Spooky on a Shoestring: How I Decorated for Halloween Under $50

If you’re HORRIFIED that decking out your place for Halloween will MASSACRE your budget, take a deep breath (YOUR LAST???).

With only $50 to spend on a fairly large living space, I scrolled through the Walmart app and filtered items by “Low to High," which led me to spider webs, festive string lights, and pumpkins. I also picked up some cute ghost lights, caution tape, and fall garlands so I could keep up some decor beyond Halloween.

The total before tax was just under $50. Here’s my entire haul:

• Orange String Lights ($3.76)
• Oak Leaf Garland Decor, Red & Yellow ($3.94)
• Scotch Wall-Safe Removable Tape ($2.97)
• Ghost Lights ($4.86)
• Creepy Gauze with Bats ($3.97)
• Caution Tape ($1.24)
• Super Stretch Spider Web ($1.96)
• Black Glitter Spiders ($2.48)
• Mini Tiger Striped Pumpkins ($3.28)

Armed with scotch tape and a tall step ladder, I set out to make my home the spooky vision of my dreams.

Since I live in an apartment building, the front door is the most visible place for Halloween decorations. I rolled caution tape all over to welcome trick-or-treaters.

Next, the lighting! Vibrant orange creates a festive Halloween glow as soon as you come through the front door; I’d also recommend these affordable lights for your porch railing.

Spider cobwebs over the windows (which double as a privacy screen) and a fall garland accentuate the coziness of my living room. For some extra fall vibes, a pair of pumpkins rest on a side table.

Ghosts illuminate my bookshelf, although I might need to add more Stephen King titles.

The dining area boasts more cobwebs and pumpkins, along with tons of bats. The perfect ambiance for devouring candy.

In the end, the decorations gave my home some major Halloween spirit. If I had to do it over again, I’d make sure I had extra tape. No matter how big or small your space is, though, you can make your home look lively — or DEADLY — without spending a ton.