If you’re tired of all the boring outdoor Halloween decorations at the big box stores, why not DIY something spooktacular?
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a small commission if you purchase through my link. This doesn’t cost you anything extra, and it helps me cover the costs of running the blog! It’s a win-win!
Decorating for Halloween can be a big deal, particularly when you’re trying to have the spookiest house on the block. And if you want to guarantee that you won’t have the same decorations as your neighbors, the best thing you can do is make your own.
You don’t have to be “crafty” to make amazing outdoor Halloween decorations. While some of the projects on this list require some know-how, most of them are beginner-friendly.
So, without further ado, let’s get to the list!
21 Outdoor Halloween Decorations You Can DIY
01. Haunted Pumpkin Arch
This super spooky pumpkin arch is sure to terrify the neighborhood kids. (Unless you make all the pumpkins happy, in which case, it’s sure to delight them!) This big project is one you’ll want to put up every year! So get crafting, it might take a while!
02. Floating Ghost Heads
Hang these by your front door or in some bushes to add a truly haunting fixture to your Halloween décor. To make them just a little spookier, why not add some outdoor-safe string lights so these ghosts can be lit up at night?
03. Climbing Skeletons
If you want your home to look like it’s under attack, why not attach some skeletons to the exterior? Zombie skeletons, anyone? Add some to your front lawn, too, and you can stage quite the takeover.
04. Glowing Cement Spook
This glowing spook would look great sitting just outside your front door. Depending on how you create it, you could also set a bowl of candy on its lap—or maybe a bowl of something creepy, like spiders or eyeballs!
05. Cheesecloth and Chicken Wire Ghost
This massive skeleton/ghost is sure to be a conversation piece. It’ll take a while to make and get set up in the perfect spot, but once you do, you’ll never want to take it down. Give it a try!
06. Black Cat O’Lanterns
If you love cats AND Halloween, this is the perfect project for you. Why settle for boring Jack O’Lanterns when you can have a CAT O’Lanterns? Exactly. I know you’re already convinced, so go get crafting!
07. Bloody Handprint Window Clings
If you want it to look like something really awful happened in your super spooky haunted house, this is the project for you. Simple, gory, and lots of fun! But decorate responsibly; try to avoid any real police calls from nervous neighbors.
08. Witches Brooms
For some people, “witch brooms” are Halloween décor; for others, they’re everyday décor. No judgment either way! This super simple tutorial will show you how to make some, regardless of what you need them for.
09. Life-Sized Body Bag Decor
This might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it goes great with those faux bloody handprints. It’s awesome for a haunted house or Halloween decorations that are heavy on the horror side.
10. Concrete Smiling Stones
These are absolutely horrifying – which makes them perfect for Halloween. That’s all I’ve got; I’m going to go wash my eyes now in the hopes I can unsee these.
11. Dementor
Another project perfect for Halloween and Harry Potter fans alike! Whether you need a dementor for your Halloween party, haunted house, or Harry Potter social, this project is simple to make. Give it a try!
12. Raven-Invasion on Your Porch
Birds can be unsettling, and these ravens are no exception. This is a super simple project, but impactful all the same. Give it a try this Halloween!
13. Lawn Ghosts
These stunning lawn ghosts are the perfect specters for your yard. From a distance, they’d look truly unsettling – particularly if your home is next to a graveyard. Give them a try!
14. Mummy Hand
You can never go wrong with some rogue mummy hands! Have them sticking up out of the dirt, or position them in a way that makes them look like they’re trying to escape a box or a coffin.
15. Spooky Yard Sign
Need some inspiration for your next spooky yard sign? I thought you might say that! Check out this creepy sign tutorial.
16. Bubbling Cauldron
Nothing says Halloween quite like witches, which is why this really cool bubbling cauldron would make some great décor for your lawn. Pair it with the witches broom earlier on the list, and you’re set!
17. Cheesecloth Ghosts
These simple little ghosts are truly haunting. They’d be great in your yard—but they’d also look phenomenal inside. Use them to haunt the inside of your haunted house, or guard the candy bowl just inside your front door.
18. Old Potion Bottles
These would be a great addition to the bubbling cauldron and the witch broom. You could turn your whole yard into a truly witchy scene.
19. Haunted Swamp Lights
I love these “swamp lights”, especially if you have a bit of a wild/overgrown yard. They’re so eerie and would make a great addition to your decor this year!
20. “The Big Guy” 14 Foot Tall Skeleton
If you’re feeling ambitious, why not make this 14-foot-tall skeleton for your yard? It’s a show-stopper that will definitely have people stopping to take pictures. You may even annoy your HOA! Good luck!
21. Skeleton Entryway Pots
If you’re all about skeletons, this is another perfect DIY for you! These entryway pots are excellent sentries; put them up to warn away errant children. (There’s no guarantee that’ll work, but it’s a fun idea.)
Will you DIY any of these outdoor Halloween decorations?
With the spooky season fast approaching, it’s time to get started on your Halloween DIYs. Whether you like cutesy Halloween vibes or absolutely chilling decor, putting together cohesive decor takes work! Hopefully, you’ve found something on this list to inspire you.
If you’re looking for more Halloween DIYs, check out my posts, 25 Easy Halloween Crafts and DIYs to Try This Fall, 20 Spooky Halloween Crafts to Embrace the “Spirit” of the Season, and 13 Terrifying Horror DIY Projects That Will Chill You to the Bone!
Happy making!
