Haunted HouseNo. 7242 · The 2026 edition
How to Turn Framed Art Into Haunted Décor for Halloween
Transform ordinary framed art into a ghostly Halloween showpiece with just paint and a few creepy extras.
Our own summary of the original — the full post and photos live at marthastewart.com.
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Give old framed artwork a haunted makeover by painting the frame black, adding white ghosts and ghoulish details, then displaying it with cobwebs, pumpkins, and spiders. This simple DIY project turns any room into a spooky focal point for Halloween.
You'll need
Directions
- Apply black craft paint to the picture frame. Squeeze some black paint into a small bowl, then use a painter's brush to coat the frame with one or two layers. Let it dry completely before moving on.
- Add spooky white ghosts and other details. Once the frame is dry, dip a small craft brush into white paint and draw ghost shapes directly on the canvas or glass. Paint as many as you like. Then use black paint to give them eyes and gaping mouths. Get creative—for example, we added fangs to the dog in the original painting.
- Display your haunted artwork. After the paint dries, hang it in your desired spot or lean it against a fireplace mantel to make it the center of attention.
- Enhance the creepy atmosphere with extra decorations. Drape cobwebs over the frame's corners, and arrange mini pumpkins, giant spiders, and black candlesticks around the artwork for a complete Halloween look.
