Haunting on a Budget: 5 DIY Halloween Projects Using What You Already Have
Halloween doesn’t have to cost a fortune. You don’t need store-bought décor, expensive props, or flashy costumes to have a great time. Some of the best Halloween decorations and ideas come from the things you already have at home - especially when you add a bit of imagination.
At Direct Global Trading Boxes, we believe in second chances - and not just for ghosts. Our products are made from 100% recycled materials and are designed to be reused again and again. So why not take the same approach with your Halloween this year?
Here are 5 creative, eco-friendly Halloween projects that are low-cost, fun, and perfect for all ages.
1. Haunted House Facade (Made from Anything)
What you'll need:
- Cardboard (from boxes, packaging, etc.)
- Black paint or spray paint
- Old bedsheets
- Optional: string lights
How to do it:
Use cardboard to build a fake window frame, shutters, or haunted entryway. Paint the cardboard black or grey and cut jagged edges to mimic old wood. Drape bedsheets for that ghostly, abandoned-house vibe. Add some string lights behind it to make it glow at night.
Bonus tip: Add sound effects using a speaker behind the setup for a full haunted experience.
2. Potion Bottles & Witch’s Shelf
What you'll need:
- Empty jars or bottles
- Food colouring, glitter, water beads
- Old paper or labels
- String or candle wax
How to do it:
Fill old bottles with coloured water or glitter mixtures to look like “potion ingredients.” Label them with spooky names like “Toad Slime” or “Ghost Essence.” Wrap the tops with twine or drip wax for an aged, eerie effect.
Display idea: Arrange them on a shelf with a sign that says “Witch’s Apothecary.”
3. DIY Porch Scarecrow
What you'll need:
- Old flannel shirt and jeans
- Stuffing (paper, towels, plastic bags)
- A pole or broomstick
- An old hat, mask, or carved pumpkin head
How to do it:
Stuff the clothes to make a scarecrow and prop it on a chair or stick it into the ground with support. Add a head and hat, and give it a spooky pose. Great for porches, doorways, or gardens.
Scare factor: Add motion-activated lights or sound nearby for extra fright!
4. Giant Indoor Spider Web
What you'll need:
- Black yarn, string, or twine
- Tape or tacks
- Optional: plastic spiders or cut-outs
How to do it:
Stretch yarn across a wall, doorway, or window in a spider web pattern. Attach cutout spiders or store-bought ones. You can also tape across ceilings or chandeliers for a creepier effect.
No yarn? Cut strips from an old T-shirt or use string lights.
5. Skeletons in the Closet (Literally)
What you'll need:
- Hangers
- Old clothes
- Stuffed pillowcases or plastic bags
- Paper face mask or Halloween mask
How to do it:
Hang up a stuffed shirt and pants combo in a closet or behind a curtain. Add a spooky face at the top. When someone opens the door, they’ll get a fun (or terrifying) surprise.
Prank idea: Record a scream sound and play it through a hidden phone or speaker when the door opens.
You don’t need to buy everything new to have a spooky and stylish Halloween. With just a few everyday items - and maybe a leftover cardboard box or two - you can decorate your home, entertain your kids, and impress your guests.
And hey, if you’re ever in need of clean, durable, recycled cardboard boxes for your next project, you know where to find us:
Check out our full range at www.DirectGlobalTradingBoxes.co.uk
Bonus Challenge
Share your DIY Halloween creations with us on Instagram or Facebook using the hashtag #HauntWithDGT — we might just feature your spooky setup!
