40 Creative Pumpkin Carving Ideas and Designs
We are officially consuming pumpkin-flavored things faster than leaves can fall off trees, and we can't wait to try out some of our newest creative pumpkin carving ideas. To keep the momentum going with our Halloween decor obsession, we've rounded up the best of the best in pumpkin design. So whether you're getting intricate with it or just want to drill a few holes, these unique ideas will get you carving and embellishing creatively this Halloween.
Image via Brit + Co
Flamingo Pumpkin
It's always a bit easier to just paint them, right? And you can easily add everything you need to make a flock of them for your living room.
Shutterstock
Make this cute fox by slicing spots for cardboard ears and tails and painting a little heart face!
Image via A Beautiful Mess
Daisy Pumpkin
Celebrate the Summer of Love all the way into October with this boho, no-carve pumpkin design.
Image via Handmade Charlotte
DIY Cat Drilled Pumpkin
Opting for a repeating pattern and some paint creates a fresh look without having to spend hours carving out a ghoulish face.
Image via In My Own Style
Candy Jar Carved Pumpkin
Turn your pumpkin into a candy jar with some knife skills and chalkboard paint.
Shutterstock
Nightmare Before Christmas fans can make these 'kins with black and white paint!
Image via A Beautiful Mess
Thanksgiving Pumpkin
White pumpkins are versatile, and this simple fabric paint DIY will carry you through from Halloween to Thanksgiving.
Textured Clay Bow Craft Pumpkin
Go ghostly with your own textured bow from clay for a unique décor piece! (via Michael's)
Image via Design Improvised
Modern Geometric Pumpkin
Since you won't be carving, stick to a smoother faux pumpkin for this DIY. Its less-pronounced ridges will make it easier to apply these vinyl pieces.
Image via Dans Lakehouse
Turquoise Pumpkin
Rhinestones make everything prettier, and we love this DIY teal-painted take on the orange classic.
Image via Brit + Co
DIY Animal Pumpkins
Invite the girls over to spend an afternoon carving woodland creatures. They'll thank you later.
Image via Brit + Co
Finding Dory Pumpkins
Ya know, for the kids in your life. Don't forget to do Hank the Septopus!
Image via Brit + Co
Gold Leaf Patterned Pumpkin
Yes, you can add a chic touch to your decor with a *pumpkin*.
Image via Brit + Co
Cosmic Pumpkins
Those pre-painted plastic versions are the perfect backdrop for a night's sky or the Milky Way.
Image via Brit + Co
Emoji Head Pumpkins
Bring those keyboard faves to life this year with a stoop full of emojis.
Image via Brit + Co
Anatomy Pumpkins
Rather than hanging a skeleton outside the door to spook trick-or-treaters, carve these pumpkins for a more original take on the tradition.
Image via Aww Sam
Cross-Stitch Pumpkins
Take your hobby to the next level this season with these charming & ghoulish designs.
Image via Paper & Stitch
Creepy Cat-Eye Pumpkin
This one doesn't need to be big to make a statement. The multitude of eyes staring back at you as you walk across the room is creepy enough.
Skeleton Diorama Pumpkin
Love this diorama idea! Choose your theme and add some sparkle. Make it a party! (via Michael's)
Image via Sarah Hearts
Scalloped Pumpkin
Have some tissue confetti left over? Excellent. Layer it to create a fish-scale effect.
Hocus Pocus Pumpkins
Image via Lovely Indeed
Hocus Pocus Pumpkins
Thackery Binx would be proud to sit by these while guarding the book and the black flame candle.
Image via Handmade Charlotte
Tetris Pumpkin
AKA Pumpktris, this carved and LED-equipped 'kin is perfect for the throwback gamer in all of us.
Image via A Bubbly Life
Retro Label Maker Pumpkins
Live your office supply dreams all season long with a label maker.
Image via Delineate Your Dwelling
Simple Tassel Pumpkin
There are never enough ways to use all the cute tassels in the world. This is ideal for adding texture to the waxy ones.
Image via Design Improvised
Pom Pom Pumpkins
Living colorfully is a 24/7 kind of lifestyle. Embrace the trend this fall with a collection of rainbow pumpkins.
Image via Hello, Wonderful
Hot Crayon Pumpkin
Don't bother with melted crayon art. Instead, use the technique on these tiny little ones. They'd make a stylish centerpiece and are a way to get the kids involved.
Image via Hello Wonderful
String Art Pumpkin
String us along anytime for an art project that combines bright fabric, metal, and organic materials.
Image via Lovely Indeed
Gold Geo No-Carve Pumpkins
These geometric gold pumpkins may look fancy, but they only require you to use a gold pen.
Image via JoJoTastic
Boho Agate Geode Jack-O-Lantern
Incorporate crystal magic into your Halloween decor-scape with agate slices that glow deep blue when candlelit.
Pumpkin Flower
This may not be for novices, but it's a totally different take on pumpkin carving for those at home with a scalpel.
Day of the Dead
Day of the Dead
Inspired by El Día de los Muertos, this skull pumpkin is more adorable than spooky.
Which creative pumpkin carving idea do you like best from this list? Share pictures of your pumpkins with us on Twitter and join our newsletter for more creative inspiration!
This post has been updated.
