Skip to content

Top Navigation

Better Homes & Gardens
  • Holidays
  • Gardening
  • Recipes and Cooking
  • Decorating
  • Home Improvement Ideas
  • Cleaning and Organizing
  • Shop
  • Rooms
  • News
  • Beauty & Style
  • Health & Family
  • Pets
  • Local Services

Profile Menu

Join Now

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • BH&G Insider
  • BH&G Magazine Archive
  • BH&G Books this link opens in a new tab
My Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • BH&G Insider
  • BH&G Magazine Archive
  • BH&G Books this link opens in a new tab
Login
Subscribe
Pin

Explore Better Homes & Gardens

Better Homes & Gardens
  • Explore

    Explore

    • 7 of the Most Common Perennial Garden Mistakes to Avoid

      7 of the Most Common Perennial Garden Mistakes to Avoid

      Are your plants not looking as lush and colorful as you hoped? Make sure you haven't made any of these missteps. Read More Next
    • 6 Small Steps You Can Take Today to Get Organized for Good

      6 Small Steps You Can Take Today to Get Organized for Good

      A professional organizer offers advice on how to tidy up your home without feeling overwhelmed. Read More Next
    • 5 Anti-Inflammatory Ingredients to Add to Your Smoothie for a Healthy Boost

      5 Anti-Inflammatory Ingredients to Add to Your Smoothie for a Healthy Boost

      Anti-inflammatory smoothies do exist! Instead of blending in boatloads of sugar and artificial ingredients, try these smoothies for inflammation that are stoked with ingredients that may help lower your risk for chronic diseases including cancer, heart disease, depression, and more. Read More Next
  • Holidays

    Holidays

    See All Holidays
    International Women’s Day: The Powerful Story Behind This 109-Year-Old Tradition

    International Women’s Day: The Powerful Story Behind This 109-Year-Old Tradition

    What began as a small movement in 1908 has become a global holiday dedicated to celebrating the strong women in our communities.
    • Thanksgiving
    • Christmas
    • Hanukkah
    • New Year's
    • Halloween
    • Valentine's Day
    • Easter
    • Mother's Day
    • Father's Day
  • Gardening

    Gardening

    See All Gardening
    4 DIY Seed-Starting Pots You Can Make With Items You Already Have

    4 DIY Seed-Starting Pots You Can Make With Items You Already Have

    Upcycle old newspapers, junk mail, and other waste paper to make these easy, eco-friendly containers you can use to sprout new plants for your garden.
    • Flowers
    • Houseplants
    • Plant Encyclopedia
    • Garden Pests
    • Trees, Shrubs & Vines
    • Caring for Your Yard
    • Edible Gardening
    • Garden Design
    • Gardening By Region
    • Landscaping
  • Recipes and Cooking

    Recipes and Cooking

    See All Recipes and Cooking
    21 Essential Baking Tools Every Home Cook Needs (Plus 16 That Are Nice to Have)

    21 Essential Baking Tools Every Home Cook Needs (Plus 16 That Are Nice to Have)

    If you’re a beginner baker who’s just starting out (or a master chef looking to declutter), start with this list of baking tool must-haves. We’ll help you set up a baking kit for beginners with 21 essential tools. For those who already own these tools, this list may finally provide the motivation you need to toss that never-been-used soufflé dish. Building your essential baking toolbox starts here!
    • How to Cook
    • Chicken Recipes
    • Desserts & Baking
    • Fish Recipes
    • Beef Recipes
    • Healthy Recipes
    • Breakfast and Brunch Recipes
    • Lunch
    • Dinner Recipes & Meal Ideas
    • Ethnic Food
  • Decorating

    Decorating

    See All Decorating
    7 Interior Design Trends Everyone Will Be Trying in 2021, According to Experts

    7 Interior Design Trends Everyone Will Be Trying in 2021, According to Experts

    Designers weigh in on the most popular decorating styles, colors, and materials you can look forward to in the coming year.
    • Choosing Color
    • Expert Decorating Advice
    • Fireplace Design Ideas
    • Do It Yourself Magazine
    • Window Treatments
    • Styles & Decor
    • Interior Painting
    • Home Makeovers
    • Small-Space Decorating
    • Traditional Home
  • Home Improvement Ideas

    Home Improvement Ideas

    See All Home Improvement Ideas
    What Style Is Your House? The 10 Most Popular House Styles Explained

    What Style Is Your House? The 10 Most Popular House Styles Explained

    With so many types of house styles, narrowing the list down to your favorite can be overwhelming. We'll show you the top 10 most popular house styles, including Cape Cod, country French, Colonial, Victorian, Tudor, Craftsman, cottage, Mediterranean, ranch, and contemporary. Here's how to tell the differences between each architectural style.
    • Home Exteriors
    • DIY Home Electrical Tips & Guides
    • Outdoor Structures
    • Home Remodeling
    • Plumbing Installations & Repairs
    • Remodeling Advice & Planning
    • Flooring
    • Lighting
    • Decks
    • Porches
  • Cleaning and Organizing

    Cleaning and Organizing

    See All Cleaning and Organizing
    A Whole-House Cleaning Schedule You'll Actually Stick To

    A Whole-House Cleaning Schedule You'll Actually Stick To

    Cleaning your home doesn't have to be a daunting, time-consuming chore. The key to managing household duties quickly and efficiently is to design an easy-to-follow routine that includes all the most important tasks. Follow these step-by-step instructions for creating a customized whole-home cleaning schedule.
    • House Cleaning
    • Laundry & Linens
    • Cleaning Tips
    • Closet Organization
    • Organization Tips
    • Kitchen Storage Organization
  • Shop
  • Rooms

    Rooms

    See All Rooms
    Living Room Furniture Arrangement Ideas

    Living Room Furniture Arrangement Ideas

    Get tips for arranging living room furniture in a way that creates a comfortable and welcoming environment and makes the most of your space.
    • Bedroom Decorating and Design Ideas
    • Bathroom Decorating and Design Ideas
    • Kitchen Decorating and Design Ideas
    • Living Room Decorating and Design
    • Dining Room
    • Home Office
    • Kid's Rooms
    • Baby Nursery
  • News
  • Beauty & Style

    Beauty & Style

    See All Beauty & Style
    Here's Exactly How to Find Your Perfect Nude Nail Color

    Here's Exactly How to Find Your Perfect Nude Nail Color

    Truth be told, there's no such thing as a universal nude.
    • Anti-Aging
    • Hair
    • Skin Care
    • Makeup
    • Style
    • Nails
  • Health & Family

    Health & Family

    See All Health & Family
    7 Small But Impactful Ways to Fit Self-Care Into Your Day Right Now

    7 Small But Impactful Ways to Fit Self-Care Into Your Day Right Now

    Staying atop of your wellbeing is a must, especially during uncertain, stressful times. These tips will help you make time for self-care for a mental health boost every day.
    • Family Activities
    • Reunions
    • Conditions
    • Parenting Skills
  • Pets

    Pets

    See All Pets
    50 Perfect Calico Cat Names for Your Beautiful Kitty

    50 Perfect Calico Cat Names for Your Beautiful Kitty

    Use your pet's unique coat as inspiration on what to call them.
    • Dogs and Puppies
    • Cats
    • Caring for Your Pet
  • Local Services

Profile Menu

Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
Join Now

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • BH&G Insider
  • BH&G Magazine Archive
  • BH&G Books this link opens in a new tab
My Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • BH&G Insider
  • BH&G Magazine Archive
  • BH&G Books this link opens in a new tab
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. BHG.com
  2. Halloween
  3. Pumpkin Decorating Ideas
  4. 28 Fun and Festive Pumpkin Decorating Ideas for Halloween

28 Fun and Festive Pumpkin Decorating Ideas for Halloween

By BH&G Holiday Editors
Updated June 30, 2020
Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
Skip gallery slides
Save Pin FB
Black pumpkin on table with "spooky" written on it
Credit: Adam Albright
Check out our unique pumpkin decorating ideas. This Halloween, your front porch will be sporting a new take on the traditional jack-o'-lantern. Check out these new ways to paint, sculpt, and embellish your pumpkins.
Start Slideshow

1 of 28

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Dried Flower Pumpkin

pumpkins with flowers, flowers, pumpkins

This gorgeous pumpkin pops with richly-colored dried blooms. To create, glue dried flowers on a faux pumpkin and finish with a real dried pumpkin stem. This stunning flower pumpkin makes a pretty fall centerpiece or front porch decoration.

1 of 28

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 28

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Spooky Black and Gold

Black pumpkin on table with "spooky" written on it
Credit: Adam Albright

Who says pumpkins have to be funny or scary? Make your own modern display by using craft wire to create a festive phrase and attaching it to a black painted pumpkin. To create a long-lasting decoration, use a faux pumpkin instead of a real one.

2 of 28

3 of 28

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Marble Painted Pumpkins

Top view of marble painted pumpkins
Credit: Michael Piazza

These gorgeous marbled pumpkins are made with one surprising material: Nail polish. And getting the look is easy! Simply combine your favorite nail polish colors, such as this 10-Piece Nail Polish Set, ($10, Target) with water and dip small faux pumpkins into the marbled mixture for a colorful display of gourds.

3 of 28

Advertisement

4 of 28

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Polka Dotted Pumpkins

Purple pumpkin with orange polka-dots
Credit: Michael Piazza

The secret to this fun polka dotted pumpkin is hiding in your kitchen drawers. To get the look, use a melon baller, such as OXO Softworks Melon Baller, ($10, Target) to carve out circles from the pumpkin rind, then place them back in the holes the opposite way to create a fun contrasting look.

4 of 28

5 of 28

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Owl Pumpkin

Plant a Seed
Credit: Style: "Target Levels"

With minimal carving and a little bit of glue, plain pumpkins become cute owls. The secret embellishment to these easy owl pumpkins? Sunflower seeds create sweet pumpkin faces.

5 of 28

6 of 28

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Floral Etched Pumpkins

White pumpkins with floral etchings
Credit: Michael Piazza

Rather than carve your pumpkins the traditional way, use a scraping tool to etch a gorgeous design into the front. The lighter flesh of the pumpkin will contrast with the darker color of the rind to create a pretty design that really pops.

6 of 28

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 28

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Monogram Pumpkin

Monogram Pumpkin
Credit: Style: "Target Levels"
Get free monogram stencils

For a unique pumpkin decorating idea, emblazon your initials on pumpkins to welcome trick-or-treaters on Halloween night. Print letters from your favorite font(s) and use them as carving patterns for your pumpkins.

Editor's Tip: You could also trace the letters onto pumpkins and paint them for a similar effect.

7 of 28

8 of 28

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Creepy Crawlies

White pumpkin with spiders
Credit: Adam Albright

Create a not-so-scary creation decorated with creepy crawly spiders—faux, of course. Use hot glue to attach plastic spiders to the outside of a white pumpkin and set it on the front porch for a festive display.

8 of 28

9 of 28

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Green Jack-o'-Lantern

Classic Face Goes Green
Credit: cmr# 3374688
Get the free face stencil

You can't go wrong with a triangle nose and eyes with a crooked grin. But when the traditional jack-o'-lantern design is carved into a green pumpkin, it stands out amidst its orange counterparts.

9 of 28

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 28

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

All Aboard

Four pumpkins with train carving and paintings
Credit: Adam Albright

The kids will love helping with this festive Halloween display! Plus, this Halloween craft doubles as a fun family activity! Let everyone choose their own pumpkin at the patch, then have each person paint part of the train onto their pumpkins. Then, line them up on the front porch for the neighbors to admire.

10 of 28

11 of 28

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Boo-tiful Button Pumpkin

Boo Pumpkin
Get the free 'boo' stencil

Give this pretty pumpkin a ghostly message in a few minutes with some glue, a jar of black buttons, and an elegant bow. Paint the pumpkin stem using black crafts paint; let dry. Print a Halloween message in a large font from your computer; cut out individual letters with scissors. Position the letters on the pumpkin, trace around them with a pencil, and remove. Fill each letter with black buttons, such as this pack of Black Buttons, ($8, Michaels) adhering them with glue. Tie a black wire-edged ribbon into a bow around the pumpkin stem to finish.

11 of 28

12 of 28

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Tangled Web Pumpkin

Tangled Web Pumpkin

Decorate a pumpkin with a knotted spiderweb. Using heavy, metallic black stitching braid, cut web "spokes" to the desired lengths and knot each end. Tack the ends in place on the pumpkin using short black map pins. Circle the intersecting web pieces in the same manner, knotting the ends and using pins to hold the braid in place. Complete the look by hot-gluing a spider or two onto the web.

12 of 28

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 28

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Grim Reaper Pumpkin Tower

Grim Reaper

Watch out—this menacing jack-o'-lantern dude may be looking for you. With a tall stature and snarling face, he is the keeper of Halloween fright.

13 of 28

14 of 28

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Flower Power Pumpkins

Orange, green, white pumpkin stack

Metal cookie cutters create a fantastic floral design on pumpkins of all colors. With polka dots and flower pumpkins, you'll love having this feminine take on Halloween decor.

14 of 28

15 of 28

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Etched Flowers Pumpkin

Glowing Flowers

Illuminate flowers instead of jack-o'-lantern faces with light-up pumpkins. For this blooming pumpkin, use an apple corer to carve out the flower centers. Then use a triangle clay loop tool to etch petal designs around the holes—scraping away only the pumpkin surface.

15 of 28

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 28

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Glittery Pumpkin

All that Glitters
Credit: Style: "Color tone - warm"

Glam up a pumpkin with silver sequins, rhinestones, and a metallic silver spider for a fancy glitter pumpkin that is all-too chic.

16 of 28

17 of 28

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Green-Face Monster Gourd

Green-Face Monster
Get the free face stencil

Search farmer's markets for unique varieties of pumpkins and gourds as alternatives to classic orange pumpkins. Then carve out cute pumpkin faces for an irresistably adorable new look.

17 of 28

18 of 28

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Pumpkin Man

Pumpkin Man
Credit: 100091972.tif

This tower of pumpkins mimics his winter cousin: the snowman. Start with three pumpkins in graduating sizes. Drill a hole through the center bottom of each pumpkin. Feed the drilled pumpkins onto a thick dowel. Poke stick arms into the sides of the middle pumpkin and drape a scarf of fall garland around base of the top pumpkin. Draw a jack-o'-lantern face onto the top pumpkin and crown with a dapper black chapeau.

18 of 28

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 28

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Fruit-Face Pumpkin

Just Fruity pumpkin

For a sweetly smiling pumpkin, use dried fruit, berries, leaves, and other natural elements to create a face. Simply plan your design then hot-glue the objects in place.

19 of 28

20 of 28

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Spider Pumpkin

Spider Pumpkin
Get the free spider pattern

For those who don't shriek at the sight of spiders, download and print our free pattern, enlarge to a size to fit your pumpkin, and cut out the pattern pieces. Trace the pieces onto construction paper, using the photo as a color guide. Layer the eye pieces and secure with crafts glue. Glue the eyes, mouth, and fangs to the pumpkin. Poke four wires into the pumpkin on each side of the face and bend to form eight scurrying legs.

20 of 28

21 of 28

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Powered-Up Pumpkins

Powered Up Pumpkins

Whip out the power drill to carve intricately detailed pumpkins. These faces were sketched first, then drilled to make evenly spaced holes along the drawn lines. Light up pumpkins with a small candle or light.

21 of 28

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

22 of 28

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Pretty Pumpkin Pots

100372862

Three pumpkins—two orange and one white—form a clever keeper for mums or other fall blossoms. Cutouts from the white pumpkin form striking accents on the base, while a smaller pumpkin holds the flowerpot.

22 of 28

23 of 28

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Leaning Tower of Pumpkins

Stacked lighted pumpkins

Stacked pumpkins are a Halloween architectural treat. Choose four pumpkins in graduated sizes, hollow them out, and carve simple geometric shapes into each one. Cut a hole in the top of each pumpkin slightly smaller than the base of the pumpkin that will sit on top of it. Stack the pumpkins, with tops off, to test their fit. If needed, carve larger openings so the pumpkins nestle slightly into one another. Or push a sturdy metal garden stake through the center of the tower to secure the stack. Place the lid back on the top pumpkin.

23 of 28

24 of 28

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Funny Face Pumpkin

Funny Face

Instead of carving, use found objects when decorating pumpkins. We raided the sewing basket to design this clever personality: spools of thread for the eyes; a spool of thread and bobbin for the nose; and a tape measure for the mouth.

24 of 28

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

25 of 28

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Lacy Pumpkin

Lacy Pumpkin

Use lace to create fancy and fashionable pumpkins. Lay lace fabric over the pumpkin, gathering it at the bottom with your hand, to determine the location for the stem opening. Remove the lace. Cut a small circle (for the stem) with scissors and lay the lace over the pumpkin, inserting the stem through the opening. Gather the lace at the pumpkin bottom, trimming the excess, and secure the lace in place using running stitches in a wheel-spoke pattern.

25 of 28

26 of 28

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Junk Pumpkins

decorated pumpkins
Credit: 100090391.tif

For a fun take on decorating pumpkins, grab odds and ends—door hinges, upholstery tacks, old keys—from the junk drawer and add embellishments.

26 of 28

27 of 28

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Pumpkin Cars

The Need for Speed

For a new pumpkin decorating idea, stage a Halloween car chase with automobiles crafted from pumpkins and gourds. Then choose your drivers. We opted for a raven and a mouse as our racing creatures.

27 of 28

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

28 of 28

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Gauzy-Glow Pumpkin

Gauzy-Glow Pumpkin

When darkness falls, this shrouded pumpkin lights up and casts an eerie aura. The secret? Cheesecloth brushed with glow-in-the dark paint.

28 of 28

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By BH&G Holiday Editors

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook
Trending Videos
Advertisement
Skip slide summaries

Everything in This Slideshow

Advertisement

View All

1 of 28 Dried Flower Pumpkin
2 of 28 Spooky Black and Gold
3 of 28 Marble Painted Pumpkins
4 of 28 Polka Dotted Pumpkins
5 of 28 Owl Pumpkin
6 of 28 Floral Etched Pumpkins
7 of 28 Monogram Pumpkin
8 of 28 Creepy Crawlies
9 of 28 Green Jack-o'-Lantern
10 of 28 All Aboard
11 of 28 Boo-tiful Button Pumpkin
12 of 28 Tangled Web Pumpkin
13 of 28 Grim Reaper Pumpkin Tower
14 of 28 Flower Power Pumpkins
15 of 28 Etched Flowers Pumpkin