Fall Decorating: 12 Ideas and Tips for Fall Decor at Home

Aim to transition out your summer decor sometime between late August and late September, but the perfect time to start decorating for fall is ultimately up to you. Labor Day can serve as an arbitrary deadline to make the shift, considering its unofficial reputation as the last day of summer. It makes sense to transition to Christmas decor after the Thanksgiving holiday.

To create a fall-ready atmosphere, populate your living room with plenty of autumnal home decor items. Here are just five types of decorations to consider:

1. 1. Candles: The day grows darker earlier during the fall, making it a good time to incorporate candles into your decor. Consider using scented types—like pumpkin spice or evergreen—that fit the season. Candlesticks and candle holders should follow a fall color scheme if possible.
2. 2. Decorative gourds: The color palette of gourds permeates the entirety of the fall season. Leave some mini pumpkins by your front porch entryway past Halloween or switch out your jack-o’-lanterns for tasteful white pumpkins. Also, consider using decorative gourds as interior decor. Place artificial or real butternut squash or other gourds around the entirety of your house.
3. 3. Floral arrangements: Target the muted hues of fall flowers like chrysanthemums (or mums), hydrangeas, magnolias, and sunflowers. Rusty yellows and oranges might be especially desirable, as they mimic the look of fall leaves. You can also include other fall foliage like acorns and pinecones in your arrangements. Consider hanging a fall wreath on the front door.
4. 4. Throw blankets: Heavy, warm blankets make all the difference in both decor and comfort for the cooler autumn months. Muted plaid patterned or solid rusty color blankets can work well with a fall color scheme.
5. 5. Throw pillows: Cozy and cushiony throw pillows fit just as well in your living room as they do in your bedroom throughout the entire duration of autumn. Follow an autumnal color palette in your selections and consider getting or making knit pillows for an old-fashioned, rustic touch.

Create an autumnal ambiance in your dining room, on your kitchen bar, or in another common area. Here are four simple fall decor items for your kitchen or coffee table:

1. 1. Centerpiece: For Thanksgiving, you might have a turkey at the center of your tablescape, but for the rest of autumn you can consider alternative fall centerpieces. Decorative gourds or fall flowers in a vase are both excellent candidates.
2. 2. Glassware: Before you pour your first glass of autumn apple cider, think about getting glassware that fits the season. Seek out glasses colored in the style of fall and keep your eyes peeled for cups with autumn patterns painted on them. Consider setting glassware aside completely and swapping in earthen, wooden cups for a homespun touch.
3. 3. Plates: Think about getting plates that fit the fall season. Off-white plates might match the overall darker decor of your house better than their bright white alternatives. Sample whether you prefer patterned plates or something simpler.
4. 4. Tablecloths: You’ll need fitting table linens for the season. Cover your dining table for Thanksgiving with the sort of cloth that would fit right in with the fall foliage itself. Make sure your napkins complement whatever you decide to place on your tabletop.

Decorating for the fall season can be fun and simple. Here are three tips to make the process as smooth as possible:

1. 1. Adapt for each fall holiday. Balance broad seasonal decor with interchangeable holiday decor. For instance, spooky Halloween decorations and jack-o’-lanterns will look out of place by November but painted pumpkins and other decorative gourds won’t. Foreground your decorations that fit the entire season but leave room for Halloween and Thanksgiving additions that you can rotate in for each holiday.
2. 2. Get crafty. There are plenty of DIY projects for making your own autumnal decor. Use twine and scavenged leaves to make your own wreath. Paint old plates with fall patterns and imagery. Check for blankets and pillows that already match the season’s color palette and put them on greater display once September rolls around.
3. 3. Use a fall color scheme. Autumn’s color palette encompasses everything from burnt orange and yellow to dark and light burlap browns. In general, eschew the greenery and other bright colors that typify spring and summer. Do your best to match the look of crisp autumn leaves with all your decorations.

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