A big part of the essence of Halloween is the darkness, the blackness, the spookiness. Which is why I think that lighting fixtures – the opposing force of such darkness – have such a great opportunity for setting the stage for the season. Whether you have grandiose plans to deck your halls in cobwebs and candles or you simply enjoy looking at others’ Halloween décor, here are ten hauntingly clever lights for the holiday:

1. DIY Candelabra.

Isn’t this a show stopper? Built out of parts of several different lights and other odds and ends (tutorial included), this beaded candelabra is classy and decorative. Black spray paint makes the piece’s “ingredients” seem cohesive, and I love the chunky white candles as a finishing touch.{found on tatertotsandjello}.

2. Cobweb Chandelier.

Even a modern chandelier can join in the festive fun with a little TLC. Use black cheesecloth or fake cobwebs to give your existing fixture a haunted house feel. (Make sure to keep the decorative cloth far enough away from the lights themselves so as to prevent fires.)

3. Hanging Ghost Lanterns.

I imagine that any hanging lantern or outside lamp would enjoy a quick ghostly Halloween costume. Simply use any sheer or lightweight white fabric and cover the lantern, tying the fabric underneath. This would take about two minutes but delight passersby all month long.

4. Black Light Bulbs.

Outside your house, one of the most easy-yet-impactful ways to decorate for Halloween is through lighting. Switching out the regular light bulbs in exterior lighting fixtures with black lights (or any colored lights) creates a deliciously spooky atmosphere while still providing light. The same result can be achieved with switching interior light bulbs as well.{found on site}.

5. Bat-Infested Paper Lantern.

Cheap rubber bats are an extremely versatile Halloween decoration resource, and bats flocking around a round paper lantern at this time of year is eerie and, frankly, quite awesome. I love how this light looks like the moon here. You could consider adding bats to any pendant, though, and still enjoy the effect.{found on eighteen25}.

6. Wine Bottle Chandelier.

Sure, it’s not exactly spooky, but this wine bottle chandelier from Pottery Barn, with its unexpected contents and greenish tint, makes a fantastic Halloween lighting fixture. I like how the chandelier is left free of other décor here…it speaks for itself, and what it says is very chic.

7. Colored String Lights.

We normally associate string lights with Christmas, but when done in holiday-appropriate colors like this (orange, red, purple), string lighting is perfectly Halloweeny. Either stand-alone or paired with other holiday décor, colorful string lights are always a great décor touch.

8. Pumpkin Chandelier.

No, this chandelier isn’t actually supposed to be a pumpkin, but doesn’t it make a great Halloween lighting example? In fact, not just for Halloween…this chandelier would fit right at home all season long. If you wanted to get really clever with something like this, you could temporarily attach a Jack-o-lantern face out of black felt.{found on site}.

9. Creepy Candelabra.

Again, created out of tacky cheap brass pieces from thrift stores, black spray paint unifies the piece into one pretty creepy corner light. Battery-powered candles, Spanish moss, and ragged black cheesecloth all combine to make this corner of the house feel spine-tinglingly haunted.{found on littleantdesign}.

10. Cage-Style Pendants.

These simple woven pendant lights are a stylish option that subtly (or not-so-subtly) reference dungeons or evil laboratories when hung above skulls and other dark-themed Halloween décor. You could probably even DIY some of these out of baskets and cover your everyday pendants, if you start feeling super ambitious.