How to Turn Thrifted Finds into Dazzling Halloween Decor: DIY Ghost Side Table

The following is a guest post from Country Peony Creative Director, Elizabeth Jones. Read on to discover her step-by-step tutorial on how to create adorable Halloween decor using thrifted finds and simple craft items!

I love a good thrift-score that becomes something unexpected—and this $6 basket from the Grand Opening of the new Goodwill store in Taylor, Texas was exactly that. Today I would love to show you how to transform a basket into a charming ghost side table. 

The new Goodwill Central Texas store was pristine, full of charm, and loaded with thrifted finds I couldn’t resist. But the best part of shopping at Goodwill Central Texas is knowing I’m helping real people. More than 90% of sales revenue supports local programs like the Goodwill Career & Technical Academy and The Goodwill Excel Center (which was the first free, public adult high school in Texas). Win-win: a perfect upcycle and community support loop.

Today’s project is all about turning a simple woven basket into a removable, seasonal “ghost” side table. This craft is budget-friendly, playful, and easy to reverse after Halloween. Below is a step-by-step tutorial so you can try it too.

Materials

  • Thrifted woven basket (mine was $6!)
  • Painter’s tape (for taping braiding or details)
  • White spray paint (gloss)—you’ll need extra because baskets are textured
  • Pleather (or craft foam) cut into oval “eyes”
  • Removable glue dots or repositionable adhesive
  • Optional: clear spray sealer for durability
  • Basic tools: scissors, disposable gloves, mask, cardboard or drop cloth

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Clean the basket: Wipe away dust and debris with a cleaner. Then, let the basket sit out in the sun to finish drying and loosen any remaining grime.
  1. Protect the details: Use painter’s tape to cover any braided or raised details you want to keep natural. I loved the braid, so I taped it off.
  1. Paint: Lay the basket on a drop cloth or a recycled cardboard box. Spray at least two even coats of white spray paint. *Baskets soak up lots of paint because of the texture, so go light and build coverage.
  1. Keep the interior look: I intentionally left the inside stripe visible. That contrast makes the piece feel layered and interesting.
  2. Dry and inspect: After the final coat, let everything fully dry. Check for missed spots and touch up as needed.
  3. Add removable details: Cut pleather or craft foam into fun oval eyes and attach the eyes with glue dots so they’re removable after the season. This keeps the basket reusable year-round.
  1. (Optional) Seal: If your table will be used heavily, finish with a clear spray sealer for extra protection.
  1. Style it: Place a small tray, a faux pumpkin, or a stack of Halloween books on top and you’ve got a charming ghost side table!

Tips and Tricks

  • Work outside or in a well-ventilated area and wear a mask when spray painting.
  • Use removable adhesives (glue dots) so your thrifted piece stays versatile.
  • Embrace imperfections. Texture is what makes thrift upcycles feel special.

Happy Halloween (and Happy Thrifting)!

And there you have it—a $6 thrifted basket-turned charming ghost side table! I love how something so simple can become a festive statement piece with just a bit of imagination (and spray paint). It’s the perfect reminder that you don’t need to spend much to create something special for your home—just a little creativity and an open mind while thrifting.

So next time you’re at Goodwill, look twice at those baskets. You never know what they might become! Find your nearest Goodwill location.

If you give this project a try, be sure to tag me on Instagram. I’d love to see your take on this fun, budget-friendly Halloween DIY.

Happy crafting and happy thrifting, friends! 

Meet Elizabeth

Elizabeth Jones is the creative director behind Country Peony, where she’s been inspiring others to craft a joyful life since 2013. Her love for creativity began on a Texas farm, where she first discovered the beauty of handmade projects and the charm of country living. After a career in PR and events—and the start of a family—Elizabeth returned to her roots, settling into a cozy farmhouse in the Texas countryside.

Through Country Peony, Elizabeth shares her passion for colorful, whimsical crafts and cheerful spaces, along with her love of vintage and handcrafted treasures. In 2021, she lovingly transformed a historic general store into the Country Peony Studio, a vibrant creative space where she now hosts online workshops, produces photo and video content, and brings people together through in-person creative events.

Follow Elizabeth on Instagram and Facebook for even more inspiration and creative ideas!