Pumpkins are a staple in fall decor, but who really wants to deal with the mess of carving a pumpkin? Here are 15 easy small pumpkin painting ideas to try out this fall to bring on the autumn vibes without the carving commitment.
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1. Thumbprint ghosts
Starting off with one of our simplest small pumpkin painting ideas: thumbprint ghosts! You start with a small pumpkin, then use white paint to make your ghosts. When they’re dry, use a paint pen or permanent marker to make faces on your new friends.
2. Classic blue and white
Blue and white is one of those classic color schemes that will never go out of fashion. Let yourself be inspired by Jean Wilson Freeman’s work above and bring some of those French country vibes into your apartment this fall. If you’re daunted by the complexity, start with just one shade of blue on a white pumpkin to make silhouettes. You can always add more colors later if desired.
3. Dots on dots
If you’re going for a cleaner look this fall, maybe dots are for you. This example shows dots aligned with the ridges of the pumpkin that are also graduated in size. Though this example is in black and white, this scheme can be used with any color palette you like. If consistency is important to you, we’d recommend using a stencil to draw your dots.
4. Simple shapes
The next of our small pumpkin painting ideas takes on a more artsy vibe. While the pumpkins in the photo look like they’ve been collaged, you can create a similar effect with paint. Starting with a white base, use colors of your choice to paint a series of chunky shapes that can either wrap the pumpkin like a band or cover the entire thing. The overall effect is modern and fresh.
5. Cute and simple floral
For a sweet and elegant look, try painting simple flowers! White and orange in this example provides a vibrant contrast that reminds us of summer even as fall approaches. This is another very beginner friendly idea as it only requires three paint colors.
6. Monochrome metallic
Painting your entire pumpkin in a metallic paint is a great way to go get high impact with little effort. It’s a bonus that metallics are and forever will be in style. The copper used in this photo creates a subtle gleam that brightens up the space and plays off the nearby pots.
7. Advanced floral
If you’re ready to step your game up, try a more complex take on a floral pumpkin. Start by blocking in your shapes in basic colors and once dry, go in with highlights and lowlights as desired. As a final touch, go in with a paint pen and add some outlines and details in contrasting colors.
8. Chic distressed
Perhaps one of our most understated small pumpkin painting ideas, the distressed pumpkin bridges the worlds of farmhouse and cottagecore. This idea requires only paint, sandpaper, and an eye for distressing. Paint your pumpkin the color of your choice, once dry use the sandpaper to scuff the paint and reveal the pumpkin in different areas. A matte paint will give you the flat look shown in the photo above.
9. Bold color block
For those of you dreading the coming winter and desperate to hang on to some of summer’s color, consider a bright color block. This can be done on any color or size pumpkin and in any combination of colors you choose. If you have the space, dipping is a fun and quick method, but brushes work just about as well if you have a steady hand.
10. Faux bois (Foh bwah)
Faux bois (pronounced foh bwah) is meant to replicate the pattern of wood grain. We love it for its simplicity and organic nature, which lends any space a relaxed chic vibe. Unless you have a very steady hand, we’d recommend using a paint pen for this concept. While black provides the highest contrast, white, red, and blue all create different moods you might enjoy.
11. Understated marble
The next of our small pumpkin painting ideas is a marbled effect. To achieve this look start by painting your pumpkin white. Next use a sponge to dab gold metallic paint all over the pumpkin, being sure to leave some spots untouched to give that irregular and organic feeling.
12. Colorful patterns
Patterns can be fun to play with to add more personality to your pumpkin. This example uses floral patterns and bright colors to give a cheerful effect. Play around with colors and patterns and see what suits your aesthetic the most!
13. Energetic and eclectic
Sometimes a maximalist approach is the way to go. Opting for a neon color or bohemian patterns will liven up your space and add character. For added spice you can add a face to your pumpkin, the more creative and colorful the better!
14. Cottagecore simplicity
Cottagecore adds a warmth and comfort to spaces, and we find these designs do just the same. Most of these concepts are simple, but the effect of multiples really adds to the impact. Whether quilt-inspired, checkered, or floral, these all offer their own quaint charm.
15. Clean black and white
The last of our small pumpkin painting ideas focuses on the impact of pure black and white. Faux bois (bonus points for recalling a previous idea) takes on a modern feel, an insect silhouette becomes chic, and a spider web feels classic and cool. Sometimes simpler really is better.
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