The newly crisp Autumn air signals the change in seasons, and we hear the call: It’s time to transition out of late summer and decorate for fall! We love celebrating the start of the new season! We also value being intentional
and smart with Mother Nature's resources -and our own! So I've bundled my favorite tips for you in this list of cozy and sustainable ways to decorate for fall, on a budget. Let’s dive in!
1. Decorate Like a Mother
Mother Nature, that is! Take a look around your yard or the neighborhood for colorful pine cones, acorns, and leaves. Use them to add to a natural wreath form, which you can create or purchase from a craft store (look for grapevine).
Hang one wreath for your front door and lay another on your dining room table as a centerpiece. If nature isn’t an option, this is a great budget-friendly wreath tutorial: https://youtu.be/g3M-tbEtXRU
2. Add Cozy Textiles
-Blankets
Add layers to your fall decorating: sofas and armchairs adorned with textured throws in earthy tones inspire us to curl up and get cozy.
If you’re like me, you have a stash of blankets.
I bring mine out this time of year.
If you are just starting, see what your local thrift shop has in natural materials. I’ve scored nice cotton throws for $2!
Mix cotton, wool, cable knit, and even faux fur if it’s good. Combining different textiles adds interest, warmth, and fall sumptuousness to your space.
-Pillows
Save money by resisting the urge to buy the seasonal pillows pushed on us by stores. Most do not have removable covers. How do you launder, and where do you store them when the seasons change? For much less waste, instead, buy pillow covers in the colors of the season for a third of the price. Just change out your covers when the seasons change.
I swear by these (pictured): Favorite Cushion Covers
3. Decorate Within A Color Theme
You want your fall decorating to look and feel intentional.
Right?
The designer’s trick is to match your decor within the same color family.
See our 2023 Fall Colors Palette for inspiration and reference. Keep your decorating colors in this palette, and you will have seamless cohesion in your home.
4. Add Seasonal Scents
Candles
Light-scented candles with fall-inspired fragrances like cinnamon, apple, or pumpkin not only add warmth but also create a delightful aroma.
Aromatherapy
Essential oil blends with nebulizing (cold-air) diffusers are my home-elevating best friends. Choose from a variety of seasonal oils that lend an authentic feel to the atmosphere. Get into it here: https://thegingerhome.com/fall-essential-oil-ideas-to-keep-you-cozy/
Oil Diffuser
For the diffuser, I’ve tried out 8 (I need to write a review post!) This is the WINNER I use: https://amzn.to/4881O19 I honestly have so much to say about this. The bottom line is, that using a clean natural fragrance that capsulizes the charm of the new season is more elevating than probably any of these other tips I’ve shared.
5. Set the Scene with Soft Lighting
Swap out harsh lighting for softer, warm bulbs. I aim for 2–3000 Kelvins. If you don’t know about Kelvins, check out this simple chart.
If your lights are on a dimmer, that’s a plus! If not, you can buy lightbulbs that dim with a remote. I have these in several rooms, and I love that I didn’t have to mess with installing dimmers, just had to screw in a lightbulb! A link is here if you want to check them out.
Soft lighting is the definition of cozy ambiance! Warm low light reflects the season in its hues. Makes you want to start up the fireplace!
6. Display a Rustic Table Setting
To create a fall mood/natural vibe aesthetic for your dining room table, skip the tablecloth and use wooden or woven placemats. Add a canvas or cotton table runner. Set out your linen napkins and anchor the tablescape with a wooden bowl, filled with fruits of the season: apples and pomegranates, which look gorgeous with their jewel tones!
7. Rearrange Furniture to Reflect the Cozyness of Autumn
Moving your furniture can help set the mood for a welcoming fall. Scoot armchairs closer to each other. Scan your room for an empty little corner you could make into a nook by adding a chair, blanket, and books. Move the sofa or bench a little closer to the windows to take advantage of the fading natural light. Pair a couple of little stools next to the fireplace and lay a sheepskin rug under them. I made a little side table of stacked thrift store books (see pic) that is so fun and inviting!
8. Swap Out Artwork For a Seasonal Theme
This doesn’t sound budget-friendly, but trust me, it is. Buy an autumn-themed set of art prints from Amazon or Etsy—they are less than $20 for a set—and swap out the artwork you already have. If you don’t already have framed prints, then write down the sizes of the print set you purchased, take it to the thrift store, along with a mini measuring tape, and buy vintage frames. I did this, and all my frames were less than $12 TOTAL. They have more character than the typical off-the-shelf new stuff.
Decorating your home for fall on a budget is easy and so fun with these 8 great tips.
Getting your home ready to welcome the new season is a celebration in itself, showing gratitude for your home and for change. I love that.
What you are excited to try and what do you look forward to most this fall? Let me know in the comments; I’ll see you there!
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