.
When the wind blows or people walk through, these ghosts will flutter and create a spooky effect.
This easy DIY decoration is perfect for setting the Halloween mood right at your front door.
You can even add some battery-operated lights behind the curtains to make the ghosts glow in the dark for an extra eerie touch.
5. Ghostly Mason Jar Luminaries
Mason jar luminaries are a great way to add a spooky yet cozy glow to your Halloween decor.
Paint the outside of the jars with white paint, draw on ghost faces with a black marker, and place a tea light candle or LED light inside.
These luminaries can be placed on tables, windowsills, or along pathways to guide trick-or-treaters to your door.
They’re easy to make and add a charmingly spooky touch to your Halloween setup.
For a bit more flair, consider using glow-in-the-dark paint so your ghostly faces shine even after the lights go out.
6. Ghost Garland
Make a festive ghost garland to hang across your mantel, windows, or doorways. Cut out ghost shapes from white felt or fabric, draw on faces, and string them together with twine or ribbon.
This simple decoration adds a whimsical and spooky touch to any room.
You can make your ghosts as cute or creepy as you like, and it’s a great project to do with kids.
Hang your garland indoors or outdoors to spread the Halloween spirit throughout your home.
7. Spooky Ghost Balloons
Transform regular white balloons into spooky ghosts with a few simple steps.
Draw ghostly faces on the balloons with a black marker and tie them with white streamers or tulle to create floating ghost tails.
These ghost balloons are perfect for parties and can be placed around your home or yard for a fun and spooky atmosphere.
They’re easy to make and can be customized with different facial expressions to create a variety of ghostly characters.
8. Ghostly Tablecloth
Turn an ordinary white tablecloth into a ghostly decoration for your Halloween table setting.
Cut out ghost shapes from black felt or fabric and glue them onto the tablecloth to create a spooky pattern.
This DIY project is simple and adds a festive touch to your Halloween parties or dinners.
You can also add some glow-in-the-dark paint to the ghost shapes for an extra eerie effect when the lights go out. Your guests will love the creative and spooky ambiance at your table.
9. Ghost Yard Stakes
Create ghost yard stakes to add some spooky fun to your lawn or garden. Cut out ghost shapes from white foam board, paint them with glow-in-the-dark paint, and attach them to wooden stakes.
Place these ghostly figures around your yard to greet trick-or-treaters and passersby with a spooky surprise.
They’re easy to make and can be customized with different facial expressions to create a hauntingly fun display.
These yard stakes are sure to add some Halloween spirit to your outdoor decor.
10. Hanging Ghost Lanterns
Make eerie hanging ghost lanterns with white paper lanterns and gauzy fabric. Drape the fabric over the lanterns to create ghostly shapes and draw on spooky faces.
Hang these lanterns from trees, porches, or ceilings to create a hauntingly beautiful display.
The lanterns will glow softly, casting an eerie light that’s perfect for Halloween nights.
This decoration is easy to make and adds a touch of ghostly elegance to your Halloween decor.
11. Ghostly Wreath
Craft a ghostly wreath to welcome guests with a spooky touch. Use a white foam wreath form and wrap it with gauzy fabric or white ribbon.
Add small ghost decorations made from felt or fabric, and finish with a ghostly bow.
Hang your wreath on the front door to set the Halloween mood right from the entrance. This DIY project is simple and adds a festive yet spooky touch to your home.
You can customize your wreath with different ghostly elements to create a unique and haunting display.
12. Ghostly Candles
Transform ordinary candles into spooky ghost decorations. Wrap white gauze or cheesecloth around the candles and draw ghost faces with a black marker.
When lit, the candles will cast an eerie glow through the gauze, creating a hauntingly beautiful effect.
These ghostly candles are perfect for adding a spooky touch to your Halloween tablescape or mantel.
They’re easy to make and add a touch of ghostly charm to any room. You can use battery-operated candles for a safer option.
13. Ghostly Window Clings
Make ghostly window clings to add some spooky fun to your windows. Use white window cling material or contact paper to cut out ghost shapes, and draw on faces with a black marker.
Stick these ghostly figures to your windows to create a spooky display that’s visible from both inside and outside.
This easy DIY project is perfect for adding a touch of Halloween spirit to your home.
You can make your ghosts as cute or creepy as you like, and they’re easy to remove after the holiday.
14. Ghostly Treat Bags
Create ghostly treat bags for your trick-or-treaters or Halloween party guests. Use white paper bags or fabric bags and draw ghost faces on them with a black marker. Fill the bags with treats and tie them with black ribbon or twine.
These spooky treat bags are perfect for adding a festive touch to your Halloween celebrations.
They’re easy to make and can be customized with different ghostly faces to create a variety of spooky characters. Your guests will love the creative and spooky touch to their treats.
15. Ghostly Porch Pillows
Add a spooky touch to your porch with ghostly pillows. Use white pillow covers and draw ghost faces on them with a black fabric marker.
Place these spooky pillows on your porch furniture to create a festive and inviting Halloween display.
This DIY project is simple and adds a touch of ghostly charm to your outdoor decor.
You can make your ghost faces as cute or creepy as you like, and the pillows are easy to remove after the holiday. Your guests will love the spooky yet cozy touch to your porch.
16. Ghostly Staircase
Turn your staircase into a spooky display with ghostly decorations. Use white fabric or gauzy material to drape over the banister and add ghostly faces with black fabric paint.
This easy DIY project adds a touch of Halloween spirit to your home and creates a spooky atmosphere.
You can add some battery-operated lights to make the ghosts glow in the dark for an extra eerie effect. Your guests will love the creative and spooky touch to your staircase.
17. Ghostly Paper Plates
Create ghostly paper plates for your Halloween party. Use white paper plates and draw ghost faces on them with a black marker.
These spooky plates are perfect for serving treats and adding a festive touch to your party table.
They’re easy to make and add a touch of ghostly charm to your Halloween celebrations.
You can customize your ghost faces with different expressions to create a variety of spooky characters. Your guests will love the creative and fun touch to their treats.
18. Ghostly Photo Booth
Set up a ghostly photo booth for your Halloween party. Use white fabric or a white sheet to create a backdrop and add ghostly decorations.
You can use ghostly balloons, paper plates, and other spooky elements to create a fun and festive photo booth.
This DIY project is perfect for creating lasting memories of your Halloween celebrations.
Your guests will love taking pictures with the spooky ghostly backdrop and props.
19. Ghostly Mantel Display
Create a ghostly display on your mantel with spooky decorations. Use white fabric or gauzy material to drape over the mantel and add ghostly elements like candles, pumpkins, and figurines.
This easy DIY project adds a touch of Halloween spirit to your home and creates a festive atmosphere.
You can add some battery-operated lights to make the ghosts glow in the dark for an extra eerie effect. Your guests will love the creative and spooky touch to your mantel.
20. Ghostly Centerpieces
Make ghostly centerpieces for your Halloween table setting. Use white fabric or gauze to create ghost shapes and place them around a central candle or floral arrangement.
You can add some spooky touches like fake spider webs, mini pumpkins, or black roses to enhance the eerie effect.
These centerpieces are perfect for adding a festive and spooky touch to your Halloween parties or dinners.
They’re easy to make and can be customized to fit your Halloween theme. Your guests will love the creative and ghostly touch to your table.
21. Ghostly Door Hanger
Create a ghostly door hanger to welcome your guests with a spooky touch. Use a white foam wreath form and wrap it with gauzy fabric or white ribbon.
Add small ghost decorations made from felt or fabric, and finish with a ghostly bow.
Hang your wreath on the front door to set the Halloween mood right from the entrance. This DIY project is simple and adds a festive yet spooky touch to your home.
You can customize your wreath with different ghostly elements to create a unique and haunting display.
22. Ghostly Mason Jar Terrariums
Create ghostly mason jar terrariums for a spooky and cute Halloween decoration. Fill mason jars with white sand or pebbles, and add small ghost figurines or cutouts.
You can also add some mini pumpkins, black cats, or fake spider webs to enhance the spooky effect.
These terrariums are perfect for adding a touch of ghostly charm to your shelves, mantel, or table.
They’re easy to make and add a fun and festive touch to your Halloween decor. Your guests will love the creative and ghostly touch to your home.
23. Ghostly Tree Ornaments
Decorate a Halloween tree with ghostly ornaments. Use white felt or fabric to cut out ghost shapes, and draw on faces with a black marker.
Hang these spooky ghosts on your Halloween tree with black ribbon or twine.
This DIY project is perfect for adding a touch of ghostly charm to your Halloween celebrations.
You can customize your ghosts with different facial expressions to create a variety of spooky characters. Your guests will love the creative and fun touch to your Halloween tree.
24. Ghostly Lanterns
Create ghostly lanterns to light up your Halloween night. Use white paper lanterns and draw ghost faces on them with a black marker. Place a battery-operated light inside to make the lanterns glow.
Hang these spooky lanterns around your home or yard to create a hauntingly beautiful display.
This easy DIY project adds a touch of ghostly charm to your Halloween decor and creates a festive atmosphere.
Your guests will love the creative and eerie touch to your home.
25. Ghostly Treat Jars
Make ghostly treat jars for your Halloween party or to give as gifts. Use white mason jars and draw ghost faces on them with a black marker.
Fill the jars with treats like candy corn, gummy worms, or chocolates.
These spooky treat jars are perfect for adding a festive touch to your Halloween celebrations.
They’re easy to make and can be customized with different ghostly faces to create a variety of spooky characters. Your guests will love the creative and fun touch to their treats.
Jose M. Lemon is a prolific writer and enthusiastic DIY enthusiast with a deep passion for all things related to do-it-yourself projects. With an extensive background in crafting and building, Jose has dedicated his career to exploring and sharing innovative DIY ideas across various platforms.