With Halloween creeping around the corner, those with kids—or a child-like love for the haunted holiday—may want to give their home a hair-raising makeover.
Luckily, you don’t need to cast a spell on your bank balance to transform your house into a spooky spectacle, with plenty of budget-friendly ways to get into the Halloween spirit.
From DIY decorations to clever lighting tricks, it’s easy to create a frightfully fun atmosphere by adding just a few chilling touches inside and outside your home.
So get your mind’s cauldron mixing as Build-it conjures up a list of Halloween must-haves to help you create a hauntingly good setup without a frightening price tag.
Here are some easy ideas to get you started on your haunted home adventure.
Go ghoulish with DIY decs
One of the best ways to save on your Halloween decorations is to make them yourself. All you need is a bit of creativity and a few basic supplies.
Paint some pieces of cardboard black and make cut-outs of bats, spiders, or skulls using simple online templates.
These freaky fix-ups can be hung from the ceiling, placed on walls or even stuck in windows for a cheap but creepy effect.
Old bed sheets are another easy way to haunt your home by transforming them into spooky ghosts. Draw on two eyes using a black marker pen, then remove the brush from a broom pole and tape a balloon on the top to drape the sheet over to create a ghostly figure.
Lastly, you can’t mention DIY decs without talking about pumpkins. These gigantic fruits (yes, we thought they were a vegetable too) can be carved out to make spooky shapes and faces that can illuminate your house by sticking a candle inside.
Create darkness with light
Lighting is key when it comes to creating a haunting atmosphere. Change bulbs over to a softer light, or throw a non-flammable kitchen towel over them. If you have dimmable lights, turn them down to minimum.
Candles can be a game-changer for your Halloween decor — Scatter them around your home, especially on windowsills or tables, to create an eerie glow.
Or make DIY lanterns using empty jars — draw on some spooky designs or wrap them with gauze to create a mummified effect.
Fairy lights are another clever, budget-friendly option. Hang them around your front porch or living room to create a spellcasting atmosphere.
A top Build-it tip is to choose white lights so you can leave them up or repurpose them for Christmas!
Blood-curdling curb appeal
If you’re keen to make a fearsome first impression, the front of your home is the perfect place to start.
Doorstep pumpkins are a classic Halloween staple—even if you choose not to carve them out, it’s a great, low-cost option to spook passersby.
There are plenty of budget-priced decorations available at Kmart and discount variety stores that can help take your home from boring to bone-chilling without breaking the bank.
Another Build-it favourite is fake cobwebs, available for just $1. These cheap additions can be draped around your porch, railings, and bushes for a final creepy touch.
Meanwhile, on Halloween night, make sure to give the neighbourhood nightmares by downloading a creepy soundtrack from your speakers.
Save time with a statement piece
If you want to save time and money, opting for one statement piece could be a great option to showcase your Halloween spirit.
Placing a giant skeleton or a life-sized witch at the front of your home can be a great focal point to add simple decor without filling every corner.
Inflatable decorations in the yard are also good options for giving your home a haunted feel without going overboard on spending.
A great tip is to purchase these online, particularly through websites such as Temu or Aliexpress, where you can pick them up for under $20!
