Halloween on a Budget: DIY Décor That’s Scary Good

Halloween is the perfect time to get creative, transform your home into a spooky wonderland, and show off your festive spirit. The best part? You don’t have to spend a fortune on store-bought décor. With a little creativity, some everyday supplies, and a few affordable Amazon finds, you can craft your own DIY Halloween decorations that look amazing while keeping your budget in check. In this guide, we’ll share budget-friendly Halloween DIY ideas you can easily make at home. Each idea combines affordability, creativity, and spook-factor—plus we’ve linked some inexpensive Amazon essentials to make decorating even easier.

HOME & KITCHEN

8/26/20253 min read

1. Creepy Candlelight with a DIY Twist

Nothing says Halloween like flickering candlelight. For a DIY-friendly upgrade, wrap mason jars with black lace or cheesecloth, drop in LED tea lights, and place them around your home. The soft glow creates a haunting ambiance.

For a ready-made option that saves time, check out these Halloween Ghost Taper Candles. They come in a set of 4 spooky ghost designs—perfect for mantels, dining tables, or entryways. Pair them with this Black Cheesecloth Table Runner to instantly elevate your DIY display.

2. Pumpkin Garland & Festive Lighting

Skip expensive centerpieces and make your own by stringing artificial leaves and mini pumpkins together with fairy lights. Hang the garland across your mantle, staircase, or doorway for a cozy fall vibe.

Or, make it simple with this Pumpkin Fall Garland with LED Lights. It’s 30 feet long with 60 pumpkin lights and a built-in timer—an affordable way to decorate both indoors and outdoors.

For a bigger impact, try these Purple & Orange String Lights. With 300 LED lights and 8 lighting modes, they’re budget-friendly and create a festive, eerie glow across your porch or living room.

3. Spooky Throw Pillows & DIY Covers

Want to refresh your living room for Halloween without buying new furniture? DIY pillow covers are a fun project. Grab some inexpensive fabric paint and stencil ghost, bat, or pumpkin designs on plain covers.

Or, if you prefer a quick option, these Halloween Ghost Throw Pillow Covers are soft, plush, and festive—ideal for couches, beds, or porches. Affordable and reusable every year!

4. Bats on the Walls

Wall décor is one of the cheapest and easiest ways to make a big statement. Cut bat shapes from black construction paper and stick them in clusters on your wall for a 3D effect.

If you’d like a ready-made version, try these 3D Bat Wall Stickers. You get 120 reusable waterproof bats in different sizes, which means you can cover an entire room for under $15—an unbeatable budget-friendly décor hack!

5. Flickering Firelight with DIY Lanterns

You can make your own lanterns using glass jars, black paint, and tea lights. Paint spooky faces or silhouettes, then light them up for a chilling glow.

Want the firelight look without the mess? These LED Flame Light Bulbs create a realistic flickering flame effect and screw right into your lamp or porch light. They’re energy-efficient, safe, and reusable—perfect for DIY setups.

6. Spiderweb Mantle Magic

One of the simplest DIY Halloween decorations is fake cobwebs. Stretch cotton or gauze across mantles, mirrors, or stair railings, then add plastic spiders for effect.

For a more polished look, drape this Halloween Cobweb Fireplace Scarf across your mantle. It’s made of black lace spiderwebs and instantly turns any surface into a spooky Halloween focal point.

7. DIY Pumpkins with a Chic Twist

Skip carving messy pumpkins and decorate with paint, glitter, or metallic spray for a budget-friendly, reusable option. Arrange them in groups for a stylish Halloween display.

For a no-fuss alternative, these Faux Metallic Pumpkins come in a set of 12 assorted designs. They’re lightweight, affordable, and can be used year after year. Mix them with candles and cobwebs for a perfect DIY-inspired setup.

8. A Welcoming (and Spooky) Front Door

DIY your door by hanging a homemade wreath made of twigs, ribbons, and artificial leaves. Add cut-out bats or mini pumpkins for a fun seasonal vibe.

Or, grab this Interchangeable Seasonal Welcome Sign. With multiple holiday icons, it’s not just for Halloween—you can use it year-round. A budget-friendly investment that saves money on seasonal décor.

Budget-Friendly Halloween DIY Tips

  1. Repurpose everyday items: Jars, old fabrics, and cardboard can become creepy props.

  2. Mix DIY with affordable buys: Save time by blending homemade crafts with Amazon essentials.

  3. Layer lighting: Combine candles, string lights, and flame bulbs for spooky ambiance.

  4. Think reusable: Opt for decorations you can reuse or update for future holidays.

  5. Set a budget: Stick to affordable essentials and add DIY touches for maximum impact.

Final Thoughts

Halloween doesn’t have to drain your wallet. With some creativity and a few budget-friendly Amazon finds, you can craft a home that feels festive, spooky, and fun without overspending. From DIY bat walls and pumpkin garlands to flickering candles and spiderweb accents, these ideas prove that decorating on a budget is not only possible but incredibly stylish.

This year, let your creativity shine and enjoy making your home the ultimate Halloween haunt—without scaring your bank account. 🎃