My girls had been begging me to make those viral porch ghosts, so we finally did it. This project was fast, inexpensive, and the best part was the kids helped. If you want an easy win for your Halloween porch decor, these DIY glowing sheet ghosts are adorable in the daytime and extra magical at night. I’ll show you everything we used, how we built the little “ghost family,” and a few styling tips to make your entry feel cozy for trick-or-treaters.
These DIY glowing sheet ghosts are the fastest Halloween project we’ve done, and they look great with pumpkins and baskets you already have.
If you like the neutral pumpkins, mums, and layered rugs I used with these ghosts, I’ve got the full source list and styling breakdown in My 2024 Classic Fall Front Porch Decor. It’s the same cozy fall vibe – just without the spooky glow – so you can mix and match ideas.
Tools And Supplies For DIY Glowing Sheet Ghosts
- Cricut
- Black adhesive vinyl
- Floral easel
- Tomato cage
- Styrofoam dome
- White cotton
- White tulle
- String lights
- Tip: Timer string lights save your sanity. Set them once and they turn on every evening.
Step 1: Cut Faces For DIY Glowing Sheet Ghosts
I cut simple eyes and a smile with my Cricut using black adhesive vinyl. No Cricut? Trace oval eyes and a curved mouth on black felt or paper and cut with scissors. Simple shapes read best from the sidewalk and photograph well at dusk. Keep edges smooth so the glow doesn’t look fuzzy around the face.
Step 2: Build The Frames For Porch Ghost Decorations
For smaller ghosts, poke a floral easel into a styrofoam dome to create the head. For taller ghosts, flip a tomato cage upside down, pull the prongs together, and secure a dome at the top. Mixing heights makes them feel like a little ghost family and gives you a better vignette on each side of the door.
Tip: If your porch is windy, add a brick or paver at the base and hide it under the fabric. You can also stake cages into soil or tuck them into planters.
Step 3: Add Lights To Your Light Up Sheet Ghosts
Wrap each frame with battery string lights or place an LED puck light inside the head. Turn the lights on at dusk and adjust until the glow feels even. Warm white reads cozier than cool white and looks better with pumpkins and baskets.
Troubleshooting Glow: If faces look “blurry,” switch to warm white LEDs and smooth vinyl edges; if hot spots show, diffuse with an extra tulle layer.
Quick Check: If you can see the battery pack, slide it into a basket or tape it to the back of the frame and cover with the sheet.
Step 4: Drape The Fabric For Glowing Sheet Ghosts
Start with a thin white cotton sheet so the light shines through. Then add a layer of white tulle on top for that soft, hazy glow. Let the sheet puddle slightly at the ground, then tuck or tape extra fabric at the back so the front hangs smooth. If you are styling on steps, trim or fold fabric to keep walkways clear.
Step 5: Stick On The Faces
Add the eyes and mouth to the outer layer. Step back and nudge placement until the expression looks friendly. I like the eyes a little higher than center so the “face” does not get lost in the puddled hem.
This has to be the easiest Halloween porch decor I’ve ever done. When Halloween is over, they’ll be super simple to take apart and store for next year.
I love how cool these light-up ghosts look, and my girls are thrilled. I usually stick to simple fall-themed decorations, but I couldn’t resist this cute Halloween project. I’m especially excited for trick-or-treaters to see them!
Styling Ideas For Porch Ghost Decorations
If your door color is fighting the vibe, a quick paint refresh makes a huge difference. I walk through supplies, prep, and dry time in How to Paint a Front Door in 3 Easy Steps, and it’s an easy afternoon project to level up your entry.
- Pumpkins In Odd Numbers. Mix sizes and keep the palette mostly neutral with a few soft orange accents.
- Baskets And Planters. Great for hiding cords or battery packs and adding texture.
- Lanterns With LED Candles. Repeat the warm glow so the ghosts feel intentional with the rest of the porch.
- Layer A Doormat Over A Rug. A flat-woven rug scales up the entry and makes the scene feel finished.
If you make these DIY glowing sheet ghosts, tag me – I love seeing how you style your porch!
📌 Save This For Later
Pin now and come back when you start decorating your porch for Halloween.
FAQs About DIY Glowing Sheet Ghosts
Weigh the base with a brick or paver under the sheet, or stake tomato cages into soil. Clear outdoor tape on the back hem helps on smooth concrete.
Warm white battery string lights with a timer. LED puck lights are great if you want a single bright core.
Yes. Use a tall stake with a foam ball or dome on top, drape the sheet, then add tulle. Planters also work to anchor the base.
A thin white sheet plus tulle. The sheet diffuses, the tulle softens, and together they look dreamy at night.
Peel off the faces, fold the fabric, and nest the cages. Keep lights and vinyl faces in a labeled bag inside your Halloween bin.
Related Halloween Posts And Projects
DIY Faux Terracotta Pumpkins
My Timeless & Elegant Halloween Decorations
31 Family Halloween Costumes: DIY Ideas for Every Age
