Halloween is the perfect time to let your creativity run wild and transform your home into a spooky sanctuary. One of the most iconic elements of Halloween decor is the ghost, which adds an element of fun and fright to any space. Whether you’re throwing a costume party, hosting trick-or-treaters, or simply looking to embrace the spirit of the season, ghost decorations can set the perfect tone. In this article, we’ll share 20+ ghost decoration ideas that range from cute and friendly to hauntingly beautiful. Get ready to create a chillingly charming atmosphere that captures the magic of Halloween!
Outdoor Ghost Decorations
1. Floating Yard Ghosts
One of the easiest yet most impactful outdoor decorations is floating yard ghosts. Made using simple materials like white fabric, balloons, and fishing line, these ethereal figures appear to float eerily above the ground. To create them, tie a white sheet or gauze around a balloon, secure it with a string, and hang it from tree branches using invisible fishing line. When the wind blows, these spooky ghosts will appear to float and dance in mid-air, bringing a haunting vibe to your yard.
Floating yard ghosts are perfect for greeting guests as they arrive or lining your walkway to guide trick-or-treaters to your door. Position them at varying heights for added dimension and movement. You can also use glow-in-the-dark paint on the fabric to make them more visible at night or place spotlights beneath them for a more chilling effect.
2. Ghostly Lanterns
Illuminate your porch or walkway with ghostly lanterns that are both spooky and enchanting. For this project, you’ll need mason jars, white fabric, and battery-operated LED candles. Cover the jars with fabric, draw simple ghost faces on the front, and place the LED candles inside to create an eerie glow. These lanterns are an easy DIY that can be reused year after year.
Place them along your garden path or steps leading up to your front door. The warm, flickering light creates a cozy yet spooky atmosphere that’s perfect for Halloween night. Best of all, LED candles ensure a safe and worry-free decoration, especially around kids and pets.
3. Lawn Ghost Stakes
Lawn ghost stakes are another simple and cost-effective way to decorate your yard for Halloween. These ghostly figures are typically made from foam balls or Styrofoam heads draped in white cloth. Simply place them on stakes, and stick them into your lawn. Their simple design gives them an almost spectral appearance, as if they’ve just risen from the ground.
You can buy pre-made ghost stakes at most Halloween stores, or get creative and make your own. For an extra spooky touch, place the stakes in a line leading up to your front door or scatter them throughout your garden for a haunted graveyard look. Add some glowing eyes using small battery-powered lights to give your ghost stakes an extra dose of creepy.
4. Hanging Tree Ghosts
Turn your garden or yard into a ghostly forest by hanging tree ghosts from the branches. Lightweight materials like cheesecloth, white fabric, or paper lanterns work perfectly for this project. You can create different ghost shapes and sizes, and hang them at varying heights to create a layered, eerie scene that feels like spirits are lurking around.
For added effect, use motion-sensor ghost decorations or hang small bells inside the ghosts so they jingle when the wind blows. This creates an interactive atmosphere, especially on windy nights. Hanging tree ghosts also work well in conjunction with other Halloween decorations like spider webs or gravestones, turning your yard into a full haunted house experience.
5. Giant Inflatable Ghosts
For a more dramatic decoration, giant inflatable ghosts are the way to go. These larger-than-life figures are often equipped with LED lights, making them perfect for lighting up your yard after dark. Inflatable ghosts come in various designs, from friendly and goofy to downright terrifying, so you can choose the vibe that best suits your Halloween theme.
Set these inflatable decorations in your front yard to immediately draw attention. They’re great conversation starters and are particularly striking in larger yards. For an even scarier look, position multiple inflatables at different points around your property. Most inflatables are weather-resistant and easy to set up, making them a hassle-free option for those who want to make a big statement with minimal effort.
6. Glowing Eyes Ghost Bush Lights
If you want to add a subtle yet eerie glow to your garden or front yard, glowing eyes ghost bush lights are the perfect solution. These pre-lit ghost eyes can be strategically placed in your bushes or shrubs to create the illusion that ghostly figures are watching you from the shadows. This decoration works well with both store-bought lights or DIY versions where you attach glowing eyes to battery-powered LEDs.
Place these ghostly eyes around areas where guests or trick-or-treaters will pass to surprise them. Pair them with fog machines or eerie sound effects for an even spookier ambiance. These glowing eyes are a subtle but effective way to enhance the Halloween mood without overwhelming your yard with too many decorations.
Indoor Ghost Decorations
7. Ghost Drapes
Transform your living space into a haunted house with ghost drapes made from sheer white fabric or cheesecloth. These drapes can be hung over furniture, mirrors, or doorways to create a soft, ghostly presence. Simply drape the fabric over any surface and let it flow naturally to mimic the look of spirits passing through the walls.
Ghost drapes are a great way to add a subtle, spooky touch to your interior décor. Pair them with dim lighting and candles to create a creepy yet cozy atmosphere. You can even add spider webs or small hanging ghosts to the drapes for an added layer of fright.
8. Floating Ghost in a Jar
If you’re looking for a small yet eerie decoration, a floating ghost in a jar is an excellent choice. This easy DIY project requires only a few materials: cotton balls, wire, cheesecloth, and glow-in-the-dark paint. First, mold the cotton balls into a ghost shape, wrap them in cheesecloth, and suspend them in the jar using wire. Coat the ghost in glow-in-the-dark paint for an added eerie glow when the lights go out.
These jars make great centerpieces or accent pieces for tables, shelves, or mantels. You can create several jars with different ghostly designs and display them together for a haunting effect. For added drama, use battery-powered tea lights inside the jars to give them an extra eerie glow at night.
9. DIY Ghost Garland
A fun and playful way to decorate your indoor space is with a ghost garland. You can make a garland out of various materials like tissue paper, cotton balls, or felt. Simply form little ghosts by wrapping the material around a small ball (like a cotton ball), tying it off at the neck, and adding a face using markers or fabric paint. Then string them together and hang the garland across your mantel, along a doorway, or over a window.
This DIY project is great for families with kids, as it’s easy and inexpensive. Plus, you can personalize your garland by making different ghost expressions — from cute and friendly to mischievous and spooky. It’s a charming way to bring a bit of Halloween fun into your home without going too scary.
10. Ghost Pillows
For those who want a touch of Halloween without fully committing to a haunted house theme, ghost-themed pillows are a fun and festive option. You can either buy pre-made ghost pillows from stores or make your own using fabric paint and plain white throw pillows. Paint on spooky or silly ghost faces to match the rest of your Halloween décor.
Place these ghost pillows on your couch, bed, or even your porch seating to add a soft, festive touch. They can easily be stored and brought out each year, making them a fun investment in your Halloween décor collection. Pair them with other Halloween-themed accessories like blankets or wall art for a fully decorated space.
11. Tabletop Ghost Centerpieces
For a more elegant ghost decoration, create tabletop ghost centerpieces using gauze and wire. Form the wire into the shape of a ghost, drape the gauze over it, and use fabric stiffener to hold the shape. Once it dries, you’ll have a free-standing ghost that you can place on tables, shelves, or mantles.
For a more striking look, add battery-operated LED lights inside the ghost to create a glowing effect, or use glow-in-the-dark paint for an eerie shimmer in the dark. These centerpieces are a great way to add a spooky yet classy touch to your dining table or coffee table for any Halloween gathering.
DIY Ghost Decorations
12. Cheesecloth Floating Ghosts
A classic DIY decoration for Halloween is the cheesecloth floating ghost. This decoration is relatively easy to make but has a big impact. To start, you’ll need cheesecloth, wire, a balloon or foam ball, and fabric stiffener. Drape the cheesecloth over the balloon or ball, spray it with the stiffener, and let it dry. Once it’s hardened, remove the balloon, and you’ll have a floating ghost that can be hung from the ceiling or placed on tabletops.
Cheesecloth ghosts are incredibly versatile. You can create them in various sizes, place them throughout your home, or even suspend them in clusters to give the illusion of a ghostly invasion. For added flair, sprinkle glow-in-the-dark powder on the cheesecloth to make them glow under black light or dim lighting.
13. Trash Bag Ghosts
For an affordable and easy DIY project, look no further than trash bag ghosts. This budget-friendly craft requires only white trash bags, markers, and balloons. Start by inflating the balloons, and then wrap them in the trash bags, tying them off to create a ghostly body. Draw spooky or silly faces on the bags to complete the look.
Trash bag ghosts are a great option for both indoor and outdoor use. You can hang them from trees, porches, or railings, or even stick them on stakes in your yard. Their waterproof nature makes them ideal for outdoor decorations that can withstand the elements. Plus, they’re easy to make, so you can create a whole family of ghosts to haunt your home.
14. Ghost Balloons
Ghost balloons are another simple but impactful DIY decoration idea. All you need are white balloons, a black marker, and string. Inflate the balloons, draw ghost faces on them, and then hang them from the ceiling or in doorways. For a more dynamic effect, use helium-filled balloons to make your ghost decorations float.
You can use ghost balloons indoors to decorate your living room, entryway, or hallway. They also make great additions to Halloween parties as playful, spooky décor. If you want to take it a step further, add glow sticks inside the balloons to make them glow in the dark or hang them outside for a spooky porch decoration.
15. Halloween Ghost Wind Socks
Create a hauntingly beautiful display with ghost wind socks swaying eerily in the breeze. These simple DIY decorations can be made using white fabric or plastic, cut into long strips and tied at one end to create the shape of a ghost. Attach googly eyes or fabric paint to give the wind socks spooky faces.
Hang them on your porch, in trees, or along your fence for a playful yet creepy Halloween vibe. The wind will blow the fabric around, making it look as if the ghosts are flying through the air. This is a great project to get kids involved in, as the materials are simple, and the assembly is easy.
16. Paper Plate Ghost Craft
For a kid-friendly DIY project, try creating paper plate ghosts. Using simple materials like paper plates, construction paper, and string, kids can design their own ghost faces and bodies. They can then hang their ghostly creations in windows, from ceilings, or even outside.
Paper plate ghosts are a fantastic Halloween craft for classrooms, parties, or just a fun family activity. You can also customize the faces to be silly, friendly, or spooky, depending on the desired mood. These lightweight decorations are perfect for indoor spaces and can be made in bulk to fill your home with playful Halloween spirits.
Ghost Décor for Parties
17. Ghost Piñata
Bring some interactive fun to your Halloween party with a ghost piñata. You can either buy one from a store or make your own using papier-mâché, balloons, and white tissue paper. Fill it with candy, and let your guests take turns trying to break it open.
A ghost piñata adds an element of surprise and excitement to any Halloween gathering, especially for kids. Hang it outside, and make sure to capture the fun as everyone takes a swing at the spooky piñata. For an extra touch of fun, fill it with glow-in-the-dark candy or small Halloween-themed toys.
18. Ghostly Party Favors
For a ghostly party favor, create mini ghost treat bags. Simply take small white paper bags, draw ghost faces on them, and fill them with candy or small toys. You can also use white fabric tied with ribbon to create ghost-shaped bags for an extra creative touch.
These ghost-themed party favors are a fun and easy way to send guests home with a piece of the spooky fun. You can place them at the entrance for guests to grab on their way out or include them in a party activity where they can win the treats throughout the event.
Pre-Made Ghost Decorations
If DIY isn’t your thing or you’re short on time, pre-made ghost decorations can help you get that spooky look without the effort of crafting. These store-bought options are ready to use and can still create an eerie atmosphere in your home or yard. Here are some of the best options you can find online or in stores:
19. Hanging Ghost Props
Affordable hanging ghost props are one of the most popular and easy-to-find Halloween decorations. These ghost decorations typically feature white fabric or plastic and spooky, lightweight faces. They’re designed to be hung from ceilings, doorways, trees, or porches, creating the illusion of ghosts floating around your home.
- Where to Hang Them for Maximum Effect: To maximize the spooky effect, hang these props in areas where they can move naturally with the wind, like on a front porch or in a tree. Indoors, consider hanging them in front of windows, doorways, or down a long hallway to create a ghostly welcome for guests.
- Affordable Options: You can find these hanging ghost props at most Halloween stores, big-box retailers, and online marketplaces. Look for options that are weather-resistant if you plan to display them outdoors, so they can withstand rain and wind without falling apart.
20. Ghost Projector Lights
Ghost projector lights are a fun and effortless way to turn your house or yard into a haunted display. These lights project ghostly images or animations onto surfaces like walls, garage doors, or even trees. They add an eerie, moving effect that will make it look like your home is haunted by wandering spirits.
- How They Work: Simply plug in the projector, position it to shine on the area you want to decorate, and watch as ghostly figures dance across your house. Some projectors come with different modes or patterns, so you can switch up the effect throughout the night.
- Brands and Models to Look For: Popular brands like BlissLights and Gemmy offer Halloween-themed projectors, including ghost images. Check out options like the AtmosFX Ghostly Apparitions for ultra-realistic ghost projections that can be displayed indoors or outdoors.
21. Motion-Sensor Ghost Decorations
For a scare factor that goes beyond static decorations, motion-sensor ghost decorations are a fantastic option. These spooky props move or make eerie sounds whenever someone walks by, adding an element of surprise to your Halloween display.
- How They Work: Motion-sensor ghosts are typically battery-operated and equipped with sensors that trigger movement or sound when they detect motion. Some might laugh maniacally, scream, or float up and down, giving your trick-or-treaters a fright as they approach.
- Popular Models: Look for items like the Gemmy Animated Floating Ghost, which moves up and down when activated. Other fun options include ghosts that make spooky sounds or light up in different colors. You can find these at Halloween stores, or online at places like Spirit Halloween or Amazon.
Pre-made ghost decorations can save time while still delivering a spooky, festive feel to your Halloween décor. Whether you’re opting for hanging ghost props, projector lights, or motion-sensor ghosts, these ideas will add a ghostly touch to your home or yard, making your space perfect for the Halloween season.
Final Thoughts
Ghost decorations are a timeless Halloween classic, offering a mix of spooky, playful, and elegant options to suit any style. Whether you prefer elaborate outdoor displays or subtle indoor décor, these ghostly ideas will help make your home the talk of the neighborhood this Halloween season. Happy haunting!