The shadows start creeping in earlier, the leaves begin to fall, and suddenly… your windows are just too empty. 🪟🍂

That’s exactly how I felt one chilly October morning. I made a cup of coffee, sat at the kitchen table, and looked at my bare window. It needs something spooky, I whispered to myself.

That’s when the idea struck: DIY Halloween silhouette window decor.
Simple. Bold. Super eerie when backlit. And the best part? Totally doable in an afternoon with just paper, scissors, tape… and a little imagination.

If you’ve been wanting a haunted house vibe without spending tons of money, these 15 DIY silhouette window decor ideas are going to haunt your Pinterest board in the best way possible 👻🖤

👻 Why Silhouettes Make Amazing Halloween Decor

Silhouettes are one of the easiest ways to make your home look instantly haunted — especially when the light hits just right.

Here’s why we love them:

• They’re super affordable 🧻

• Easy to make at home (no Cricut required!) ✂️

• Look dramatic from outside at night

• Reusable every year

• Safe for apartments, dorms or houses

Whether you go spooky, funny or full haunted mansion, these shadow shapes are about to transform your windows into ghost story material.

🎨 Materials You’ll Need

Before we jump into the ideas, here’s what to grab:

• Black construction paper or poster board

• Scissors or precision blade

• White chalk or pencil for tracing

• Masking tape or clear adhesive dots

• (Optional) Transparent contact paper for layering

• LED light or curtain for backlighting effect

✨ Pro tip: For larger shapes, tape several sheets of paper together.

🕸️ 15 DIY Silhouettes for a Haunted Window Look

Let’s get to the shadowy stars of the show 👇
Each of these ideas is beginner-friendly and looks seriously creepy from the street.

1. The Classic Witch on a Broom

Simple and iconic. Cut her mid-flight or perched by a window.
💡 Add a black cat or tiny crescent moon for extra charm.

2. Black Cat with Arched Back

A Halloween must. Place her near a cauldron or under a hanging bat.
Perfect for corners or lower windows 🐈‍⬛

3. Haunted Tree with Twisting Branches

Fill an entire window with eerie branches. Use jagged, curving lines for the creepiest effect 🌳

4. Ghost Family

Layer small, medium and tall ghost silhouettes with rounded tops and eye holes.
Tape at different heights for a floating illusion 👻👻👻

5. Zombie Reaching from the Ground

Make it look like a hand or full body is rising from the bottom of the frame.
You can even add “grave dirt” with torn edges.

6. Spooky House in the Distance

Use sharp angles and tiny windows to create the outline of a crooked haunted house.
Backlight it with orange cellophane for glow 🏚️

7. Cackling Witch Cauldron Scene

Witch + bubbling cauldron + rising steam shapes = amazing layered look.
Optional: floating ladle or spellbook for detail ✨

8. Bats in Flight

Cut several bats in different sizes and tilt their wings in motion.
Place them diagonally for drama 🦇

9. Skeleton Peeking Through

Use a full skull or ribcage silhouette in one corner, as if it’s spying through the glass ☠️

10. Creepy Eyes in the Dark

Cut jagged eyes or slits — and maybe a pair of fangs. Tape them behind a sheer curtain to look like something’s watching 👀

11. Grim Reaper with Scythe

Silhouette with hood and long arms holding a scythe. Great for a tall window.
Even better with fog machine behind 💀

12. Rats Running Across the Sill

Cut out several rats in motion and tape them at floor-level window corners. Instant eerie effect 🐀🐀🐀

13. Flying Witch and Moon Scene

Make a round full moon and tape the flying witch in front. Place it high for visibility.
Add clouds or stars for more magic 🌕

14. Monster Hand at the Glass

Just one clawed hand pressing against the window — creepy and effective 👋

15. «Help Me» Message + Bloody Handprint

Write “HELP ME” in jagged font and add red handprint cutouts for max horror.
Use red cellophane or transparent vinyl for more realism 🩸

✂️ Where to Place Your Silhouettes

• Entryway windows (great for trick-or-treaters!)

• Living room or front-facing windows

• Bathroom windows (yes, it’s hilarious and creepy)

• Upstairs bedrooms — use string lights behind

• Glass doors or patio sliders

✨ Pro tip: Add curtains or a white sheet behind your silhouettes for sharper contrast.

💡 Bonus: Where to Get Templates

You can easily sketch your own or download free printables online.
Try searching:

• “free Halloween silhouette templates”

• “window silhouette printables PDF”

• Or trace from Halloween coloring books!

You can even make your own template by printing a photo and cutting out the shape with tracing paper.

🔮 Final Spell: Your Haunted House Starts with Paper

You don’t need fancy tools or hours of crafting to make your home feel totally haunted.
A few sheets of paper, a pair of scissors, and a spooky idea can turn your space into the most epic Halloween stop on the block.

So grab your black paper, light a candle 🕯️, and start cutting some shadows.

You’ll be surprised just how much haunted magic a window silhouette can create ✨

Which silhouette will haunt your windows this year?
Tell me below — or even better, share a photo once it’s up! 👻📸