19 Painted Pumpkin DIYs So Darling, You'll Want to Run Out and Buy a Paintbrush

Updated on Oct 1, 2017 at 7:40 AM

For many, pumpkin carving conjures nostalgic memories of childhood. Sitting around the table, scooping out gooey pumpkin seeds, and planning your design was — and still is — a staple of Halloween activities. But unless you're blessed with a flawless pumpkin-carving technique, oftentimes those detailed designs don't translate into the pumpkin you envisioned. This year, why not try your hand at another pumpkin decorating approach: painting! These DIYs and tutorials show just what you can do with a little bit of paint and an hour or two of your time — and they let you avoid the mess of pumpkin guts.

Inspirational Pumpkins

Cover your painted pumpkins in inspirational quotes with this fun tutorial!

Gray and White

Create your own gorgeous tabletop display with an arrangement of painted pumpkins, both solid and ombré!

Tissue Paper Pumpkin

This fun pumpkin is painted, then tissue paper is applied to the surface. You can choose modern colors like this one or go for a Halloween theme.

Trick or Treat Pumpkin

This trick-or-treat-themed pumpkin would be perfect for greeting young trick-or-treaters on Halloween night.

Assorted Pumpkins

Put together a display of pumpkins for your front porch in different shapes, sizes, colors, and designs.

Doughnut Pumpkins

Who doesn't love doughnuts? With this easy step-by-step tutorial, you can turn your pumpkins into a beloved treat.

Fall Floral Pumpkin

Who says florals should be saved for springtime? This stunning Fall-floral painted pumpkin proves flowers are appropriate year round.

Stitched Motifs

These adorable painted pumpkins are perfect for the cross-stitch-lover!

Cactus Pumpkins

It turns out pumpkins make great cactuses! Turn your pumpkin into your favorite cactus or succulent this year.

Galaxy Pumpkin

Embrace your love of astronomy and sci-fi with this fun and super simple galaxy pumpkin DIY!

Autumn Pumpkin

Your pumpkins don't need to be reserved for the Halloween holiday. Add this autumnal painted pumpkin to your dinner table or living room decor.

Painted Dot Pumpkins

Painted pumpkins don't have to be one-dimensional! Painted dot pumpkins add some texture to your space.

Modern Painted Pumpkins

Combine chalk paint and stone spray paint to create fun, textured, Halloween-themed pumpkins.

Marbled Pumpkin

This marbled pumpkin DIY is so simple, and you'll be left with absolutely gorgeous little pumpkins for use throughout your home.

Rosy Painted Pumpkins

Flex your creative muscles and turn your pumpkins into gorgeous, year-round decor with this painted pumpkin tutorial.

Herringbone Pumpkins

These painted pumpkins use a beautifully classic pattern with herringbone, and the white and gold combination is stunning.

Geometric Blue Pumpkins

Turn up your modern home decor with these perfectly on-trend blue geometric painted pumpkins.

Brushstroke Pumpkins

Turn any-size pumpkin into the perfect modern decor item with this brushstroke pumpkin DIY.

Colorblocked Pumpkins

Sometimes a little bit of paint can go a long way! These simple, colorblocked pumpkins are easy and make a big statement.