If you’re looking for an easy, fun and inexpensive Halloween decor idea, try these DIY ghost window silhouettes! They’re super simple to make but pack a ghastly fright factor. You’ll be the spookiest house on the block!
PinThese window silhouettes are the ideal Halloween craft for the whole family. You don’t need any special tools or artistic ability, and you can customize them to any shape you’d like! Here’s what you’ll need:
Jump to:
Supplies
- Black poster board
- Black masking tape
- Scissors and pen
- Curtains/fabric (optional)
PinHow to make Halloween window silhouettes
There are several different methods you can use to get this effect, but this one was the simplest and easiest option I tried. For more complex silhouettes, a projector is recommended. I chose simple ghost shapes that could be done freehand.
Tape poster board to window and draw shape
Our windows are on the larger size, so I used one or two 20×28″ poster board sheets to create my silhouette. I first taped them to the window to help visualize how they would look in place.
PinUsing a marker, I freehanded a ghost shape. There’s really no right or wrong way to do it!
PinCut out shape
After drawing eyes and a mouth, I removed the poster board from the window and cut out the shapes.
PinIf you plan to reuse these for next year, it’s helpful to label each window on the back. I made one for each window visible from the street—12 in total.
PinCut fabric to fit window
These next steps may be optional, depending on your existing window treatments. I wanted the light to shine through with privacy, but some of our windows have blackout shades.
Pin
To keep them all consistent, I bought these inexpensive curtain panels for each window and cut the width to size. You could also opt to go without curtains/blinds entirely if you don’t mind the lack of privacy.
PinWe still needed our shades to be accessible, so I taped the fabric directly to the windowsill along the top (you may need to use masking tape or duct tape for a stronger hold).
Tape window silhouettes to fabric
Once the window shades are in place, the last step is to attach the silhouettes. I chose to tape mine to the back of the fabric instead of the front, which makes them only visible at night.
PinTaping them to the back of the fabric also softens the shadows for a more ghostly effect. Both options would work, though!
PinSpooky Ghost Window Silhouette Reveal
Here’s how they look at night—check them all out in my Haunted House of Shadows tour!
PinThey fit in perfectly with our ghost shadow casters (stay tuned for that blog post coming up next!)
PinYou can really get creative with the theme, though more complicated silhouettes require some artistic skills or a projector.
PinI love the idea of using ghosts because they’re quick and easy, and you honestly can’t mess them up. The kids can even make their own for their windows, too!
PinTips for Making Window Silhouettes
- Fabric is optional: If you already have light filtering curtains or blinds, you can tape the silhouettes directly to that instead (if you don’t mind keeping them closed all the time) Or skip them altogether if you don’t need the privacy.
- Inside vs outside: Taping the silhouettes to the back of the fabric means they’ll only be visible from outside at night, with the lights on. It will also soften the edges for a more ghostly appearance (the farther away from the window it is, the blurrier and softer it becomes).
- Make it spookier with colored lights: You can tape colored LED or Christmas lights around the windowsill for an eerie glow. Orange or purple would be fun for a spooky effect!
- Non-DIY alternative: If you aren’t up for a DIY or want different silhouettes, you could also use black window clings for a similar effect. Try these: Monsters, Hocus Pocus, Witches, Cats and bats.
Let me know if you’ll be trying these DIY Halloween window silhouettes for your house this year. More to come soon!
Pin
Jeffrey says
Thanks. Looks great
Liz M says
Love this idea – wondering how it looks when the lights are out inside? I guess to make the effect you have to keep all the inside lights on?
Jenna Sue says
Correct, from outside they are only visible at night if there’s light coming from inside the house.
Lori says
Hi Jenna:
I love this idea for a spooky feeling that isn’t too scary for little kids. Also, it has an elevated look that will last over time. But the best part for me is that it’s easy to store during the year and isn’t a big pile of plastic to contend with (and feel guilty about)! Great inspiration for less junky and wasteful decor!