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Fall is one of the most magical times to refresh your home. As the leaves begin to change and the air turns crisp, it’s only natural to want your space to reflect the warmth and beauty of the season. Whether you’re a minimalist, a traditionalist, or somewhere in between, these fall decorating tips will help you create a cozy and inviting home without overwhelming your space, or your budget.
When Should You Start Decorating for Fall?
While there’s no hard-and-fast rule, September tends to be the sweet spot. With kids back in school and summer winding down, it’s the perfect time to swap out bright summer accents for warmer, cozier tones. That said, you can start as early as late August or wait until the cooler days of October – it’s all about what feels right for your home and lifestyle
1. Embrace Subtle Seasonal Changes
Gone are the days of decorating every inch of your home. Now, it’s all about adding meaningful, intentional touches:
- Pillow covers and throws: Add warmth with seasonal tones like mustard, rust, olive green, or plum.
- Candles: Fall-scented candles instantly transform the mood. Try apple, cinnamon, or pumpkin spice.
- Neutral pumpkins: Think glass, ceramic, or even velvet in shades of white, copper, or gold for a subtle nod to the season.
This approach is ideal if you’re leaning into a more minimalist fall home decorating style.
2. Bring Nature Indoors
One of the best fall home ideas? Take inspiration straight from your backyard.
Branches and foliage: Clip Japanese maple, crabapple, or oak branches for beautiful, free arrangements. Don’t have any of these around? Faux branches work, too!
Easy Cozy Fall Bedroom Decor
Dried florals and grasses: Pampas, wheat, and eucalyptus add texture and depth.
Fruits and vegetables: Fill bowls with apples, figs, artichokes, or mini pumpkins for a natural, lived-in look.
Tip: Use a dough bowl or low tray to create a DIY centerpiece filled with moss, pinecones, candles, and mini pumpkins.
3. Cozy Up Your Living Room
The living room is often the hub of fall family time: movies, game nights, or curling up with a good book. This is the spot you’re going to want to be extra cozy!
- Layer textures: Think cozy knit blankets, boucle pillows, and woven baskets.
- Mantel magic: Add garlands, framed art with fall colors, and varying-height candles.
- Frame TV update: Change the display to seasonal art – dark florals, landscapes, or vintage harvest prints.
Tip: Copper and brass accents warm up any room and mimic the season’s golden glow.
4. Create an Elegant Fall Table
Dining tables are a favorite spot for seasonal decor:
- Use eucalyptus as a base (fresh or faux). I like fresh seeded eucalyptus for extra color and texture. Trader Joe’s is where I buy mine!
- Layer in mini pumpkins – real, fabric, or painted to suit your palette
- Optional: Add fruit accents like figs, grapes, or pears for color and richness
- Finally, add height with candle holders.
Planning a fall gathering? A hollowed-out pumpkin filled with florals makes for an unforgettable centerpiece.
5. Update Your Kitchen and Entryway
You don’t need to go overboard in these high-traffic areas:
- Simple swaps: Dish towels in fall colors, a copper kettle, or autumn-scented hand soap
- Open shelving: Add a ceramic pumpkin, mini art prints, or faux stems
- Entryway refresh: Place a tote bag with hydrangeas on a hook or add branches to a tall vase by the bench
6. Layer Your Front Porch
A welcoming porch sets the tone:
Mix and match pumpkins: Cinderella, heirloom, or white pumpkins look great grouped together
Mums in planters: Pair different heights and colors for a full look (faux mums are great for longevity!)
Layered doormats: Try a buffalo check rug underneath a seasonal mat
Budget tip: Use dollar store plastic bins as planters, just drill a hole in the bottom for drainage.
7. Don’t Forget the Bedroom
Fall isn’t just for the main living spaces! Add a touch of the season to your bedroom:
- Switch out pillow covers and blankets to rich beiges, browns or jewel tones or keep it neutral but add in chunky cozy knit blanket on the end of the bed.
- Add seasonal stems to your nightstand or dresser: I like to use dried hydrangeas. They last months and add beautiful color. I have some in our primary bedroom right now that turned the most perfect dusty pink.
8. Add Warm Lighting and Scent
The shorter days make lighting even more important:
- Layer lighting: Use table and floor lamps with warm-toned bulbs. We keep ours on smart plugs so they turn on at sunset automatically. Yay for lamp o’clock!
- Candlelight: Adds instant coziness—just remove unsightly labels or use a cute DIY cover
- Scent the air: Try a stovetop potpourri of apple peels, cloves, and cinnamon sticks for instant cozy vibes.
Fall Decor to Avoid (Unless It’s Your Thing!)
- Scarecrows and hay bales (unless you live on a farm)
- Sign overload: “Thankful,” “Blessed,” and “Harvest” are sweet, but less can be more
- Bright neon orange everything. Try softer tones or jewel tones for a modern touch
Final Thoughts
Fall home decorating doesn’t have to be elaborate. Whether you lean toward natural elements, subtle touches, or a bold autumn makeover, these fall decor tips will help you create a space that feels cozy, intentional, and uniquely you.
Start small, layer gradually, and enjoy the process. After all, home should feel like your favorite sweater – warm, welcoming, and cozy!
Frequently Asked Questions
This year, deep olive green, dusty mauve, copper, and plum are trending. They pair beautifully with neutrals and are easy to layer into your existing decor.
Stick to natural textures, subtle tones, and avoid overly thematic items like black cats or orange-and-black color palettes. Soft lighting and cozy textiles go a long way!
Absolutely! Use lighter textiles like linen or cotton in fall colors, bring in seasonal fruit, and swap art or shelf decor for items that reflect the season.
Thanks for the great blog.