This post shows you how to DIY halloween costume on a budget.
There’s always a money problem we have to think about when Halloween is upon us.
How can you ensure you don’t spend too much this Halloween? I want to promise you you don’t have to spend so much because I got you!
With a little creativity, you can create a hauntingly gorgeous environment that will impress your guests without having to break the bank!.
There are probably a lot of questions in your head, and rightly so. But that will change once you see what I have for you!
So let’s get into it.
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Here are some of the greatest inexpensive Halloween house décor ideas to get you started.
1. DIY Spooky Silhouettes
This is one of the simplest and most impactful Halloween decorations for outdoor use. It creates spooky silhouettes to adorn your windows, walls, or yard. I think this one is a no-brainer for you if you want to go on a budget or do something fancy.
You can easily make these silhouettes using black construction paper or cardboard. I like to do popular shapes like the bat, witches, cats, and ghosts.
You trace the designs onto the paper and carefully cut them out. Then, tape them to your windows or hang them on your walls. When the lights inside your house are on, the silhouettes will cast eerie shadows that can be seen from outside, adding a spooky vibe to your home. Spooky!
Tip: For a more durable option, use black foam sheets or cardboard, which can withstand outdoor conditions if you plan to place them in your yard.
2. Creepy Candle Jars
You can create a creepy yet cozy ambiance by crafting candle jars that cast eerie glows around your home. Start by collecting empty glass jars of various sizes.
Paint the insides of the jars with black or orange paint, or cover them with Halloween-themed tissue paper or lace.
Once dry, place tea light candles or battery-operated LED lights inside the jars. Arrange these jars on your mantle, porch, or as a center piece on your dining table for a hauntingly beautiful effect.
Tip: For an extra touch, use glow-in-the-dark paint to decorate the jars, so they emit a spooky glow even when the lights are off.
3. Haunted House Entrance
Your front door is the first thing neighbours & family guests will see, so why not make it look like the entrance to a haunted house?
Start by hanging a creepy wreath made from faux black roses, twigs, or tattered fabric.
Drape spider webs over the door and add plastic spiders for a chilling outdoor Halloween decoration effect.
You can also attach a large black sheet or curtain to cover the door
If you want to be cheeky like me, use a stencil to spray-paint a ghostly figure or an eerie message like “Enter if you dare.” hehe.
Tip: Place a few carved pumpkins or lanterns around the entrance to complete the haunted look.
4. Floating Ghosts
Everyone knows floating ghosts are a classic outdoor Halloween decoration, but what we don’t realise is that we can easily create them at home.
All you need is some cheesecloth, balloons, and fabric stiffener. Inflate the balloons and place them on top of a stand, like a bottle or a cup.
Drape the cheesecloth over the balloon, and then spray it with fabric stiffener.
Let it dry completely, and once dry, pop the balloon.
The cheesecloth will retain its ghostly shape, creating the illusion of a floating ghost. Hang these ghosts from your ceiling, porch, or tree branches to give your home a spooky atmosphere.
Tip: For a more realistic look, draw eyes and a mouth on the cheesecloth using a black marker before hanging them.
5. Pumpkin Alternatives
While carved pumpkins are a Halloween tradition, there are numerous inventive alternatives that will save you money and last longer.
Have you ever considered painting pumpkins rather than carving them?
You can use black and white paint to create stylish, modern designs, or choose for a more conventional Halloween look with orange, green, and purple.
Another alternative is to decorate foam pumpkins that may be used year after year. This is just to show you there are so many options, and it’s good to try new things, in my opinion.
These may be obtained in most craft stores and are generally less expensive than genuine pumpkins.
Tip: Use metallic paint or glitter to give your pumpkins a glamorous, spooky finish.
6. Eerie Lighting
Lighting plays a crucial role in setting the Halloween mood, and I am here to tell you again that you don’t need to spend a lot to create an eerie effect.
String up some orange or purple fairy lights around your home, focusing on windows, doorways, and mantels.
If you have a front yard, wrap these lights around trees or shrubs. For a spookier ambiance, replace your regular light bulbs with coloured ones in shades of red, green, or purple.
You can also create a creepy glow by placing a few fake candles or lanterns around your home.
Tip: Use solar-powered lights for your outdoor decorations to save on energy costs.
7. Spider Web Tablecloth
A spider web tablecloth is a simple yet effective way to bring Halloween into your dining room or kitchen. Instead of buying a pre-made one, you can easily create your own.
Purchase some black tulle or netting from a fabric store and cut it to fit your table. Use white fabric paint to draw a large spider web design across the cloth.
Once the paint is dry, drape the cloth over your table. For an added touch, place plastic spiders on the web and use dark-coloured dishes or candles to complete the look.
Tip: If you prefer, you can also use the same technique to create spider web curtains or mantel runners.
8. DIY Tombstones
You can transform your outdoor yard into a spooky graveyard for Halloween decorations It will be worth it, but be ready to get your hands dirty!
All you need is some cardboard, foam board, or scrap wood to get started. Cut out tombstone shapes in various sizes and paint them with gray or black paint.
Once the paint is dry, use a white or silver marker to write eerie epitaphs like “R.I.P.” or “Here Lies Dracula.”
To make the tombstones look aged, lightly sponge on some darker paint around the edges. Arrange these tombstones in your front yard, and consider adding some fake bones or skeletons for an even creepier effect.
Tip: Place the tombstones in different angles and heights to give your graveyard a more realistic look.
9. Creepy Crawlies Everywhere
Incorporating creepy crawlies into your decorations Halloween for your outdoor garden is a must!!
It’s so incredibly easy and affordable. Purchase plastic spiders, bats, and rats from a dollar store and scatter them around your home.
Place them in unexpected places, such as on shelves, in flower arrangements, or hanging from light fixtures. You can also use sticky tack or tape to attach them to walls, doors, or windows. If you want to spice it up, use rubber snakes or centipedes for an added scare hehe
Tip: Create a creepy crawly centerpiece by placing a collection of these creatures in a glass bowl or jar, mixed with some faux moss or cobwebs.
10. Witch’s Cauldron
A witch’s cauldron is a quintessential Halloween decoration that can serve as a great focal point for your display.
You can find plastic cauldrons at most dollar stores, which you can then fill with spooky items like faux bones, skulls, or glowing eyeballs.
For an even more eerie effect, create a “smoking” cauldron by placing a battery-operated mist maker or dry ice inside. This will produce a fog that spills out of the cauldron, making it look like a potion is brewing.
Tip: Place the cauldron on your porch or in your entryway, and surround it with small pumpkins, candles, or a broomstick for a complete witchy scene.
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Halloween Outdoor Decoration Bonus
Every idea I listed above is sure to make your home spooky and festive. I have some extra tips for you while you are still here. To keep your halloween decorations cheap, I would recommend:
- Thrift Stores: Take some time after work or during the weekend to visit your local thrift stores. There, you will find inexpensive decorations or materials you can repurpose. Old sheets can be turned into ghosts, and vintage items can add a creepy, antique feel to your decor.
- Dollar Stores: Dollar stores come in handy for most errands, especially Halloween decorations. Stock up on plastic spiders, webs, candles, and other spooky items for cheap prices.
- DIY Projects: Whenever possible, make your own decorations, just like the ghost DIY. Not only is it cost-effective, but who doesn’t love a bit of personalisation? I love personalising my Halloween decor to the T!
- Repurpose Items: Look around your home for items you can repurpose. Old bottles can become potion containers, and leftover fabric can be turned into creepy drapes.
- Natural Elements: Incorporate natural elements like branches, leaves, and pinecones into your decor. They’re free and can add an authentic, rustic touch to your Halloween setup.
By combining these cheap Halloween decorations ideas with a bit of creativity, you can transform your home into a spooky wonderland without spending a fortune.
If you liked and need some more inspiration like this, follow me on Pinterest.
I hope this is able to help you BIG TIME. Happy Halloween!!
This post shows you how to DIY a Halloween costume on a budget.
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