3 Must-Try Halloween DIYs for a Magical & Spooky Home
I absolutely love creating spooky, fun, and budget-friendly DIYs for Halloween. Over the years, I’ve made a bunch of things, but there are three standouts that always get the most “oohs” and “ahhs” when guests walk in. These are my top 3 favorite Halloween DIYs—complete with tips, tricks, and why each one is so magical.
1. The Skeleton Mirror — a bone-chilling statement piece
This one is so fun, because it gives the effect that the skeleton is emerging from the mirror. It’s dramatic, spooky, and yet totally doable. (You can see the full tutorial here.)
Why it’s a favorite
It’s such a showstopper — people walk in and their eyes go right to it.
You can adapt it to your style (gothic, glam, rustic, etc.)
It’s fairly low cost if you upcycle a mirror and already have a skeleton prop.
Quick overview / tips
Start with a thrifted or existing mirror
Age the mirror edges by lightly misting water and spraying black matte paint, then blotting to get a distressed, “older” look
Disassemble part of a skeleton prop (I used the upper half) and optionally coat with a metallic finish like Rub ’n Buff for extra character
Use 3M Command hooks or a no-drill method to attach the skeleton so it looks like it's pushing through
If you’re ambitious, you can add some glass paint accents to make it look like cracks or ghostly outlines behind the bones. (I tried it—fun but tedious!)
2. Floating Jack-O’Lanterns — channeling that Harry Potter magic
This one is whimsical, a little eerie, and perfect for creating a “floating pumpkin” effect that seems to defy gravity. (Full how-to is here)
Why it’s a favorite
It’s playful and gives an instant magical vibe.
Especially effective in dim lighting or outdoors at dusk.
All you need are lightweight materials, clear wire, and battery tea lights.
Quick overview / tips
Use craft pumpkins (e.g. ~9-inch foam or plastic ones) so they’re light enough to hang
Carve them, smoothing edges, and cut a small square in the back so you can insert a battery remote tea light (so you don’t have to unhang to switch light)
Drill a small hole in the top of the stem to thread clear fishing line or transparent wire for that “invisible” hanging look
Use strong but discrete ceiling hooks or command hooks, and attach the line so the pumpkins appear to float at different heights
Bonus: add “floating candles” or supplemental hanging lights to enhance the effect
3. Faux Fire with Glowing Embers — spooky ambiance without real flame
This is one of my absolute favorites because it gives you that dramatic fire glow, without any danger or smoke. Perfect for haunted displays or indoor/outdoor decorative fire pits. (See the full project here)
Why it’s a favorite
It’s safe (no flame!) but gives real “oomph” in terms of atmosphere.
You can scale it up or down depending on your display.
It’s surprisingly affordable (mine cost around $30) and very fun to build.
Quick overview / tips
Start with a base of cardboard cut to size (e.g. relative to your cauldron or fire pit).
Use expanding insulating foam applied irregularly to simulate flickering fire shape and texture.
Before the foam cures fully, tuck in orange string lights so they’re embedded but wires remain accessible.
Once dry, spray paint with a combination of red, black, and grey to simulate embers, char, and smoke.
Add plastic bones or props, spray them to match, and scatter them around the foam for a creepy, charred look.
Finally, plug it in, dim the surroundings, and watch the glowing effect bring your scene to life.
Which one should you try this year?
If you want a dramatic focal point, go with the Skeleton Mirror.
If you’re decorating a hallway, porch, or ceiling space and want that floating effect, do the Jack-O’Lanterns.
To add ambient glow and mood (especially around a cauldron, tabletop, or centerpiece), do the Faux Fire.
Let me know if you want a printable supply checklist, step-by-step photos for one of these, or even a video tutorial you can embed. I’d be happy to help flesh any of these out or guide you through which fits best for your space or style.
