If you’ve spent any time scrolling Pinterest or TikTok lately, you’ve probably seen the charming rise of the ghost painting trend where people paint ghosts over thrifted old paintings.
It’s been popping up everywhere over social media lately, and honestly?
It’s such an easy project and is just as fun as it looks.
One of the best things about these halloween ghost paintings is how simple it is to start.
You don’t need fancy supplies or advanced skills…
just some thrifted art, white acrylic paint, black paint, brushes and of course…
a little bit of imagination.
It’s the perfect mix of spooky and sweet, and a great way to give thrift store paintings a new life.
In this post, I’ve gathered 13 thrifted ghost painting ideas (including TikTok videos) to help you get inspired and create your own versions.
Whether you’re going for cute and cozy or leaning into a more haunted vibe this spooky season, there’s something here that will inspire your own ghost painting.
P.S. Love these thrifted ghost painting ideas? Click here to easily save them to your favorite Pinterest board. Happy pinning!
1. Turn a Village Scene into a Ghostly Gathering
Adding sweet little ghosts to an old-fashioned village creates such a playful contrast. I love how the group of chickens has been transformed into adorable little Jack O’lanterns!
@_pamstagram Had to have a go at the ghost painting trend ?? #ghostpainting #ghostpaintingtrend #spookyseason
2. Add Floating Spirits to a Twilight Cottage
That moody lighting in the original painting was already magical… but with four tiny ghosts under the moonlight, it becomes a cozy Halloween dream. It’s a lovely way to use darker vintage art.
@mpdesignco Okay i had to and it was so much fun ?? #ghostpaintingtrend #thriftedpaintingghost #thriftedpaintingghostchallenge
3. Keep It Simple with a Lone Ghost on a Country Path
Sometimes just a few little spooky edits are enough. This gentle scene feels peaceful and relaxing. Just like a little spirit taking an evening walk through golden fields.
@bekmarsden THE RESULT? Had to hop on this trend?? ? ? #thriftedghostpainting#trend#ghost#halloweenart#ghostart#thriftedghost#momlife
4. Give Animals a Spooky Makeover
Don’t you just love how each little duck has its own ghosty personality? The adorable little costumes make it even better.
@wildlyadair I love this trend, it was so much fun! #ghostpainting #ghostpaintingtrend #thrift #spooky #halloween #art #thriftedghostpainting #fun #bats #vampire #pumpkin
5. Create a Ghost Spa Moment
Yes, even ghosts need a bubble bath! Adding a ghost to a vintage bathroom scene is such a fun and unexpected way to do this trend. And how adorable is that black cat?
@craftinmorg
6. Paint a Vintage Street with Elegant Ghosts
There’s something so sweet about seeing ghosts out for a classy evening stroll. It turns an old-timey city scene into something straight out of a ghost story… but in the loveliest way.
@brushmeoff Ok, I need to keep doing this. IT’S SO FUN! If you don’t know, ghosts are kind of.. my thing. I may have to start offering these for sale in my shop. Obsessed! #ghostart #ghostarttrend #ghostpainting #ghostpaintingtrend #thriftedart #handpainted #freehandartist #custompainted #arttok #ghost #addingalittlebitofspice
7. Haunt an Old Western Town
This one is packed with personality… from the pumpkin-lined streets to the little ghosts in the antique car. A great way to play with historic settings and tell a tiny story. I love how the artist has created shadows on the white sheets using gray paint!
@houseandhens Let me get on this thrifted ghost painting trend ?
8. Let Ghosts Bloom from a Floral Frame
Even floral backgrounds can make the perfect setting for your ghosts. This one is simple but stylish, and the baroque frame adds a gorgeous contrast.
@mic_mather cutie idea from @brandi spigner !! ??? #diy #halloweenpaintingtrend #ghostpaintingtrend #trend #vlog #halloween #spookyseason #diyhalloweendecor #diyhalloween #halloween2023 #halloweencrafts #crafts #homegoods #homedecor #diyhomedecor #fall #fall2023 #autumn #cozy #cozydiy #ghost #cutehalloween #september #october #pumpkinseason #artsandcrafts #spookycrafts #spookycraftnight #fyp #trending #viral #foryou #fypシ
9. Bring the Moonlight to a Moody Landscape
This brown-toned meadow felt quiet on its own, but those little ghosts and flying witch turned it into a Halloween night in seconds. Great for working with neutral, earthy palettes.
10. Spookify a Storybook Village
This one’s full of delightful chaos… so many little moments happening at once. From pumpkins to flying bats, this is a perfect idea if you love detail and color.
11. Transform a Thatched Cottage into a School of Magic
This cottage went from quaint to full-on wizarding world.
Ghosts, creatures, spells…
it’s bursting with imagination and such a fun idea for bigger pieces this halloween season.
12. Create a Peaceful Autumn Ghost Scene
A family of four little ghosts walking down a soft, golden path?
It’s simple and sweet.
This one shows how just a few details, like adding a little brown and orange paint to the trees, can shift the whole mood into something seasonal and spooky.
13. Go Big with a Haunted Fairytale Scene
This large painting is like a whole ghost village come to life…
pumpkins, bats, witches on bicycles, and so many tiny spirits.
A beautiful example of how bold, and colorful you can go with this trend.
Before You Go...
There’s something really special about taking an old piece of art and giving it a spooky little twist.
Every ghost you add brings a bit of personality, and no two pieces ever feel the same.
Whether your style is more playful or mysterious, these ideas are an easy, creative way to bring some seasonal artwork into your home.
If you give ghost painting a try, I’d really love to see what you make.
Feel free to tag me or share it so we can all admire your haunted masterpiece.
And don’t forget to save this post for later… you might want to come back to it next time you find a lonely painting at the thrift store.