Autumn Decor Ideas To Celebrate The Season

The arrival of autumn brings gentle weather, vibrant landscapes, and a fresh inspiration for home decor. As the leaves change and the air cools, many feel motivated to refresh their living spaces with fall-inspired touches.

Autumn decor continues to flourish in popularity, extending far beyond the classics. New trends and timeless staples provide options for every budget and personal aesthetic.

Symbols of Fall Decor

Pumpkins

Nothing captures the spirit of autumn quite like pumpkins.

Whether using real varieties from the market, garden, or local pumpkin patch, or opting for life-like faux styles, pumpkins are a must-have. Explore heirloom shades, unique shapes, and inventive upcycled versions crafted from wood or fabric.

DIY fans enjoy creating gourds from scrap materials, velvet, or even crafting decoupage pumpkins with seasonal napkins. There’s limitless inspiration for customising pumpkins, including whimsical crochet creations.

Or why not try making a decoupage pumpkin? You can use napkins that tie in with your decor, and the finished items look so effective.

And, finally, if you’re a whizz at crochet, why not have a go at making this adorable pumpkin crochet hat? It’s the perfect accessory for autumn.

Apples

Apples offer an attractive alternative to pumpkin-centric decor, especially in regions with nearby orchards. Use artificial apples or repurpose small jars and round objects into apple accents for tablescapes or wreaths.

Leaves

Autumn is synonymous with striking foliage.

Decorative leaves—real or faux—lend warmth to wreaths and centrepieces. Get creative with your craft projects by making leaf shapes with paper, book pages, or fabric.

Leaf stencils allow you to add autumnal flourishes to picture frames, wall art and decorative signs.

Acorns

Acorns, easy to collect in autumn, are beautiful on display once cleaned.

Fill jars or bowls, embellish pillows with fabric acorns, or make plush versions for extra cosiness.

Crafty people enjoy making acorns, too. Acorn shapes cut from fabric or felt are easy to embellish decorative pillows. And plush acorns are a three-dimensional craft to use throughout Fall.

Tartan and Check

Plaid patterns signal autumn’s warmth. Incorporate plaid throws, pillows, or napkins for instant seasonal charm. Repurpose old flannel shirts for candles or towel decor, and use stencils to add plaid to crafts and furniture.

From tartan pillows and throws to check napkins on your table, there are many ways to add plaid around your home. Crafting with flannel shirts is an inexpensive way to create tartan décor.

School Memories

While not as commonly used in Fall decorating as other elements, the concept of ‘back-to-school‘ is always associated with the fall season. Vintage school supplies, such as old typewriters, globes, and wooden school desks, are a unique way to decorate for the season.

Upcycling ideas for school supplies can be as simple as a vase filled with coloured pencils or a garland made with vintage flash cards.

The start of the school year also coincides with football season. Incorporating elements of football is a unique way to celebrate Fall. Adding these nostalgic pieces (such as school colours and actual footballs) to your decor can be a meaningful way to welcome the fall season.

Thanksgiving Touches

Classic autumn symbols are complemented by Thanksgiving icons such as cornucopias, turkeys, and colourful Indian corn, especially as the season heads toward the holiday.

Sourcing Autumn Decor

There are numerous sources of fall décor, depending on your style and budget.

Home Stores

Perhaps the most common source of fall décor is department and home décor stores or boutiques. They will likely have an impressive selection of trendy fall décor for various styles. 

Craft Stores

Craft stores offer plenty of basic or simple fall decor options towards the end of summer. But they will also provide many Fall decorating supplies, like previously mentioned items. Craft stores are great if you enjoy personalizing your seasonal décor or making some of it yourself.

Thrift Stores

Head to a thrift store or two for a thriftier and possibly less conventional approach to fall décor. While traditional décor options may be on their shelves, the thrift store is where upcycling dreams begin. Scouring the houseware section of a charity shop is a great place to look for items that can be upcycled into autumn decorations.

Books are a great place to start for paper crafts. Picture frames can become a unique and unorthodox wreath on your front door. And there may be something completely unexpected you can upcycle into a pumpkin, apple, or acorn.

The thrift store is also great for looking for ancillary décor pieces, such as figurines that complete your mantel or dining room table centerpiece. 

Nature

The outdoors, including your backyard, is a great place to seek out natural elements evocative of Fall. And if you’re on a budget and have access to natural areas, you’ll be able to find free decorating supplies.

Leaves, branches, acorns, and tall dried grass are perfect for fall décor. You can add them to vases, bowls, and wreaths. Or you can incorporate them into craft projects, such as using branch pieces as stems on a fabric pumpkin.

Recycling Bin

Let’s not overlook the recycling bin, which is often a forgotten source of DIY supplies. Your recyclables might be useful when creating DIY fall décor from jars to cardboard.

There are so many recycling bin items that can be used for crafting. Clear glass bottles are a great item to upcycle into vases for florals and dried stems, such as pampas grass. And they are easy to spray paint in autumn colours to highlight your seasonal décor. 

Thin cardboard, such as cereal boxes, is ideal for creating cardboard leaves or garlands. Deconstructing the box turns it into heavy cardstock where you can trace and cut out leaf shapes for many decorative craft projects.

Making The Most Out of Your Fall Decor

One of the best parts about fall décor is that you can continue to use it or repurpose it for many months. This is beneficial for your bank account and efficient in terms of décor storage during the rest of the year.

Some pieces of Fall décor can be used as Halloween decorations. Artificial pumpkins, in particular, can be temporarily decorated as jack-o-lanterns in October. Wooden signs painted for Fall can be turned over and decorated for Halloween or winter holidays. Decorative signs serve double duty and are an excellent way to stretch resources.

Natural elements, such as acorns and pinecones, can continue to be used during winter. For example, artificial snow can be added to a bowl of pinecones.

Ultimately, there are many ways to celebrate the fall season in your home and on your porch. Much of the décor can be personalized for your preferred style and taste, and you may be able to reuse it for other holidays and seasons, as well.