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Hey there, fellow Halloween enthusiasts! Let’s be real – decorating for Halloween is an absolute blast, but who wants to break the bank (or risk their security deposit) doing it? Not us! If you’re living that apartment life, you know space is limited, and your landlord might not appreciate a full-on haunted house. But that doesn’t mean you can’t transform your humble abode into a spooktacular haven. Prepare for a treasure trove of DIY magic, thrifty finds, and upcycled genius to make your apartment the talk of the (ghoul) town!
DIY Delights (Easy Crafts)
1. Spooky Silhouettes:
Have you got some old cardboard boxes lying around? Perfect! Cut out creepy silhouettes of bats, cats, witches, or anything that screams Halloween. Tape them to your windows or hang them from the walls for an instant spooky vibe. You can even try Elmer’s Craft Bond Extra Strength Glue Sticks to ensure your silhouettes stay put throughout the spooky season!
2. Glowing Eyes:
Save those toilet paper rolls, folks! Grab a pack of Jack-O-Lantern Glow Sticks and stick them inside the rolls. Place them strategically around your apartment for a creepy, glowing effect that’ll send shivers down anyone’s spine.
3. Mason Jar Mummies:
Grab some empty mason jars (or any glass jars you have), wrap them in gauze, and glue on some googly eyes. These adorable (and slightly creepy) mummies are perfect for holding candy or adding a touch of spookiness to your shelves.
4. Bat Attack:
Break out the construction paper and cut out a bunch of bat shapes. Hang them from your ceiling with fishing line or tape to create a swarm of bats, making your guests feel like they’ve stepped into a haunted cave.
5. Floating Ghosts:
This one’s a classic! Drape cheesecloth over balloons, tie them with fishing lines, and hang them from the ceiling. Add some spooky eyes cut out of black construction paper, and voila! You’ve got yourself some ethereal floating ghosts.
Thrifty Thrills (Dollar Store Finds)
6. Web of Wonder:
Head to your nearest dollar store and stock up on stretchy spider webs. These babies are a game-changer! Drape them over your furniture, mirrors, and front door for maximum spookiness.
7. Creepy Crawlies:
While you’re at the dollar store, grab a handful of plastic spiders, rats, and bugs. Scatter them around your apartment to give your guests a good scare. Trust me, they won’t be expecting that spider on their pillow!
8. Pumpkin Power:
Miniature pumpkins are your new best friends! Arrange them on your coffee table, bookshelves, or windowsills for a festive touch. You can even try carving them for an extra dose of Halloween spirit. For perfect carving, try out this Pumpkin Carving Kit with Stencils.
9. Candles & Cobwebs:
Combine these two for an instant spooky atmosphere. You can find battery-operated candles at the dollar store that flicker like real ones (without the fire hazard). Place them amongst your cobwebs for a hauntingly beautiful effect.
10. Themed Tableware:
If you’re planning a Halloween party, don’t forget the tableware! The dollar store is your one-stop shop for Halloween-themed plates, napkins, and cups. They’re a cheap and easy way to set the mood for your spooky celebration.
Upcycled Unease (Repurposed Items)
11. Milk Jug Monsters:
Don’t toss those empty milk jugs! With a bit of creativity, you can transform them into ghoulish monsters. Draw spooky faces with sharp teeth and glowing eyes using paint markers like Sharpie Oil-Based Paint Markers. Pop in a battery-operated tea light for an eerie glow, and scatter them around your apartment for a frightfully fun surprise.
12. Sheet Spectres:
This is a classic for a reason! Hang up old white sheets (or snag a few from the dollar store) and drape them strategically. Use Scotch Essentials Mounting Tape to secure them without damaging your walls. Get creative with lighting—try shining a flashlight or a colored bulb up from underneath for an extra spooky effect.
13. Tin Can Lanterns:
Save those empty tin cans from your pantry! Rinse them out, punch holes in them using a nail and hammer, and pop in a votive candle. The flickering light will cast spooky shadows through the holes. For a fancier look, spray paint them black or orange with Rust-Oleum Universal All Surface Spray Paint.
14. Cardboard Tombstones:
Have you got leftover cardboard boxes? Cut out tombstone shapes, paint them gray, and write silly epitaphs with a black Sharpie. Arrange them on your balcony or in a corner of your living room to create a mini graveyard. Add some plastic skeletons or bones from the dollar store for extra flair.
15. Wine Bottle Witch:
Empty wine bottles aren’t just for recycling! Turn them into whimsical witches by dressing them with hats, capes, and broomsticks. Use fabric scraps, ribbons, or even construction paper. Get creative and give each witch a unique personality!
Beyond Decorations (Added Touches)
16. Spooky Soundscape:
Set the mood with a chilling playlist. Think creaking doors, howling winds, and cackling witches. You can find tons of free Halloween soundtracks online. If you have a smart speaker like Echo Dot, ask Alexa to play Halloween sounds for an instant eerie atmosphere.
17. Eerie Lighting:
Swap out your regular light bulbs for colored ones. Red, orange, and purple create an instant Halloween vibe. You can also try hanging Twinkle Star Fairy String Lights around your apartment for a spooky glow.
18. Themed Snacks:
Keep it simple and fun! Make “witch finger” pretzels by dipping pretzel rods in green candy melts and adding an almond for a fingernail. Or wrap mini hot dogs in crescent roll dough to make “mummy” hot dogs.
19. Door Décor:
Greet your guests with a spooky door wreath. Gather twigs, leaves, and pinecones from your local park and attach them to a foam wreath form with a Hot Glue Gun. Add miniature skulls, spiders, or bats from the dollar store for an extra creepy touch.
20. Interactive Elements:
Hide candy or small toys around your apartment and create a mini scavenger hunt for your guests. Write clues on slips of paper and leave them around the apartment. The final clue can be a grand prize – maybe a candy bowl or a spooky Halloween-themed gift.
Final Thoughts
There you have it, folks! 20 cheap and fun Halloween decorations that won’t get you in trouble with your landlord. Remember, Halloween doesn’t have to be expensive to be enjoyable. You can transform your apartment into a spooktacular haven with a bit of creativity and resourcefulness. So go forth, get crafty, and have a blast decorating your space this Halloween! And don’t forget to share your fabulous creations on social media – we’d love to see what you come up with. Happy haunting!
