19 Cute Painted Pumpkin Ideas for Cheerful Fall Decorating
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Painting pumpkins is honestly one of the easiest (and least messy) ways to decorate for fall or Halloween. With just a few paints and a little imagination, you can turn any plain pumpkin into something adorable for your home, porch, or classroom.

There are endless styles to try. Pumpkin painting is a solid activity for kids and adults alike, whether you’re a careful crafter or just winging it.
Mercury glass effect with silver and pearl paint

Layer silver and pearl paints to get that dreamy, vintage mercury glass look. It’s surprisingly easy and really catches the light.
Polka dot pumpkins in bright contrasting colors

Bright oranges, candy pinks, and royal blues make polka dot pumpkins pop. It’s cheerful and a little bit retro.
Color block pumpkins with tape for sharp lines

Painter’s tape is your best friend for bold color blocks and crisp lines. It’s oddly satisfying to peel the tape off.
Cute Spooky Face pumpkin

Start with a bold reddish-orange base for instant autumn energy. Layer on black and white accents for a cute spooky face.
Pumpkins painted to look like adorable pets

Paint floppy ears and button noses for a puppy pumpkin you can’t help but smile at.
Pumpkins with floral hand-painted designs

Dainty flower patterns bring a soft, feminine vibe to your pumpkin display.
Striped pumpkins in fall colors

Paint bold stripes in cozy shades like orange, mustard, and berry. It’s classic fall, but with a twist.
Pumpkin painted like a ladybug

Bright red paint and lots of round black spots turn any pumpkin into a cheerful ladybug.
Pumpkin Painted as a Friendly Monster with Googly Eyes

Bright colors and giant googly eyes turn a pumpkin into a silly, friendly monster. It’s hard not to laugh.
Pumpkins painted with smiley faces

Bright colors make smiley face pumpkins extra cheerful. Sometimes you just need a little neon in your life.
Pumpkin with candy-inspired stripes and dots

Bright stripes and playful dots make pumpkins look like candy. Sweet, right?
Pumpkin with lace stencil design in white paint

Lace stencils and crisp white paint make for a delicate, sweet pumpkin look.
Pumpkin painted in soft watercolor style

Swirl on pastel colors for a soft, dreamy watercolor effect. It’s relaxing, honestly.
Pumpkins with polka dots in different colors

Paint small pumpkins in white or bright colors then add cheerful polka dots.
A round stencil or the end of a pencil eraser works great for dabbing on the dots.
It’s fun watching your pumpkin patch come alive with cute, colorful spots everywhere.
Pumpkin with a retro ’70s psychedelic swirl pattern

Take your pumpkins back in time with swirling, groovy lines in bright pinks, oranges, and yellows. There’s just something about those retro colors that makes everything pop.
Pumpkin with bold Color Blocks in autumn shades

Dress up a pumpkin in bold color blocks and suddenly it becomes the centerpiece of your fall décor. Who knew fall colors could be so festive?
Pumpkin with polka dots and stripes combo

Create a playful pumpkin by painting bold stripes in your favorite colors. Add sweet polka dots all over—no such thing as too many dots.
Pumpkin decorated with gold leaf flakes on matte white

A crisp white pumpkin turns glam when you brush on dreamy gold leaf flakes. It’s simple, but the effect is pure elegance.