Ditch the carving tools and forget about the mess. These pumpkin decorating ideas are super simple and require no carving.
Carving is the classic route for most pumpkin crafts, but there’s so much you can do with pumpkins by decorating the outside!
Of course, you can paint your pumpkin, but we’ve got lots more creative ways to decorate too! From decoupage to nail polish to temporary tattoos, there’s plenty of ways to get your pumpkin looking tip-top in time for Halloween.
Should I decorate a real or a faux pumpkin?
It depends on how long you want your decorated pumpkin to last. Typically, an uncarved pumpkin will last around one month (so a short life for all your hard work).
A fake pumpkin made from ceramic, wood, polystyrene or other materials is a more permanent option that you can use year after year. In the end, it’s totally up to you! Try both and see which you prefer.
31 easy and creative pumpkin decorating ideas
1. Pastel pumpkin painting
To kick off our pumpkin party, we’ve got this gorgeous how-to tutorial for painting your pumpkin! In this guide, Becki Clarke shows us three pretty pastel designs to make your pumpkins pop!
Becki uses ceramic pumpkins and paint pens, so they can be enjoyed year after year.
2. Drip painting pumpkin idea
We have to pre-warn you that this pumpkin decorating project is messy! It involves pouring paint over your pumpkins to create all sorts of wacky patterns. The technique gives them a melting effect, perfect for creepy designs! Get the full tutorial from Momdot.
It’s such a fun activity for kids on Halloween! Try using orange, black and white for a spooky effect.
3. DIY doughnut pumpkin decorating ideas
Okay, they’re not exactly scary or autumnal, but we just couldn’t resist! These colourful and sweet doughnut pumpkins look good enough to eat.
Painted with soft pastel colours and decorated with bright sprinkles, these will certainly satisfy any sweet tooth.
Creepy crafts for little ones
Find even more spooky activities for your littlest monsters in our guide to Halloween crafts for toddlers.
4. Easy decoupage pumpkin decorating
Decorate your pumpkins with decoupage. If you’ve never tried it before, it’s really simple. You just tear up some decoupage paper and stick it onto your pumpkin using Mod Podge – similar to paper mache.
It’s a versatile option because there's so many different styles of decoupage paper to choose from.
4. Pumpkin decorating idea with doilies
Doilies are a surprisingly easy and effective item for decorating pumpkins! All you need is a doily in your favourite colour and some spray adhesive.
The end result is an elegant, autumn-ready decoration! Get the full tutorial from 17 Apart.
5. Pumpkin decorating idea with Sharpies
Sharpies are a fantastic mess-free option for pumpkin decorating! In this tutorial by Paper & Stitch, you’ll see they use a gold and silver colour on a white pumpkin to create a subtle yet eye-catching design.
When it comes to Sharpies, there’s a tonne of colours you can choose from, plus you have free rein when it comes to your design!
6. Woodland creature no-carve pumpkin decorating idea
Decorating your pumpkins as cute critters is an ideal activity for kids. Not only is it less messy than carving, but the kids can choose any animal they like!
In this tutorial from Simple as That, you’ll learn how to make a raccoon, a fox and an owl.
A monster celebration
Host the perfect get-together for your little witches and wizards with our guide to Halloween party ideas for kids.
7. Glow-in-the-dark pumpkins decorating idea
Glow-in-the-dark crafts are always a favourite at Halloween! Decorate your pumpkins with this tutorial from Practically Functional where you’ll learn how to create this glow-in-the-dark wolf silhouette pumpkin.
Don’t worry, you won’t have to bust out your drawing skills – the wolf silhouette is available to download for free.
8. Galaxy pumpkin decorating
Make your pumpkins out of this world with this galaxy pumpkin decorating tutorial from Dream a Little Bigger.
In this tutorial, you’ll learn how to layer the paint to create a colourful galaxy. If you want to take it up a notch, try using glow-in-the-dark paint for the stars and constellations.
9. DIY caramel apples pumpkin decorating
These pumpkin caramel apples are too cute! This creative tutorial from Aww Sam will show you how to make your pumpkins look like apples dipped in caramel complete with multi-coloured sprinkles.
If you do want real treat ideas, check out our halloween treats inspiration.
10. Unicorn pumpkin decorating tutorial
Make your pumpkins magical with this cute unicorn tutorial from The Denver Housewife. Find out how flowers and glitter can transform your pumpkins! This is an excellent tutorial for kids to try.
11. DIY cactus pumpkin
This tutorial by Rachel Teodoro is super simple! All you need are some pumpkins or squash, preferably in green shades, and some toothpicks. The toothpicks will act as spikes, so be careful not to touch them afterwards!
Once done your cactus/pumpkin hybrid will look spectacular when displayed in a pot.
12. Glitter pumpkins tutorial
If you’re feeling brave these glitter pumpkins are for you! Glitter is notoriously messy, so be prepared for that. However, the result is worth it – big, glamorous, sparkly pumpkins to display.
Use eco-friendly glitter to ensure your pumpkins remain biodegradable.
13. Emoji pumpkin painting
Kids will love these fun emoji pumpkins! Simply start with yellow paint and then add your favourite emoji expression on the front.
14. Bling pumpkin decorating
Keep it glam with these gemstone pumpkins! Decorate them with shiny rhinestones for a classy pumpkin display.
How to carve a pumpkin
If you want to carve, we’ve got you covered with our pumpkin carving tutorial, which is packed full of ideas.
15. Pumpkin decorating with nail varnish
Grab your cheap nail varnish, and a pot of water to dip your pumpkins into! That’s all there is to it in this tutorial by Mom Dot. Make your pumpkin your own by choosing your favourite nail polish colours!
16. Washi tape pumpkins
Looking for a pumpkin decorating activity for preschoolers? Washi tape pumpkins are perfect! Simply grab your favourite washi tape, rip them into smaller pieces and let your little ones decorate.
17. Beach-themed pumpkin decorating
Combine the coast with your pumpkins in this cute sandy creation from Completely Coastal. In this tutorial, you’ll cover your pumpkin with Modpodge then dip it in sand! So simple, yet so fun.
18. Pom pom pumpkins
Pom poms add a burst of colour to any project and that’s no different for pumpkin decorating! Even just attaching a few poms makes your pumpkin pop.
Find plenty of pom pom design ideas over at Design Improvised.
19. Tissue paper pumpkin decorating
Tissue paper is an easy way to decorate pumpkins, it’s quick and easy. In this tutorial from DIYS, you’ll find out how to use it to make this pretty leaf pumpkin!
If you don’t want to cut out the leaf design you can just tear strips of tissue paper. This will give a more abstract result.
20. Yarn-wrapped pumpkin decorating ideas
Wrapping your pumpkins is a great way to use up odd balls of yarn you might have in your stash! It gives the pumpkins a cosy, autumnal vibe, perfect for displaying inside your home. Find out how with Fruetcake.
21. Pumpkin decorating using a Cricut machine
Grab your Cricut and get designing! Cricut machines can make vinyl stickers which are perfect for pumpkin decorating. For the details of the pumpkins pictured below, head over to Rebecca Marie Creative.
22. Pumpkin bouquet
Make your pumpkin into a stunning centrepiece with this delightful tutorial from Bouqs. They will guide you through cutting your pumpkin and filling it with gorgeous flowers for a stunning finish.
23. Monogram pumpkins
Personalise your pumpkins with your initials using glitter! You’ll need a Cricut machine for a professional result. Find the full guide to monogram pumpkins from The Diary of a Debutant.
24. Fingerprint pumpkins
This one is fun for little ones! Grab your paint and get printing.
Use your fingers to create a round blob of colour, then decorate with little details to make them into creatures like spiders or ghosts! Check out the full tutorial over at Craft Box girls.
25. Spooky eyeball pumpkins
Make your pumpkins into creepy eyeballs with this tutorial from Dream a Little Bigger. All you need are some suitably round pumpkins and paint! These will certainly give your neighbours a fright.
26. Cinderella pumpkin decorating ideas
As we all know Cinderella visited the ball in a pumpkin carriage! Recreate a mini version of her carriage with this magical tutorial from A Pumpkin and a Princess. In the tutorial, you’ll decorate your pumpkin with blue glitter and golden butterflies.
27. Splatter paint pumpkin decorating ideas
Get messy with these splatter paint pumpkins from One Little Project. Grab your favourite colour paints and a brush and flick the bristles of the brush to create unique splattered designs.
28. String art pumpkins
Have you ever tried string art? Well, did you know that you can also do it on the surface of a pumpkin? It’s really easy and will give your pumpkins a unique abstract look. Try the string art pumpkins from Hello Wonderful.
29. Watercolour pumpkin decorating ideas
Using watercolours allows you to create dripping patterns which when done in the right colours can look very creepy! Why not try black and red, or slime green? Get the tutorial from Paper & Stitch.
30. Spider pumpkin decorating ideas
Spiders are creepy, there’s no denying that! Make your pumpkin scary with this spider pumpkin tutorial from Craft Klatch.
31. Temporary tattooed pumpkins
Believe it or not, temporary tattoos are very effective for pumpkin decorating! You can make them look totally cool by applying your favourite tattoo designs. Get inspired with pumpkin tattoo ideas from Club Crafted.
Pumpkin decorating ideas for all the family
There’s a pumpkin on our list for everyone, and if you don’t like the mess of pumpkin carving you’re in luck because none of these projects require it!
Make your own pumpkin from scratch
Rather than buying a pumpkin, why not make your own? Check out our paper mache pumpkin tutorial to learn how.
