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Easy fall decorating ideas to celebrate that fresh start feeling that autumn inspires in so many of us, making your home feel warm and welcoming whatever the weather.
Do you feel that September is a wonderful new beginning too? I love that old first day of school feeling, with freshly sharpened pencils and colourful notebooks at the ready. Of course, it has been a long time since I went back to school, but this time of year still makes me feel inspired to make a fresh start both in my work and in our home.
I like to tidy and declutter, but I also like to dress things up a bit for the new season. The thing is, fall decorating ideas do not need to be complicated or expensive. Most of my fall home ideas use things that I already have on hand, with a few careful additions just to freshen things up. The idea is simply to make everything feel cosy and comfortable, to help make your home a place you look forward to spending time in.
These fall decorating ideas work beautifully whether you are just updating one corner of your home or refreshing every room. Whatever the weather is outside, inside our home we are celebrating the cosy season. Here are some easy ways to do it.
Make a Feature of Your Front Door or Porch
One of my favourite fall decorating ideas is to decorate outside as well as inside. A wreath made with autumn leaves, pinecones, berries, feathers or other items from nature can look gorgeous on your front door. (I purchased this one from Green Parlour.) Or choose a artificial wreath (affiliate link) you can use year after year.
Autumn foliage and produce naturally lend themselves to seasonal displays and their rich colours are a great accent for nearly every colour scheme, so you may even be able to forage some of your decorations. A few colourful branches in a simple vase can look really striking on a console table.
I have some lovely faux acorns and pinecones that I display in cute colourful containers year after year. This is a great time of year to bring out the potpourri too – it looks lovely in a crystal bowl. If you are using foraged pinecones, do check on line for ways to get rid of the creepy crawlies that may live in them before use. I have heard that both freezing and baking work, but I have not tried either.
If you have a front porch, why not add some planted pots with fall flowers and foliage in autumnal colours? Chrysanthemums or asters work really well. You could also decorate with pumpkins, gourds or squash in baskets or arranged on the side of the stairs if you have them. (Be sure to position ornaments and decorations so that they are not a trip hazard.) I found this display at Langdon Hall, a hotel in southern Ontario really inspiring.
Soft Furnishings – Simple Fall Decorating Ideas
It can be fun to switch up your soft furnishings season to season, so you could include some fall colours and elements here. Accenting your sofas and chairs with seasonal pillow cases and throws can make them look even more inviting. Simply pop the seasonal pillow cases on pillow cushions – that way you can switch out your pillow cases as the seasons change.
Cosy quilts and throws make your bedroom or living room a warm oasis. You can even update your bedding for autumn if your colour scheme allows. I love this beautiful reversible Enchanted Twilight bedding from Catherine Lansfield. It comes in several different colour ways and it is so delightfully whimsical! (affiliate links)
Fall Decorating Ideas – Create a Warm Glow
As the nights get darker earlier, most of us are keen to introduce more light. If your house feels very dark, you may want to consider purchasing an extra lamp or two. It’s amazing how much extra light a table or standard lamp can bring to a room.
Do consider candlelight as well. There are so many lovely candles available today, both scented and unscented, but if an open flame is a concern, you can always use battery operated candles and battery operated tea lights (affiliate links).
Battery operated candles and are one of the easiest fall decorating ideas ever. Many are made of wax and have wicks so they look very realistic. One of the things I love about the latest battery-operated candles is that they can be programmed to come on at various times, meaning that you can return to a cosy, well-lit house without having any safety concerns. This can also be a nice way to make your house look like someone is home, even when you are away.
Mantles and Shelves
I love to decorate my fireplace for the seasons and these battery-operated sparkly pumpkin lights are perfect for autumn and Halloween. And of course, the battery-operated candles similar to these on the hearth (affiliate link)are perfect all year round. I like the battery-operated candles that have lifelike wicks like these. (I find most candles with the flickering plastic flames make a noise as they flicker.) (affiliate links).
You can use fresh autumn flowers or a faux leaf garland. Add candles, some battery-operated lights, and small ornamental pumpkins. There are some cute faux options here (affiliate link).
Insider Tip – Be sure to protect your furniture should you use fresh vegetables. Always use a plate or tray when displaying fresh vegetables or fruit.
Mirrors
Mirrors reflect the light and making everything look brighter, a boon on grey fall days. They can also make a room appear bigger. Hang a mirror over a sideboards, fireplace, in a cosy nook or on a wall like a picture. If you can, position them so they reflect the light from a nearby window. Be careful not to hang mirrors too high; they should be at eye level.
Decorate with Flower Arrangements
Did you know that multiple studies have proven that having flowers and plants in your home can reduce stress and anxiety, increase concentration and improve your mood? A bouquet of autumn flowers and foliage can really enhance your space. Zinnias, dahlias, chrysanthemums, hydrangea are all blooming now and look beautiful in a vase. Fill a jug with sunflowers and don’t forget about perennial succulents like sedums, which provide long lasting, colourful foliage. Rosemary and other herbs work well too.
You can also use pumpkins and squash to hold floral displays. Be sure to use a container inside the pumpkin to hold the flowers, and protect your furniture when you display your arrangement. Always watch the arrangement for leaks.
Think About Fragrance – How Scent Can Complete Your Fall Decor
Although not solely a fall decorating idea, fragrance really contributes to the atmosphere of your home. Cinnamon, ginger and spice as well as more complex fragrances like frankincense and myrhh can really add a sensation of warmth and cosiness this time of year. You can use diffusers, room sprays or scented candles.
Want to avoid using artificial fragrances? Use essential oils in an electronic diffuser, or head into the kitchen to create some aromatherapy of your own. Pop an orange studded with cloves and a few cinnamon sticks in a saucepan of warm water on the stovetop or make some mulled wine or cider in the slow cooker to sip from your favourite mug. Slow cooking your dinner or baking something delicious can help fill your home with fragrance as well.
More Fall Decorating Ideas For Kitchen and Dining Room
Fill a bowl with shiny red apples or apples and pears and place them on your kitchen worktop both as an accent and an encouragement to take a healthy snack. (You may want to pop them in the fridge at night for freshness.)
Keep your eyes open for pretty fall-themed napkins, placemats and table runners (all affiliate links).
Bringing Your Fall Decorating Ideas To Life
Remember, decorating your home for fall is all about having fun. It’s a chance to express your own style and make your home feel welcoming.
Try using what you already have and adding just a few thoughtful touches. Be sure to look around your home before you shop because your cupboards may hold hidden treasures waiting to be styled in a new way. From natural materials and seasonal fruits to warm colours and layered textures, these simple fall decorating ideas can help you create a cosy, inviting space you will enjoy coming home to all season long.
Wishing you a wonderful, cosy autumn!
Credits: Photo above and at top of post as well as photos of me in this post by Terry Joshi. My styling by Sarah van Dort, makeup and hair by Ali Oswald. Shelf styled by Holly Scott Interior Design, countertop styled by Terry. Photo of outdoor stair display at Langdon Hall taken by me. Photo of bowl of apples and pears by Tara Taylor.
