DIY Fake Fire for Halloween: A Spooky, Glowing Addition to Your Haunted Setup
Looking to add a little fire to your Halloween decor this year—without the flames? I’ve got the perfect DIY project for you! Whether you’re setting up a haunted house, throwing a Halloween bash, or just want to spook the trick-or-treaters, this DIY fake fire will definitely set the mood. The best part? It costs just around $30 and is super fun to create!
What you’ll need:
Cardboard (large enough to match the size of your cauldron or fire pit)
Insulating foam (about 3-4 cans)
Orange string lights
Spray paint (red, black, and grey)
Plastic bones
Scissors or utility knife
Here is a link to all of the supplies I used!
Let’s jump in!
Step 1: Cut the Cardboard
First up, grab a piece of cardboard and cut it into the shape of your fire base. I used my cauldron as a template and made the cardboard about four inches bigger all around. If you want your fire to look bigger and more dramatic, feel free to adjust the size. Cut out the circle and set your cauldron aside for now.
Step 2: Foam Frenzy
Next, it’s time to grab that insulating foam. No need to be precise here—this part is all about chaos! Apply the foam in every which way across the cardboard. This randomness helps to give the fire that uneven, organic look. I used two cans of foam (covering about half of the cardboard) before doing step 3.
Step 3: Add the Glow
Before the foam fully hardens, grab your orange string lights. Spread them around the foam, making sure they’re somewhat visible but not too close to the edges. Once the lights are in place, cover them up with more foam. Keep going until the lights are completely hidden (but don’t forget to leave the cord out—you’ll need that to plug it in later!).
Step 4: Get Artsy with Spray Paint
Now that your foam has dried and the lights are securely hidden, it’s time for the fun part—painting! Use your red, black, and gray spray paints and get creative. I didn’t follow any method, just let my inner artist take over 👩🎨 I sprayed in different patterns until the whole thing looked like smoldering embers and flames. Don’t worry about perfection—randomness makes it more realistic.
Step 5: Add Some Bones
For that extra spooky touch, grab a pack of plastic bones from Lowe’s. Scatter them around the fire and spray paint them to match the colors of your “fire.” It’ll look like they’ve been charred by the flames (cue the creepy vibes). You can position them however you like—partially buried in foam or scattered on top for that eerie effect.
I didn’t attach the bones with anything, but you can use some superglue here if you feel that it needs to be more secure.
Step 6: Plug It In!
Now for the big moment! Plug in your fire and watch the magic happen. The orange lights will create a glowing ember effect that makes it look like the fire is still burning. It’s the perfect, safe way to add a hauntingly cool fire effect to your Halloween setup.
Final Thoughts
There you have it! A DIY fake fire that’s perfect for Halloween and costs just around $30. Whether it’s glowing under your cauldron or adding ambiance to a haunted house scene, this project is sure to impress your guests.
The cauldron and mist maker machine takes this DIY to the next level. Below are the links to each one!
Cauldron - Comes with metal poles & green eyeball lights to make the water look spooky.
Happy haunting! 🎃
