7 DIY Halloween Decorations That Look Expensive But Aren’t
Halloween is coming, and you want your home to look spooky-fabulous without breaking the bank. The good news is that achieving high-end Halloween vibes doesn’t require spending a fortune.
I’ve gathered 7 DIY decoration ideas that look expensive but can be made using affordable materials you likely already have at home, allowing you to impress neighbors with a hauntingly stylish setup while keeping costs low, though results may vary depending on your crafting skills and available supplies.
1. Glittered Mason Jars
Who knew something as simple as mason jars could become such eye-catching Halloween decor? Start with clean glass jars, apply some craft glue in patterns or all over, then roll in fine glitter for instant glamour.
These sparkling containers work beautifully as candle holders, creating an enchanting glow when lit from within. My favorite approach uses black and deep purple glitter with hints of silver for a bewitching effect that catches light dramatically.
Arrange several different heights along your windowsill or down your dining table as a centerpiece. The whole project costs about $10-15 for multiple jars, while similar items in specialty stores run $12-15 each! If you’re feeling extra creative, add spooky silhouettes to create shadow lanterns.
2. Painted Terracotta Skull Planters
When I discovered this trick, my Halloween decor game changed forever! Those cheap terracotta pots from the garden center transform into macabre masterpieces with just some paint and creativity.
Start by painting the entire pot white, then add facial features with black paint. The clay’s natural texture actually enhances the skull-like appearance, creating dimension without extra effort. For a weathered look, lightly sand edges after the paint dries.
Fill these spooky planters with black succulents or dried flowers for maximum impact. Grouped together, they create a stunning display that looks like it came from a high-end gothic home store. The best part? Each planter costs about $3-5 to make, compared to specialty versions selling for $25-30!
3. Glow-in-the-Dark Votives
Did you know that dollar store glass votives can become magical light sources? This simple project uses glow-in-the-dark paint to create patterns that emerge as darkness falls.
The technique involves applying masking tape in patterns (like spider webs or ghostly shapes), painting with glow paint, then removing the tape to reveal clean glass lines. During daylight, these look like ordinary candle holders with subtle designs, but at night they transform dramatically! For best results, charge them under a lamp before your guests arrive.
Arrange several along a mantel or staircase for a truly enchanting effect. While specialty Halloween votives cost $8-12 each, this entire project runs about $10-15 for multiple holders. If you’re feeling ambitious, try creating a complete table setting with matching plates and glasses using the same technique the whole table will glow when the lights go out!
4. Fabric Bats Hanging From the Ceiling
If you’re looking for dramatic impact with minimal expense, this project delivers! Using black felt or fabric scraps, create dozens of bats to transform any room into a cave of fluttering creatures.
The pattern is simple just a body with wing shapes but the effect when hung at different heights is absolutely stunning. Fishing line makes them appear to float mysteriously. For extra dimension, slightly bend the wings before hanging so they appear to be in flight.
My Halloween party guests were amazed by this installation, thinking it must have been a specialty purchase. The reality? The entire display cost less than $10 for materials and created far more impact than store-bought versions selling for $25-30. For added drama, position a spotlight to cast giant bat shadows across your walls. This decoration works especially well in entryways or above dining tables.
5. Spider Web Table Runners
Cheesecloth becomes haute couture for your Halloween table with this clever transformation! By simply stretching and distressing ordinary cheesecloth, you create an ethereal, cobweb-like texture that looks remarkably sophisticated.
The technique involves gently pulling the fabric to create holes and thin spots, then draping it artfully across your table. Misting lightly with watered-down black or gray paint adds age and dimension. For extra impact, scatter small plastic spiders throughout the webbing.
What’s remarkable is how this simple material creates such an elegant, spooky atmosphere. Specialty Halloween table runners easily cost $30-45, while this DIY version runs about $5-8. This decoration works beautifully layered over a black tablecloth for maximum contrast. If you’re hosting a dinner party, continue the theme with matching napkin treatments and place card holders for a cohesive, designer-worthy table setting.
6. DIY Ghost Garlands
Honestly, these floating phantoms make such a statement hanging across doorways or windows! With just some cheesecloth, liquid starch, and balloon forms, you can create ethereal ghosts that look surprisingly high-end.
The technique involves dipping the cloth in starch, draping it over inflated balloons, letting it dry, then popping the balloons. What remains are perfectly formed, lightweight ghost shapes with beautiful draping that catches light and shadow dramatically.
String them together using clear fishing line for a floating effect that genuinely startles visitors. My neighbors couldn’t believe I hadn’t bought these from an artisan shop! While specialty ghost decorations can run $8-10 each, this entire garland costs around $15 for materials and makes 6-8 ghosts. Add tiny black bead eyes for an extra spooky touch.
7. DIY Witch Hat Centerpieces
Even the simplest craft store witch hat becomes a showstopping centerpiece with some creative embellishments! The transformation begins with stiffening the hat using fabric stiffener or watered-down glue to create dramatic shapes and curves.
Decorating is where the magic happens adding tulle, feathers, vintage-looking brooches, and fairy lights creates a luxurious, mystical piece. My favorite technique involves poking tiny holes and threading battery-operated wire lights through for a twinkling effect.
These centerpieces look straight out of a designer Halloween catalog but cost a fraction of the price. While store versions sell for $35-50, DIY versions cost $12-15 depending on your embellishments. For extra impact, create a “spilling” effect with lights or crystals flowing from the hat onto your table. This decoration works beautifully as a dining table centerpiece or as a statement piece on an entryway console.
