Creating your own ghost lamp post cover is a fun and creative way to add a spooky touch to your outdoor Halloween decorations. This simple DIY project allows you to customize your space while bringing a festive and eerie vibe to your home. With just a few materials and some easy steps, you can transform an ordinary lamp post into a glowing ghost that will delight trick-or-treaters and neighbors alike.
In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the steps on how to diy ghost lamp post cover so that you can get back to using it in no time! So grab your tools, and let’s get started!
Materials You’ll Need
To create your DIY ghost lamp post cover, gather the following materials:
- A white sheet or sheer fabric (large enough to cover your lamp post)
- Black felt or construction paper (for the ghost’s face)
- Scissors
- Double-sided tape or fabric glue
- String or zip ties (to secure the fabric)
- Optional: LED string lights or glow sticks (for added illumination)
Once you have everything ready, you’re set to start crafting your spooky masterpiece!
Choosing the Right Fabric
Selecting the right fabric is essential for creating a ghost lamp post cover that looks stunning and holds up well outdoors. A lightweight white sheet or sheer fabric works best, as it allows the light from the lamp post to shine through, creating an eerie glow. If you’re using the ghost cover outdoors, consider using weather-resistant or quick-dry materials to ensure it can withstand unexpected rain or moisture.
Avoid fabrics that are too thick or opaque, as they may block the light and reduce the ghostly effect. Additionally, make sure the fabric is large enough to drape over the entire lamp post, with some extra length for securing it at the bottom.
10 Methods How to Diy Ghost Lamp Post Cover
1. Choose the Right Lamp Post for Your Ghost Cover
Before you begin crafting your ghost lamp post cover, assess the style, height, and size of your outdoor lamp post. The success of your DIY ghost relies heavily on proper fitting and proportion. Taller lamp posts work best for life-sized ghosts, while shorter posts can support smaller, cuter designs.
Make sure the lamp post has a stable base and enough lighting strength to glow through a fabric cover. A lamp with a spherical or boxy head works best for mimicking a glowing “ghost face.” Ensuring compatibility at this stage makes the build smoother and the end result more visually striking.
2. Use White Twin Flat Sheets or Sheer Fabric for the Body
The most classic and budget-friendly way to create the ghost form is by draping white fabric over the lamp post. Twin-sized flat sheets or sheer curtains are ideal since they offer enough coverage without being too heavy. The fabric should be lightweight to allow some light to shine through while maintaining an eerie, floating appearance. Before draping, cut a small opening for the lamp head so the light can glow directly, or drape loosely if the light is strong enough. Allow the fabric to pool naturally at the base or trim it for a “hovering ghost” effect.
3. Add a Face with Felt or Foam for Personality
A ghost isn’t complete without a spooky (or silly) face! Use black craft felt or foam to cut out large round eyes and an oval mouth. You can also go more creative with squiggly mouths or triangle-shaped eyes for a mischievous look. Attach the facial features to the front of the sheet using hot glue, safety pins, or fabric tape, ensuring they are visible even at night. For better visibility, consider adding glow-in-the-dark paint or reflective tape to the face cutouts. This adds personality and makes your ghost more expressive and festive when illuminated.
4. Light from Within Using a Battery-Powered LED or Existing Bulb
One of the most fun parts of a ghost lamp post cover is how it glows. If your lamp post already has a strong light, the fabric may glow beautifully on its own. If the light is dim or enclosed, consider enhancing the internal glow with a battery-powered LED lantern or puck light. Place it inside the cover so it lights up the interior of the ghost.
You can even use color-changing LEDs to give your ghost a haunting hue. Avoid open flames or hot bulbs that could scorch the fabric—safety should always come first when working with lighting and cloth.
5. Secure the Fabric Against Wind and Weather
Outdoor decorations need to withstand elements like wind, rain, and curious animals. Secure your ghost fabric with discreet ties, zip ties, or fishing line around the neck of the lamp post. You can also weigh the fabric down at the bottom using small stones, washers sewn into the hem, or hidden bricks. Avoid tacking it down too tightly, as a little flutter adds to the ghostly effect. If you’re in an especially breezy area, consider using a waterproof tablecloth or nylon sheet instead of cotton to prevent soaking and mildew.
6. Create Structure with a Hula Hoop or Embroidery Hoop
For a fuller, rounder ghost form, use a hula hoop, large embroidery hoop, or wire wreath frame to create a dome or skirt under the fabric. Attach it to the base of the lamp post or suspend it with clear fishing line about halfway down the post. This gives the ghost body a more defined, floating shape and keeps the fabric from clinging to the post. Drape the sheet over the structure, and you’ll have a rounded, cartoon-style ghost that appears to float midair. This technique is especially effective for nighttime displays where shadows and shapes stand out.
7. Use Tulle or Mesh for a Whispery, Ethereal Look
If you want a ghost that looks more spectral and delicate, use layers of white tulle, mesh, or cheesecloth instead of a solid sheet. These airy materials let more light through and move with even the slightest breeze, creating a wraith-like presence. You can layer several pieces of tulle for depth, mixing slightly different shades (white, gray, or silver) for a misty effect.
Cheesecloth can be aged using tea or coffee staining to give the ghost a more eerie, ancient feel. These materials are perfect if you want your ghost to have a haunted, floating-in-the-fog appearance.
8. Add Arms or Accessories for More Character
To elevate your ghost from a basic drape to a character, add arms using PVC pipe, pool noodles, or even wire hangers. Attach them securely to the post or the inner hoop frame and wrap them in fabric or matching sheet material. You can pose the arms holding a lantern, pumpkin, or Halloween sign for extra effect. Consider accessorizing your ghost with a hat, bow tie, or even a name tag (“Boo” is always a hit!). These additions make your ghost more unique and can help tie it into your larger Halloween theme or decor.
9. Paint or Stencil Extra Details on the Sheet
For a more artistic approach, customize the ghost sheet with paint or fabric markers. Use black paint to stencil spiderwebs, add hand-drawn patterns like chains or tombstones, or give your ghost a stitched “Frankenstein” mouth. Glow-in-the-dark or UV-reactive paints can make your ghost pop at night. This method is especially fun for kids to participate in—let them decorate a ghost with silly faces or spooky phrases like “Boo!” or “Beware!” Painting gives you full creative control and turns a simple white sheet into a work of Halloween art.
10. Build a Family of Ghosts for a Dramatic Scene
Why stop at one ghost? Make a whole family of different-sized ghost lamp post covers! Use various post heights or even garden stakes and tomato cages to create a ghost cluster. Each ghost can have a different expression, pose, or color glow.
Position them to look like they’re interacting—one peeking from behind a bush, another “floating” mid-path, and a smaller one by the mailbox. Grouping your ghost lamp post with other characters or props—like pumpkins, gravestones, or fog machines—creates an immersive Halloween scene that becomes the highlight of your yard and a hit with trick-or-treaters.
Conclusion
By combining creativity and a few simple materials, your ghost lamp post decorations can transform your yard into a whimsical and spooky destination. Whether you’re aiming for a playful vibe or an eerie atmosphere, these DIY touches bring personality and charm to your Halloween display. With the right arrangements and accessories, your yard will not only captivate the attention of passersby but also leave a lasting impression on visitors. Celebrate the season in style and enjoy the spooky delight your decorations bring. Follow these simple instructions outlined in this blog post about how to diy ghost lamp post cover, and you’ll be able to get the job done with ease.
