25 Halloween Garland & Banner DIY Inspirations
Halloween isn’t only about costumes and candy; it’s also about setting the mood. And what better way to transform your home into a spooky wonderland than with Halloween garlands and banners? These hanging decorations are versatile, affordable, and perfect for adding charm to your space. Whether you want something creepy, funny, or downright elegant, a handmade garland or banner can make your Halloween setup feel extra special. Think of it as storytelling through décor—each piece you hang brings another layer of atmosphere, like chapters in a haunted tale.
DIY Halloween garlands are also fun family projects. Kids can cut shapes, adults can handle the details, and everyone can enjoy the final spooky look. In this guide, I’ll share 25 creative Halloween garland and banner DIY inspirations that range from simple paper chains to eerie fabric pieces that feel like they came straight out of a haunted mansion. Let’s dive into these ghostly yet delightful ideas.
1. Classic Paper Pumpkin Garland
Nothing screams Halloween more than pumpkins. A paper pumpkin garland is easy to make and instantly recognizable. Cut out pumpkin shapes from orange cardstock and draw different expressions—smiles, frowns, or scary grins. String them together, and you’ll have a garland that feels like a mini pumpkin patch floating across your wall. This craft works great for kids, especially when everyone tries to outdo each other with the funniest or scariest pumpkin face. Hang it over a fireplace, doorway, or even a classroom chalkboard for instant seasonal vibes.
2. Haunted House Banner
A haunted house banner brings storytelling into your décor. Cut out little silhouettes of spooky houses from black paper and attach yellow windows so they look lit from inside. Add bats flying around them for extra effect. Each piece can represent a different haunted house, almost like a spooky neighborhood strung across your wall. This project is a bit more detailed, but the final result is worth it—it feels like you’re peeking into a whole village on Halloween night.
3. Spooky Bat Garland
Bats are Halloween’s little mascots. For a bat garland, cut dozens of bats from black paper or felt. Use fishing line instead of string to make them look like they’re flying mid-air. Hang them across your ceiling or along windows, and the effect is chilling—especially when they sway with a breeze. This simple design works wonderfully if you’re going for a minimalist spooky vibe without too many colors.
4. Candy Corn Banner
Love it or hate it, candy corn is iconic. A candy corn banner uses felt or cardstock in white, orange, and yellow stripes. Cut them into triangular pieces and string them together. The result is bright, cheerful, and nostalgic. It’s a great option if you want something less scary but still very festive. Plus, it adds a pop of color that balances darker Halloween decorations.
5. Ghostly White Fabric Garland
For a more haunting effect, try a ghost garland made from white fabric scraps or cheesecloth. Cut small circles, stuff them with cotton balls, tie them with string to form ghost heads, and let the rest flow like draped sheets. Draw eyes with a marker, and you’ve got a line of spooky floating friends. Hang them above windows or doorways, and at night, they’ll look like they’re floating in the dark.
6. Spider Web Banner
Spiders may give you the creeps, but they make perfect décor. Create a spider web banner using black yarn and white paper or lace. Cut out web shapes or stretch fake cobwebs across string, then add small plastic spiders. The dangling effect is unsettling in the best way possible. It’s like bringing the creepy corner of a basement right into your party room.
7. Witch Hat Garland
Mini witch hats are adorable and mysterious. Make them from black construction paper, fold into cone shapes, and attach brims. String them together, or alternate them with little broomsticks for variety. A witch hat garland fits beautifully in kitchens, dining rooms, or anywhere you want to add a hint of magical mischief.
8. Black Cat Banner
A black cat banner brings in the superstition of Halloween night. Cut sleek cat silhouettes with arched backs and glowing yellow eyes. String them in a row for a chilling yet stylish effect. These banners work particularly well when paired with pumpkins and candles, creating a scene that feels straight out of a mysterious folk tale.
9. Skeleton Bone Garland
For something edgier, make a skeleton bone garland. Use white foam board or thick paper to cut bone shapes and string them together. You can even arrange them to look like a skeleton when laid out flat. This decoration feels playful but also carries a creepy undertone, especially when dim lights cast shadows behind it.
10. Creepy Eyeball Banner
An eyeball banner is as unsettling as it gets. Cut circles from white paper, draw bloodshot veins with red markers, and add eerie pupils in different colors. Attach them to black string, and suddenly it feels like the walls are watching you. It’s perfect for a party where you want to surprise guests with a little humor mixed with chills.
11. Rustic Burlap Halloween Banner
If you’re into farmhouse décor, try a burlap Halloween banner. Cut burlap triangles, paint spooky words like “BOO” or “EEK” on them, and string them with twine. The natural texture adds warmth while still keeping things festive. Pair it with pumpkins, hay bales, or lanterns, and you’ll have the perfect cozy Halloween porch.
12. Glow-in-the-Dark Ghost Garland
Add some magic with a glow-in-the-dark garland. Use glow paint or glow sticks inside paper ghost cutouts. At night, they’ll shine eerily, making your home feel like a haunted hideout. Kids especially love this one because it feels interactive—like the ghosts really come alive when the lights go out.
13. Pumpkin Spice Felt Banner
For a softer look, make a pumpkin felt banner. Cut out plump pumpkin shapes from orange felt and sew or glue green felt leaves on top. String them with ribbon, and you have a cozy seasonal garland that feels warm rather than spooky. It’s great for families who prefer a more autumn-inspired style than a scary theme.
14. Gravestone Banner
A gravestone banner is unique and spooky. Cut tombstone shapes from gray cardboard and write funny or chilling epitaphs like “Here Lies My Homework” or “RIP Sleep.” String them up for a playful yet eerie decoration. It works especially well in party spaces where guests can stop to read each message.
15. Potion Bottle Garland
For a magical twist, create a potion bottle garland. Draw or cut potion bottle shapes with labels like “Witch’s Brew” or “Dragon’s Blood.” Add glitter or metallic paint for shine. This garland works well in kitchens or near a bar cart to give off that mad scientist vibe.
16. Mummy Wrap Banner
Try a mummy-inspired banner by wrapping strips of white fabric around cardboard rectangles. Leave little gaps to draw glowing eyes peeking through. The result is a row of tiny mummies staring out from your walls. It’s both creepy and funny, making it a conversation starter at any Halloween gathering.
17. Vampire Fang Garland
For vampire fans, make a fang garland. Cut fang shapes with dripping red paint or glitter to mimic blood. Hang them across mirrors for an eerie effect—it feels like Dracula himself might be lurking nearby. It’s a small detail but adds an extra bite to your Halloween vibe.
18. Monster Mouth Banner
Cut out different monster mouths with sharp teeth, silly tongues, or fangs. String them together to form a monster mouth banner that looks playful and spooky. This one is great for kids’ parties because it’s more goofy than terrifying, keeping the mood fun while still festive.
19. Raven Feather Garland
Channel gothic vibes with a raven feather garland. Use black feathers (real or faux) and attach them to a string. Hang across mantels or bookshelves for a Poe-inspired Halloween look. It’s elegant, mysterious, and adds movement when the feathers sway.
20. Trick-or-Treat Letter Banner
Sometimes, words are enough. A trick-or-treat banner spells out the holiday’s most famous phrase. Use bold orange and black letters, string them together, and let them be the centerpiece of your décor. You can even glitter the letters for extra sparkle.
21. Bloody Handprint Garland
For a horror-film effect, dip hands in red paint and press onto cardstock. Cut them out and string together for a bloody handprint garland. This one is definitely on the scarier side and works best for adult parties or haunted house setups.
22. Zombie Silhouette Banner
Cut zombie figures in different poses from black paper. A zombie banner looks like a horde walking across your wall. Add green paint accents for a sickly glow. It’s creepy, atmospheric, and perfect for anyone who loves zombie movies.
23. Witch Cauldron Garland
Make bubbling cauldron cutouts with green foam spilling over the top. String them together to form a witch cauldron garland that feels alive with magic. Add glitter for a shimmering potion effect. This banner is whimsical and ideal for themed food or drink tables.
24. Haunted Forest Banner
Cut out tree silhouettes with twisted branches. String them together as a haunted forest banner. When hung near a window, it casts spooky shadows in the evening light. Add little owls or bats to enhance the eerie woodland feel.
25. Mixed Icon Halloween Garland
Finally, combine everything. A mixed icon garland includes pumpkins, ghosts, bats, witches, and cats all strung together. It’s like a Halloween sampler in one decoration. This is the easiest way to cover all bases and create a vibrant, joyful banner that everyone will recognize.
Final Thoughts
Halloween garlands and banners aren’t just decorations; they’re memory-makers. Each one carries a story—whether it’s kids giggling as they cut out pumpkins or friends pausing to admire a witty tombstone banner. The best part is you can make these DIY projects with simple supplies and lots of creativity. From spooky elegance to playful fun, there’s a garland idea here for everyone. So grab your scissors, string, and a little imagination—it’s time to hang up some magic this Halloween.
