2013 Clever Halloween Centerpieces Decorating Ideas

Halloween is the perfect time to add some fright to your holiday table. Use these centerpiece ideas as inspiration for your next Halloween party or as festive additions to your home.

By Caitlin Berens

Make a bewitching centerpiece with black and orange pumpkins.

Carve out a large pumpkin to hold a vase. Spray paint your pumpkins with a black matte finish paint. Once dry, scrape away the painted surface in lines or in the form of a sunflower or another design.

A smiling jack-o'-lantern becomes the perfect Halloween vase when you place a container of water and flowers inside. A simple carving (or scraping) that forgoes the typical wide mouth will help the inside container stay hidden. Use a white pumpkin and orange flowers for extra pop.

Use rugged old cabinet legs as eye catching bases for this Halloween gourd display. Elevating some gourds and leaving others on the table, as well as varying the size of gourds, adds quirkiness to this Halloween centerpiece.

Editor's Tip: Tie ribbon onto the bases in knots or bows it you want to inject color to this neutral centerpiece.

A plain white platter becomes a Halloween centerpiece with a handful of scattered miniature pumpkins and fall accents. The nonlinear look is key with this decoration, so assemble pieces randomly along the platter for an effortless, relaxed look.

Wrap decorative scrapbook paper around large orange and black candles to create this simple Halloween centerpiece. An orange table runner makes the black candle pop, overturned black bowls add height to the decoration, and black spiders and white Halloween candies add creepy crawly fun at the base.

Editor's Tip: Be sure to keep an eye on how fast your candles burn, and trim scrapbook paper accordingly.

Fashion papier mache into flickering mummy like candles. Begin by wetting plaster cloth strips (found at local crafts stores) and wrapping them around a small inflated balloon. After the paper hardens, pop the balloon and cut a small hole in the bottom. Place the mummy form over battery operated votives and sit atop a glass candlestick for a frightening display.

Create a kooky cast of characters for your dining room table. Use orange, black, white, and green spools of thread for the mini monster bodies. We used black felt cutouts for the eyes and mouths for most of the creatures. Repurpose old jewelry boxes with scrapbooking or wrapping paper for fun pedestals for the spool monsters.

Glass block vases become one of a kind Halloween centerpieces with die cuts and spooky scrapbook paper (available at crafts stores). To make, use spray adhesive to attach the papers (spray the back of the paper, not the glass, to avoid streaks). Place sand and tapered candles inside the vase for a haunting glow.

Editor's Tip: Use clear plastic blocks in lieu of glass vases. Be sure to nix the candles or opt for battery-powered ones.

A stack of old books forms the stand for this spooky centerpiece. To make, cut two basic ghost shapes from pages in the middle of a book, leaving the bottoms attached to the pages. Fold up each ghost and secure with a touch of tape. To complete, use a hole punch or marker to make eyes for this haunting centerpiece.

Miniature jack-o'-lanterns make a big impact when arranged on footed cake stands and displayed on a vintage tray. Place battery-powered candles inside each hand-carved pumpkin, and let your guests enjoy the glow.

Basic embroidery hoops set a spooky scene on a Halloween table. To make, stretch black costume fabric or lace across the painted hoops; trim extra fabric. Next, spray-paint planters for bases, then add enough florist's foam inside to secure a painted dowel inserted in the middle. Finish with black-and-white patterned paper atop the planters and a hauntingly fun message spelled out in painted wooden letters. Use hot glue to secure the dowels and wooden letters.

You need only a few household items and a little nature to create this haunting yet simple Halloween centerpiece. Gather knotted, rustic sticks from your yard or neighborhood to place in a basic urn, and add bits of moss to get the fright just right. Use free clip art to trace and cut out ominous black ravens from construction paper the finishing touch for this Halloween centerpiece.

An old typewriter spells out a warning message for your Halloween guests. Load a torn book page in a computer printer and spell out your message (a test run on basic white paper ensures you won't waste your favorite page). Tuck the final note in a vintage typewriter, and tell your guests they've been warned!

 Editor's Tip: For extra fright, drape a skeleton hand across the keys .

Scrapbook papers and floral accents are all it takes to upcycle" yesterday's tin cans into a green Halloween centerpiece. Standard- and economy-size tin cans work well for this craft, although the more varied the sizes, the more intriguing the display. Wrap with scrapbook paper and add die cut scenes or stickers as desired.

Editor's Tip: Keep the cans for next year, or give them away to guests as simple mementos of a frightful night.

Spray paint Halloween props with black chalkboard paint, then outline them with chalk for frightfully aged flair. Fill the cauldron with a decorative bottle, handpicked beverage, or a tasty Halloween treat.

Nuts, pumpkins, and a large candle dress up a small woven mat in this simple-yet-sophisticated Halloween centerpiece. Fallen leaves tucked into the display add natural fall flair to the decoration.

Editor's Tip: For a more kid-friendly decoration, use candies, painted pumpkins, and a battery-powered candle so curious fingers don't find a flame.

Simple white dishes display multicolor pumpkins in this elegant Halloween centerpiece. Use footed bowls, small plates, and candlesticks at varying heights to create an eye-catching display.

Use a large, tall pumpkin to create this picturesque Halloween centerpiece. Stuff a variety of flowers, fillers, and greenery in a vase inside this simple, hollowed out pumpkin. 

Editor's Tip: To add a bit of festive fun, tuck tiny Halloween decorations, such as plastic spiders or spooky stir sticks, into the arrangement.

2014 Clever Solutions for Small Bathrooms Ideas

Even a small bathroom can make a large impact . Start with clever storage - stash your toiletries inside a wall - hung bathroom cabinet with a mirrored door. Invest in a new vanity counter with a solid - surface top as this hardy material is impervious to stains and knocks . A cabinet beneath the washbasin will hold all your cleaning gear and ensure that the tight space stays neat and uncluttered . Ramp up your bathroom's style quotient with unique wall tiles and strong color scheme. There are amazing new tile collections and even reflective neon - type effects on the market . But if bold treatments are not for you , check out the new mosaics . Muted patterns with textured finishes exude a subtle sense of elegance . In this narrow bathroom by space . Matter (below) , the rounded profile of the tiny mosaic tile gives the checkered pattern on the walls the feel of an intricate basket weave . Even though the color scheme is a simple white-on white the ambience is luxurious and chic .

 Now with this model for small bathrooms,I hope you find these ideas useful and inspiring to you ...... Enjoy it !!

No matter their size or style, windows enlarge the feel of a room if they're allowed to transmit light. If possible, leave windows unadorned with clear or frosted glass. Mini blinds, matchstick blinds, or shades that can be drawn to the top of the window are other sleek solutions. Or cover the lower half of the glass with sheer fabric that will admit light but maintain privacy.

Minimize clutter on bath walls by attaching a towel rod to the side of a freestanding vanity. For an extra dash of panache, change out a standard mirror for one with a decorative frame that complements the style of your vanity. A column of drawers between the open shelves boosts storage while keeping the look of the vanity light and open.

Plenty of natural light, wall-to-wall glass shower doors, and white woodwork create an expansive look in this narrow master bath. To live up to its focal point status, the shower is wrapped in luxurious marble mosaic tile. A simple white vanity balances the splurge.

Vanities with cabinet doors are great for hiding personal items, cleaning supplies, and plumbing fixtures, but opening and closing the doors in a long, narrow bath is tricky. Adding a sink skirt to this bath helps disguise the toilet and the sink's plumbing while highlighting the existing decorative red tile border. A Roman shade in the same fabric completes the look.

Trade a standard door for a sliding pocket door to gain additional floor space once reserved for the door swing. Bifold doors (doors that fold up like a screen) can also save space.

Make a ceiling look taller with some visual tricks. A vertical stripe on the walls can give the illusion of a higher ceiling. Wood moldings, wallpaper borders, and tile designs placed where the walls and ceiling meet will also provide a splash of color and help naturally draw the eye upward. Otherwise, choose a wallpaper with a small, airy print or lattice design. Avoid large or busy patterns that will diminish the scale of the space.

Pale and cool colors reflect light, so soft whites, pastels, and neutrals can make a bath feel bigger. Woodwork, trim, and doors will "disappear" if they are painted the same hue as the walls. The effect is enhanced if cabinets and counters are the same color as the walls. To keep a neutral scheme from appearing bland, introduce bold colors through accessories, linens, and artwork.

Mirrors stretch space by reproducing it. Mirroring the long wall of a narrow bath, for example, can change the room's proportions and make it seem wider. Be sure to place mirrors so they reflect the bath's assets whether that's a wall hanging, a panoramic view, or the widest room angle. Two mirrors positioned opposite each other create the illusion of a never ending room.

Glass shelves increase a room's sense of space because they can appear invisible. Items placed on them seem to hover in air a much lighter effect than heavy cabinetry.

Extend the sight lines of a small bath by using a light color throughout the space. In this room, white finishes on the floor, walls, sink, toilet, and shower make the small space seem bigger. Natural light from the window also brightens the space. A few black tiles on the floor and wall add visual interest without becoming overpowering.

Clever Uses for Old Furniture 2013 Ideas By Farima Alavi

Check out these easy ways to repurpose old home furnishings before you decide to toss them out. From a ladder display shelf to cabinet mantel decor, you will find a way to repurpose many forgotten household items.

By Farima Alavi

Oversized, Vintage Message Board 

Don't turn your back on an old mattress. Hang a mattress spring on the wall for a one of a kind, oversized message board. Donna of Funky Junk Interiors cleaned the rust from the spring with a wire brush and treated it with a clear overcoat for a vintage look. Simple clothes pins hold up messages, and hangers keep other everyday items at hand.

Cottage Style Display Shelf 

When you think an item has no functionality, think again. Melissa Michaels of The Inspired Room placed a small, brightly colored stepladder on the wall to function as a display shelf and eye pleaser. The weathered finish on the ladder paired with crisp white frames on the adjacent wall gives the room a classic cottage look.

Playful Kid's Dresser

If you don't like the look of an old dresser, update it with a bright color. Janell Beals of Isabella & Max Rooms painted a forgotten dresser with bright pinkish-red chalkboard paint for a playful look that works perfectly in a kid's room. The dresser allows kids to use their imaginations by drawing or writing anything they want on it, keeping the walls safe from any unexpected drawings.

Salvaged Home Office

This home office is filled with items from the junkyard. Sawhorses make up the legs of the desk, a wood pallet works as the desktop and an old ladder provides the framework. Donna used a garage storage unit and wood pallets as back support to create an industrial style shelving unit to maximize storage space. Fill the shelves with vintage-inspired objects to finish the rustic look.

Practical Antique

A piece of old, unused furniture can become functional again with a little creativity. This Hoosier cupboard, popular in the early 20th century, was sitting in a woodshop for years. With some refinishing and paint, Janell Beals turned it into a practical home office desk. The crisp white cupboard against the black walls makes it the focal point of the room. The cupboard drawers allow for an abundance of storage space, and the size of the cupboard provides plenty of room for office equipment. "The piece not only adds to the design of the room but holds great memories as well," she says. Hang framed memorabilia to add to the timeworn look.

No Damage Here

Damaged furniture doesn't have to be thrown away. Marian Parsons suggests hiding imperfections on furniture with decoupage. She used aged sheets of music to hide imperfections on this neglected dresser, while also giving the all white bedroom a shabby chic look. Other items great for decoupaging furniture are maps, book pages, letters and postcards. "The treatment will hide gouges, water marks, missing veneer and other signs of abuse on furniture," she says. Decoupaging furniture will also add dimension and distinct style to a room.

Bright, Bold Focal Point

Sometimes a fresh coat of paint is all a piece of furniture needs to breathe new life into a space. Melissa Michaels painted this once dull coffee table into an eye catching royal blue color. "The unexpected pop of color is a fun contrast to its otherwise traditional lines," she says. The bold color makes the table the focal point in this mostly neutral living room.

From Tired to Stylish

Even the smallest, most outdated items can be repurposed with a little love. Marian Parsons updated a tired wood frame with decoupage using aluminum foil, antiquing glaze and polyurethane spray. The gold finish gives the framed chalkboard a contemporary, stylish look that works great resting on a dresser or hanging on the wall.

Wallpaper Table

Turn to unexpected materials to freshen up old furniture. Will Taylor of Bright Bazaar used scraps of old wallpaper samples and some paint to transform this dining table into a work of art. The different patterns and colors make the table a versatile piece of furniture that fits any room and style.