18 Best Halloween Home Decor Indoor On A Budget Ideas

Halloween doesn’t have to be expensive. You can create a beautiful, spooky home even with a small budget. A few smart swaps and creative touches can turn any ordinary room into a warm, eerie, and festive space. When decorating indoors, focus on small details, lighting, and textures that make the biggest impact. The goal isn’t to spend more—it’s to think smarter and use what you already have.

Look around your home before you shop. You’ll be surprised how many things can be reused or transformed into Halloween decor. Old jars can become lanterns, extra sheets can turn into ghosts, and thrifted frames can easily be made into spooky wall art. A mix of DIY crafts and affordable store finds can give your living room a stylish Halloween touch without going overboard. Even simple elements like candles, fairy lights, and pumpkins can make the room glow with festive charm.

These 18 ideas are designed for anyone decorating on a budget. Each one uses low-cost materials, easy DIY methods, and things you likely already own. Whether your taste leans toward cute and cozy or dark and gothic, these indoor Halloween home decor ideas will help you create a space that feels fun, festive, and perfectly spooky—without breaking the bank.

For more Halloween magic, see Halloween Home Decor Indoor DIY full of easy & creative projects.

1. DIY Ghost Lanterns from Old Jars

Old jars can become your best Halloween project. Instead of throwing them away, clean and reuse them as glowing ghost lanterns. Wrap the jars with white gauze, tissue, or cheesecloth. Draw expressive faces with a black marker — some smiling, some spooky. Drop in LED candles or small tea lights for a warm glow. The soft flicker instantly gives your room that haunted yet cozy charm.

Place these jars on windowsills, bookshelves, or coffee tables. They look great alone or grouped together. You can even add a little fake spider web for texture. Hanging a few with twine near the ceiling gives a floating ghost effect. It’s an easy and eco-friendly way to decorate your space without spending much. Every time you light them, the playful glow makes your home feel festive and inviting.

2. Paper Bat Wall Art

This idea is simple, creative, and completely free if you already have black paper at home. Cut bat shapes in different sizes — small, medium, and large. Fold their wings slightly to give a 3D effect, then tape them to a wall or above a mirror. Arrange them as if they’re flying in one direction to make it look realistic. The result is dramatic but minimal, transforming a plain wall into a fun Halloween feature.

For a cooler look, add a few near a light source so shadows dance across the room. You can even mix in gold or glitter bats for contrast. If you don’t have black paper, try painting old newspaper sheets. It’s a fun, family-friendly craft that costs almost nothing. When the lights dim and your bats cast long shadows, the whole space feels alive with Halloween energy.

3. Pumpkin Centerpiece with Dollar-Store Finds

You don’t have to buy expensive pumpkins to make your table shine. Head to a dollar store and grab mini pumpkins, fake leaves, and a simple tray. Arrange them together with fairy lights or small candles for instant charm. Even a few metallic-painted pumpkins add elegance to your setup. This simple combination turns an ordinary table into a festive Halloween focal point.

To personalize it, paint some pumpkins white or pastel for a softer look. Add layers of texture with fabric napkins or old scarves as the base. Mix glass jars, wooden trays, and candles to build depth. This kind of setup feels cozy and stylish without spending more than a few dollars. It’s proof that affordable can still be beautiful and photo-worthy.

4. Creepy Candle Corners

Candles can turn any dull space into a spooky, glowing corner. Collect whatever candle holders, jars, or bottles you already own. Paint them black or bronze to give them a gothic touch. Arrange them in clusters near mirrors, windows, or dark corners. When you light them, the reflection adds a haunting glow to the entire space. It’s the perfect mix of cozy and eerie.

If you prefer safety, use LED candles for the same vibe. To make them look old and melted, drip wax from real candles on top. Add dried flowers or cobwebs for extra drama. This simple trick makes your room look intentionally designed, not overdone. It’s a classic Halloween setup that never fails to impress and costs almost nothing to create.

5. Floating Ghosts from White Fabric

Nothing says Halloween like ghosts that actually float. Use old white fabric, sheets, or even cheesecloth for this simple craft. Drape the fabric over balloons, foam balls, or paper lanterns. Tie a string at the top and hang them with clear thread. The result looks like a group of ghosts gliding in midair. The effect is playful yet slightly spooky.

You can add LED tea lights inside to make them glow softly at night. Hang them over the sofa, entryway, or dining table for maximum impact. These ghosts move gently when the air shifts, adding an eerie lifelike touch. It’s a no-cost idea that transforms your home into a scene straight out of a Halloween movie. Fun to make, easy to store, and endlessly reusable.

6. Spooky Mirror Makeover

Mirrors are perfect for adding eerie Halloween charm. Take any mirror in your living room and give it a spooky twist using things you already have. Lightly mist it with water and dab some cornstarch or white spray for a fogged look. Stick black paper cutouts of bats, ghosts, or silhouettes around the frame. You can also write creepy phrases like “I see you” using a washable marker for fun.

Add candles or dim lighting nearby to create an eerie reflection. If you have fake spider webs, stretch them across the corners for texture. The ghostly reflection looks dramatic but costs next to nothing. This idea is simple, temporary, and easy to clean up later. It’s the perfect way to make your living room mirror feel like part of the Halloween story.

7. Halloween Throw Pillows

You don’t have to buy new pillows every season. Just reuse your old ones and make DIY Halloween covers. Take plain pillowcases and paint or stencil spooky shapes—like bats, pumpkins, or ghosts—using fabric paint. You can even glue felt cutouts for texture. Black, orange, and white make a perfect Halloween palette.

Arrange them on your sofa or armchair with a cozy blanket. The mix of soft textures and bold prints instantly brings warmth and festive energy to your living room. It’s cheap, quick, and completely customizable. Plus, you can switch the covers out after Halloween to reuse your pillows year-round.

8. DIY Spider Web Wall Decor

Spider webs add instant Halloween character without much effort. Use white yarn, cotton, or string to create large web patterns across your wall or window. Stretch it out in different directions, securing with tape or pins. The more uneven, the spookier it looks. For extra effect, stick a few plastic spiders on the threads.

This idea works great behind a TV, above the couch, or in a corner. You can also mix fairy lights into the web for a magical night glow. It’s simple, cheap, and creates big visual impact. Everyone will love how dramatic it looks—even though it costs almost nothing to make.

9. Mantel Magic with Everyday Items

If your living room has a mantel, it’s the perfect place to decorate. You don’t need to buy anything new—just layer what you already own. Start with a few old books stacked unevenly, a couple of candles, and maybe a small pumpkin. Drape black fabric or cheesecloth across the top for a haunted feel. Add fairy lights to highlight the setup.

For a personal touch, use family photos in thrifted or old frames and cover the glass with translucent paper for a faded “ghostly” look. This simple styling makes your mantel look like part of a Halloween movie scene. It’s elegant, moody, and costs almost nothing—just creativity and a few everyday things.

10. Ghostly Window Silhouettes

Windows can become a perfect Halloween backdrop. Use black construction paper or garbage bags to cut out ghost, cat, or witch shapes. Tape them inside your window so they’re visible from outside. When you turn on lights indoors, the silhouettes glow mysteriously, creating the perfect spooky illusion.

Inside, decorate the window area with candles or pumpkins to enhance the mood. Add sheer white curtains for an eerie layered effect. It’s a fun, low-cost idea that’s especially eye-catching at night. Even passersby will stop to admire your simple but clever Halloween setup.

11. Dollar-Store Halloween Garland

A garland instantly changes how your space feels, and you don’t have to spend much to make one. Visit a dollar store and grab paper cutouts, small pumpkins, fake leaves, or mini skeletons. String them together using twine or ribbon. Hang the garland across your mantel, window, or bookshelf for a festive touch. The layering of colors and textures brings warmth and energy to your living room.

To make it personal, mix store-bought pieces with your own DIY touches—like painted paper bats or glittery stars. You can even weave fairy lights into it for a magical evening glow. This garland adds instant Halloween charm without clutter or cost. It’s simple, festive, and perfect for small spaces that need a quick seasonal lift.

12. Painted Pumpkin Display

Pumpkins are classic Halloween icons, but you don’t always have to carve them. Instead, paint them to match your home’s color palette. Use acrylic paint in white, black, or metallic tones. Add simple designs like stripes, stars, or spooky faces. Painted pumpkins last longer, make less mess, and look chic on shelves, mantels, or coffee tables.

You can group different sizes for a stylish layered effect. Add a few candles or fairy lights around them to complete the scene. This approach keeps things affordable and reusable since you can repaint or store the pumpkins for next year. It’s a creative twist on a timeless Halloween favorite—fun, easy, and full of charm.

13. Thrifted Frames with Spooky Art

Thrift stores are treasure troves for Halloween decor. Look for old picture frames in various shapes and sizes. Paint them black or antique gold for a vintage touch. Print or sketch spooky images—like skeletons, haunted houses, or old portraits—and place them inside. Arrange the frames in a cluster on one wall for a creepy art gallery effect.

You can also use aged paper or coffee-stained sheets to make the artwork look old. Add flickering candles nearby to enhance the eerie glow. This setup feels like something out of a haunted mansion but costs only a few dollars. It’s one of the most creative and affordable ways to give your living room personality during Halloween.

14. Cozy Halloween Lighting Setup

Lighting sets the entire Halloween mood. You don’t need special lights—just repurpose what you already have. Add orange or warm-toned bulbs to lamps for a soft glow. Use string lights, fairy lights, or even LED candles to create cozy layers of light. The mix of shadows and highlights gives your living room that perfect eerie charm.

To make it more festive, place lights behind sheer curtains or under side tables for a subtle shimmer. You can even fill glass jars with battery lights for quick DIY lanterns. Good lighting makes even simple decorations look intentional and stylish. It’s a low-cost trick that transforms your space completely.

15. DIY Potion Bottles

Empty bottles can become fun Halloween accents with minimal effort. Clean and remove the labels from glass bottles or jars. Fill them with colored water—green, red, or purple—and label them as “Witch’s Brew” or “Dragon’s Blood.” Add a bit of glitter or food coloring for sparkle. Line them up on shelves, trays, or windows for an instant spooky vibe.

Wrap some twine or wax drips around the bottle tops for texture. You can also add fake cobwebs or small props like plastic spiders nearby. These bottles look great in dim light, especially when placed beside candles. It’s a creative, inexpensive project that gives your space a touch of mysterious Halloween magic.

16. DIY Haunted Books Stack

Turn your old books into spooky Halloween props in minutes. Grab a few hardcover books you no longer read. Paint the covers black, gray, or dark purple using acrylic paint. Once dry, write creepy titles on the spines like “Book of Spells” or “Witch’s Secrets.” Stack them together and tie them with twine or ribbon for a rustic touch.

Place your haunted book stack on a coffee table, bookshelf, or mantel. Add a few candles or fake spiders around it for atmosphere. The setup feels straight out of a witch’s study, yet it costs almost nothing. You can even reuse the books next year with new designs or colors. This simple DIY adds personality and old-world charm to your Halloween decor.

17. Trash Bag Curtains for a Haunted Look

If you want dramatic Halloween flair without spending much, trash bags can work wonders. Take large black trash bags and cut vertical strips from bottom to top, leaving a few inches uncut at the top. Hang them over doorways or windows like tattered curtains. They move gently when air passes, adding eerie motion to your living room.

You can layer them with fairy lights or white sheer curtains for contrast. Add paper bats or small spiders to make them even creepier. This idea transforms a plain doorway into a haunted entryway within minutes. It’s perfect for parties, movie nights, or even casual spooky vibes—all on a tiny budget.

18. Framed Halloween Quotes

Words can set the tone just as much as decor. Print out spooky or funny Halloween quotes and frame them using simple or thrifted frames. Choose phrases like “Enter If You Dare” or “Something Wicked This Way Comes.” Use old paper or print in gothic fonts for style. A cluster of these framed quotes instantly adds personality to your space.

Display them on shelves, mantels, or walls mixed with candles and small pumpkins. It’s an easy, low-cost way to make your decor feel thoughtful and complete. You can even swap the quotes for fall or Christmas later, so the frames stay useful all year. Simple words, big visual impact—and totally budget-friendly.