As night falls, a faint creak echoes from above. A skeleton sways inside a rusted cage, trapped forever between worlds.

Its hollow eyes stare through the bars, lit by the faint flicker of a lantern below.

Building this haunting scene is easier than you think, PVC pipes form the cage’s bones, and a thrift-store skeleton becomes your unwilling prisoner.

Materials Needed

• 8 PVC pipes (¾-inch diameter, cut to 2-3 ft lengths)
• 4 PVC elbows and 4 PVC tees
• Plastic skeleton (full size or 3-4 ft tall)
• Black and brown spray paint (for aged effect)
• Plastic chains or rope for hanging
• Hot glue or PVC cement
• Optional: LED lantern or faux cobwebs

Step-by-step Guide

Step 1: Cut your PVC pipes to desired cage dimensions, typically 2x2x3 feet for a hanging display.

Step 2: Assemble the base and top using PVC tees and elbows, then attach vertical pipes for the bars.

Step 3: Once the structure is stable, spray-paint it in layers of black and brown to create a rusted metal look.

Step 4: Place the skeleton inside before sealing the top frame. You can pose its arms and legs for a dramatic effect.

Step 5: Hang the cage using plastic chains or strong rope from a tree branch, porch hook, or pergola beam.

Tips:

Add a flickering lantern or sound module nearby to make the skeleton rattle when someone walks past, it’ll give your Halloween guests a heart-stopping surprise!