Skip the carving and create something fabulous to decorate your home or front porch with these pumpkin painting ideas.
These aren’t your classic carvedjack-o'-lanterns.
Check out our favorite pumpkin painting ideas featuring cute, classy, and (of course) creepy designs.
Credit: Carson Downing
Plus, get our best tips for creating Halloween pumpkin decorations and displays.
We traced the circle with a bowl and used electrical tape to block out the stripes.
The tape’s elasticity lends itself to working around curves.
Credit: Carson Downing
Two-Toned Pumpkins
BHG.com / Carson Downing
Who saysyou have to use orange and blackfor your Halloween decorations?
Instead, try this minimalistic yet eye-catching painted pumpkin idea with whatever colors you desire.
Use as many faux gourds as you want.
Credit:BHG.com / Carson Downing
Cover them in vibrant metallic paint.
Bubble Painted Pumpkin
Bright colors and texture variations give a bubble-painted gourd a marbled effect.
We used a white-painted paper-mache pumpkin so the delicate paint bubbles would stick.
Credit:Better Homes and Gardens / Jay Wilde
Sugar Skull Pumpkins
Sugar skulls are known for their creative patterns, accented with bright colors.
TheseDay of the Dead painted pumpkinsare bold and striking in black and white.
To achieve the look, paint real or craft pumpkins black and use templates to paint the white skulls.
Credit: Carson Downing
Hot glue dried or silk flowers to your finished pumpkins or display them alongside our prettydried floral pumpkin.
Choose bright accent colors to pop off of the black-and-white motif.
Collect a few different colors of tissue paper and cut them into unique pieces.
Credit: Blaine Moats
Lightly pencil on your squiggles, then apply the fabric cording bit by bit with a hot glue gun.
Easy Painted Pumpkin Idea
Learn how to make three prettyno-carve Halloween pumpkins.
We’ll show you how to decorate festive pumpkins using paint, tape, paper, and straws!
Credit:Better Homes and Gardens / Carson Downing
Just pour craft paint onto a faux pumpkin and let it drip down the sides.
We’ll show you how to create gorgeouspour-paint pumpkindesigns in any color scheme you like.
Mix colorful paints with a few drops of water.
Credit: Carson Downing
Then, dip and flick paint brushes to splatter gourds.
Let the pumpkins dry on waxed paper and, if desired, dip the bottom in a solid color.
Chalk Paint Pumpkin
Here’s a painted pumpkin idea that’s sure to scare!
Credit: Jason Donnelly
The key to the raised letters on this pumpkin painting idea is a script written in hot glue.
After the glue is dry, paint your pumpkin in black paint.
Next, apply the chalkboard paintwith a dry brush from the bottom of the pumpkin.
Credit: Carson Downing
The dry brush technique gives the pumpkin arustic look.
What Halloween words will you spell out on yourHalloween pumpkin decorations?
Galaxy Pumpkin
YourHalloween pumpkin decorationsare going to be out of this world.
Credit: Carson Downing
This painted pumpkin idea starts with a plain black coat.
Sponge-brushed purple, blue, and teal hues bring the galaxy to life.
Flicks of white paint (made with the bristles of a toothbrush) are stars.
Spray Painted Pumpkins
Eye-popping ombre pumpkins star as a simplefall centerpiece.
If necessary, add more color only on top.
Spray the pumpkin white and start again!
Credit: Jacob Fox
To create, start with a solid base color and add patterns and word art in contrasting colors.
Invite friends over to create their own patterned Halloween pumpkins.
Get them started by having the base layer painted and dried before the guests arrive.
Credit: Laura Moss
Disco Pumpkin
This creative pumpkin painting idea uses squares of silver paint to create a disco-inspired pumpkin.
Painting the silver color in a grid pattern gives your Halloween pumpkin thatdisco ball look.
Place your dance floor-ready decoration somewhere on your stoop that gets fun lighting to turn Halloween into disco night!
Credit: Laura Moss
Nail Polish Painted Pumpkins
Swirls ofshiny nail polish are a great way to decoratepint-sized painted pumpkins.
You don’t need to go out and buy any special supplies for these Halloween pumpkin decorations.
Instead, sift through your beauty drawer.
Credit: Michael Piazza
Painting pumpkins with nail polish creates beautifulmarbleized designs.
Sports Pumpkins
Are you afootball family?
Ormaybe baseballis more your thing?
Credit: Cameron Sadeghpour
Let your friends and neighbors know with these fun painted pumpkin ideas.
Transform regular orange pumpkins into the ball for your favorite sport.
Basketball fans will have the easiest paint job!
Credit: Marty Baldwin
Constellation Pumpkin
Don’t let thedrill holesintimidate you; this painted galaxy pumpkin is easy to DIY.
Like most pumpkin painting ideas, this decoration starts with a coat of paint.
“Gather” Pumpkin
Is your home the holiday hot spot?
Credit: Carson Downing
Invite your guests with a painted fall pumpkin that welcomes them for a visit.
This elegant invitation is perfect for fall.
To make thisfarmhouse-paintedpumpkin last longer, use a faux white pumpkin.
Credit: Carson Downing
A ring of pastry-colored paint and some sprinkles of color make preciousdonut pumpkins.
Maybe this year’s Halloween decorations will be dessert-themed?
If white pumpkins are hard to find, just add a coat of white paint before your pastry pastels.
Mood Ring Pumpkin
Who knew painted pumpkins could tell your mood?
Dracula Pumpkin
This “spooktacular” pumpkin painting idea starts by spray-painting a pumpkinlime green.
Next, craft Dracula’s features out of cardstock and glue in place.
Credit: Dane Tashima
We used black tape to create the hair and eyes.
Candy Corn Pumpkins
Thesespray-paintedpumpkins look so sweet!
Too big to pop in your mouth, thesecandy corn-inspired painted pumpkins still look good enough to eat.
Credit: Adam Albright
Choose cone-shaped pumpkins and spray paint with white and yellow to create these Halloween decorations.
Ice Cream Pumpkins
Painted pumpkins are just the start of this Halloween pumpkin craft.
Colorful card stock (as sundae sprinkles) tops the painted pumpkin “ice cream” scoops.
Credit: Carson Downing
Ceramic (or plastic) ice cream cones can be found atdollar storesor crafts stores.
Black and White Striped Pumpkin
Take your Halloween pumpkin decorating inspiration from a Halloween classic: Beetlejuice!
Use the natural lines of the pumpkin to serve as guides for your paintbrush.
Credit: Cameron Sadeghpour
Or, if you don’t have a steady hand, use painter’s tape to get crisp lines.
Caterpillar Painted Pumpkins
These cute pumpkins go to great lengths to form a caterpillar.
Paint pumpkins melon green and paint their stems black.
Credit: Adam Albright
Arrange the painted pumpkins in a creepy, crawling S shape.
Princess Pumpkins
Painted pumpkins fit for a princess!
Plus, the pastel pink will pop on your doorstep.
Credit: Cameron Sadeghpour
Letter stencils allow each princess to customize a message to her subjects (or neighbors).
Pineapple Pumpkin
Is pumpkin a fruit?
There’s no debate about it, especially after this sweet makeover.
Credit: Dane Tashima
To make this pumpkin-turned-pineapple, spray-paint a pumpkin yellow and add accents using a black marker.
Finish with purchased eye stickers and a glittery foam topper.
Painted Owl Pumpkin
Do you find owls cool or creepy?
Credit: Ann VanderWiel Wilde
Either way, they’re perfect for Halloween pumpkin decorations.
An owl on your doorstep adds a dramatic flair to the haunting holiday.
Perfectly round eyes, comprised of even smaller patterns, are the key to this festive Halloween owl.
Credit: Jay Wilde
Use a paint pen to get crisper lines when drawing the designs by hand.
House Number Pumpkin
This painted pumpkin idea gives your home a touch offarmhouse Halloween decor.
To make, use stencils to paint your house number on a plain white pumpkin.
Credit: Laura Moss
Display it with seasonal favorites like gourds and mums.
Yarn hair and flat caps add character to these Halloween pumpkin decorations.
For a personal touch, use accessories that match your family.
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
This Halloween pumpkin painting idea can get messy.
To inspire your young painters, verify they have all their favorite colors on hand.
Who says that Halloween pumpkin paintings have to be orange and black?
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
Easy Monster Pumpkins
Use googly eyes and green paint to create a group of pumpkin monsters.
Add smiles with a black paint pen.
Group a trio of these gorgeous painted pumpkins in a black cauldron foreasy Halloweendecor.
Credit: Jason Donnelly
Big, bold lettering will make the centerpiece the focal point ofyour dining room.
Eyelash Painted Pumpkin
We see you!
These painted pumpkins make decorative use of their Halloween message.
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
The double-“o” is accented with a set of lashes to create inquisitive eyes.
Letter stencils are available at most craft stores.
Then, apply a coat of varnish after the paint dries to protect the pumpkin from the elements.
Credit: Scott Little
Incorporate natural elements in your display to help your painted pumpkin look the part.
Tiered Pastel Painted Pumpkins
Like any culinary confection, this tiered treat has all the right ingredients.
Download ourfree templates, then trace the cat onto a large pumpkin and the mice onto three smaller pumpkins.
Credit: Andy Lyons
Fill in the outlines with black paint, or use a paint pen for a quick and easy alternative.
Mad for Plaid Pumpkins
Go mad for plaid!
Painted pumpkins get a rustic update when you use a plaid pattern for your design.
Credit: Adam Albright
Alternate overlapping thick and thin stripes in two colors to get the look.
Painter’s tape can help you get crisp lines.
Just confirm the paint is dry before you peel the tape off.
Credit: Jason Wilde
Non-Traditional Colored Pumpkins
Don’t limit yourself to black and orange for your Halloween pumpkin decorations.
Pick a color scheme that suits your style.
Here, we went with blue and tan for a down-home country look that’s homey and welcoming.
Credit: Susan Gentry McWhinney
Stripes, plaid, and buffalo check can all be done in any color you like.
Simple black adornments upgrade these from doorstep additions to indoorgourd decor.
A steady hand and a paint pen make these simple designs easy to create.
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
Chinoiserie Pumpkins
Add an elegant touch to your Halloween withpainted chinoiseriepumpkins.
The elaborate floral designs are easy to create with a few simple brushstrokes and acrylic paint.
Make a few coordinating blue and white designs.
Credit: Jay Wilde
When it comes to pumpkin painting ideas, consider gourds of all shapes and sizes blank canvases.
Get creative with themes and colorsand don’t stop with pumpkins.
Incorporate garlands on yourfireplace mantelby adding them to existing decor for a seasonal punch of color.
Credit: Cameron Sadeghpour
Swap out accessories in warm weather colors for moreseasonal pillows, throw blankets, andfloral arrangements.
Add candles in spicy-sweet scents in your guest bath or bedroom to amp up the autumn atmosphere.
As the weather cools, you’ll enjoy the cozy feeling this time of year brings.
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
Credit: Carson Downing
