3. Life-Sized Gothic Coffin Cooler
Make a dramatic statement at your Halloween gathering with a life-sized Gothic coffin that doubles as a functional drink cooler or a spine-chilling entryway prop. Using large appliance boxes, map out the classic hexagonal coffin shape. Reinforce the interior seams with heavy-duty duct tape and wooden dowels to ensure the structure is sturdy and holds its shape. You can even construct a functional hinged lid using extra cardboard folds and decorative brass brads for a realistic, antique trunk appearance.
To give the coffin an authentic, aged-wood look, score the cardboard vertically with a utility knife to create deep wood grain textures. Paint the exterior with a dark walnut wood stain or a mixture of brown and black acrylic paint, wiping away the excess to let the faux grain shine through. Line the interior with rich red or purple satin fabric, or paint it a deep velvet black. If using it as a cooler, place a plastic bin inside to hold ice and drinks, surrounding it with eerie dry ice fog for an unforgettable party centerpiece.