We kept the Halloween fun going after our last post with a few more simple and inexpensive ideas. One of our favorites was inspired by a classic craft trick: adding black bat silhouettes to the inside of lamp shades for an instant spooky glow. It takes under ten minutes and uses items you probably already have at home.

What you need

• Black construction paper or cardstock
• Small pieces of white paper for sketching
• Pencil and scissors
• Scotch tape (two small loops per bat)
• Cool-running bulbs (CFLs or LEDs recommended)

Step-by-step

1. Sketch simple bat shapes on small white rectangles. Cutting the paper into rectangles about the size you want the finished bats helps keep your shapes consistent.

2. Cut out your sketches and use them as stencils. Trace the outlines onto black construction paper or cardstock, then cut out the black bat shapes.

3. To add variety, flip one of the shapes so a bat that flies left can also appear to fly right. A few mirrored shapes make the arrangement look less formulaic and more natural.

4. Use two small loops of scotch tape—one on each wing—to stick each bat to the inside of the lamp shade. Place them well away from the bulb. If possible, use a cool-running CFL or LED bulb to reduce heat and fire risk.

Why this works

When the lamp is off, the bats are nearly invisible against a linen or light-colored shade. When the light is switched on, you get a crisp, slightly eerie silhouette that looks polished without much effort. The tape is virtually invisible through the shade, so you only see the bat shapes and not the mounting.

Decorating the rest of the room

We also dressed up a concrete greyhound statue with a dark chain-style necklace and a few wisps of spiderweb for a subtle seasonal touch. The overall effect is playful—Halloween decorations that feel modern and tidy rather than cluttered.

Safety tips

Always make sure paper decorations are securely attached and kept well away from hot bulbs. LED and CFL bulbs run much cooler than incandescent bulbs and are a safer option when placing paper or fabric near a light source.

Extras and variations

For added drama, try an orange-tinted bulb or a soft amber bulb to cast a warm Halloween glow. You can vary bat sizes and positions to fill the shade naturally—cluster a few together or space them out for a scattered-flying look. If you prefer, print a bat silhouette to use as a stencil for perfectly even shapes.

Final thoughts

This project is quick, free if you use leftover supplies, and effective. It’s a great last-minute idea for sprucing up living spaces, front windows, or entryways before trick-or-treaters arrive. We also carved pumpkins and have a few porch decorating projects in the works that pair nicely with these lamp bats.

Have you tried any easy Halloween crafts this year? Any costume ideas for people or pets? We’d love to hear what you’re planning.