Hey there, decor enthusiast! Is your home still screaming “summer vibes” while your soul is craving all things pumpkin spice? I feel you.
Who has the time (or budget) for a full-on seasonal overhaul? Definitely not me. That’s why I’ve rounded up my all-time favorite, stupidly simple DIY Fall decor ideas that will have your place feeling cozy and autumnal in, like, literal minutes.
Let’s get your home ready for the best season of the year, no fancy skills required.
1. The “Did You Even Try?” Cozy Blanket Ladder
Lean a simple wooden ladder in the corner of your living room. Drape it with a few chunky knit throws and a faux fur blanket. Instant cozy factor, achieved. It adds texture and warmth without any permanent changes.
Why it works:
- It’s a vertical decor piece, so it saves precious floor space.
- It’s functional art—your guests can actually grab a blanket.
- You can easily change the look by swapping out the throws for different colors and textures.
- It works in any corner that feels a little empty and sad.
Pro Tip: Hit up your local thrift store for unique blankets. I found a gorgeous cable-knit one for $5 last Fall!
2. The “More is More” Pumpkin Parade
Forget the basic orange gourd arrangement. Grab a bunch of pumpkins and gourds in different sizes, colors, and textures. Pile them into a large dough bowl, a rustic crate, or even just directly onto your dining table.
How to nail the look:
- Mix white, green, and classic orange pumpkins for visual interest.
- Incorporate different materials like ceramic, real, and felt pumpkins.
- Add in some dried corn or wheat stalks for extra texture.
Personal take: IMO, a haphazard, overflowing pile looks way more chic and intentional than a perfect, symmetrical arrangement. Embrace the chaos!
3. The 2-Minute Cinnamon Broom
Grab one of those adorable (and amazing-smelling) cinnamon brooms from the grocery store. Instead of using it for its intended purpose, tie a pretty ribbon around the handle and lean it against your fireplace or in a empty vase.
Why it’s a must-try:
- It fills your entire main living area with the scent of Fall.
- It looks rustic and charming with almost zero effort.
- It costs, like, three dollars. You can’t beat that.
- The ribbon color can be changed to match any holiday that follows.
4. The “Fancy & Free” Framed Foliage
Take a walk outside and grab a few beautifully shaped leaves. Press them inside a heavy book for a couple of hours. Then, simply place them inside a picture frame (no glue needed!) against a neutral background.
How to make it:
- Look for leaves that are still somewhat supple, not crunchy.
- A contrasting background, like a white mat, makes the leaf pop.
- Use a deep-set shadow box frame for a more 3D effect.
Pro move: Don’t have a frame? Tape a large, beautiful leaf directly to the wall. It’s surprisingly artistic and very minimalist.
5. The Lazy Person’s Garland
String together some felt balls, wooden beads, or even dried orange slices onto a long piece of jute twine. Drape it over your mantel, across a window, or along a shelf. It’s an instant hit of color and texture.
Design ideas:
- Use a pre-made garland and just add your own elements to it.
- A mix of cream, taupe, and rust-colored balls feels very modern Fall.
- Dried orange slices paired with bay leaves smell incredible.
- This is a perfect project to do while binge-watching your favorite show.
Downside: This one might take a whole 15 minutes instead of 5. I know, the struggle is real.
6. The Book Stack Upgrade
We all have books hanging around. Grab a stack of 3-5 with neutral-colored spines. Place them on your coffee table or shelf, and top them with a small votive candle, a tiny pumpkin, or a cool piece of sea glass.
Why it works:
- It adds height and dimension to any flat surface.
- It reuses what you already own (sustainability for the win!).
- The neutral spines keep things looking cohesive and calm.
- It’s the easiest way to look like you have your life together.
Personal fave: I use old hardcovers I found at a garage sale and just turn the spines inward for a clean, all-pages look.
7. The “Why Didn’t I Think of That?” Candle Switch
Swap out your everyday candles for ones in autumnal scents and colors. Place a few cinnamon-spice or apple-scented votives in a group on a tray. Light them in the evening for instant ambiance.
How to style it:
- Group candles of varying heights together for visual interest.
- Use a mirrored tray to double the flickering light.
- Place a single statement candle in a gorgeous amber jar on your bathroom counter.
- Seriously, just light them. The glow is everything.
FYI: Battery-operated LEDs are a super safe option if you have pets or kids who might turn your Fall decor into a fire hazard.
8. The Textural Throw Pillow Toss
The fastest trick in the book? Change your pillow covers. Ditch the light linens and cottons and bring in the velvets, knits, and faux leathers in deep burgundy, mustard yellow, and olive green.
Why it’s a must-try:
- It physically changes the comfort level of your couch.
- It’s a zero-commitment way to experiment with color.
- Textured pillows just beg to be touched and hugged.
- Store the summer ones in a vacuum bag—they take up no space.
Pro Tip: You don’t need to buy all new pillows! Just buy the covers. They’re cheaper and way easier to store off-season.
9. The “Gourmet” Stovetop Potpourri
Fill a small saucepan with water. Add orange slices, a couple of cinnamon sticks, a few cloves, and a dash of vanilla extract. Let it simmer on low on your stove. Your house will smell like you’ve been baking all day, even if you’ve just been ordering takeout.
Why it works:
- It’s 100% natural and free of weird chemicals.
- It humidifies your dry Fall air.
- You can keep adding water throughout the day.
- It’s basically a Pinterest cliché for a reason—because it works!
Personal take: I do this every time we have guests coming over. It’s the ultimate “welcome to my cozy home” trick.
10. The Rustic Tiered Tray Makeover
If you have a tiered tray, this is your moment. If you don’t, any serving tray will do. Clear off the summer bits and layer in mini pumpkins, a tiny cup of acorns, a seasonal mug, and a short candle.
How to style it:
- Use the rule of three: group items in odd numbers.
- Play with height: something tall, something medium, something short.
- Incorporate different materials: wood, ceramic, metal, and natural elements.
- Step back and look—if something feels off, just move it.
Pro move: This is the perfect place to use all those little trinkets and pieces that are too small to stand on their own.
11. The Front Door Upgrade (That’s Not a Wreath)
Hang a seasonal bouquet on your door. Grab a pre-made one from the farmer’s market or craft store and tie it with a thick ribbon to your door knocker or a command hook. It’s a fresh take on traditional Fall wreaths.
Why Front Door Upgrade:
- It’s often quicker and cheaper than a full wreath.
- It feels more modern and less expected.
- You can change it out every month if you want to.
- It makes your neighbors think you’re wildly creative.
Story time: I used a bundle of dried wheat and eucalyptus last year and got so many questions about where I bought my “expensive” wreath. My secret? The craft store clearance bin.
12. The “Moody” Vignette
Create a small, intentional scene on a bookshelf or console table. Place a small piece of art (or even just a book with a beautiful Fall-themed cover open) and layer a small object in front of it, like a vase with a single branch.
How to create a vignette:
- Start with a base, like a stack of books or a small tray.
- Add your anchor piece—the art or the book.
- Layer in a smaller object in front of it.
- Finish with something organic, like a leaf or a sprig of berries.
FYI: This is interior designer speak for “a little grouping of pretty stuff,” but now you can sound like a pro.
13. The Sweater Weather Basket
Take a nice-looking woven basket—you know you have one—and fill it with your favorite cozy essentials. Think rolled-up blankets, a beanie, some wooly socks, and a good book. Place it next to your favorite chair.
Why it’s a must-try:
- It contains the cozy clutter that would otherwise end up on your couch.
- It’s stylish, functional, and encourages actual relaxation.
- It signals that your home is a place to get comfortable and stay awhile.
- You’re literally decorating with things you already use.
Personal fave: This is my go-to for making my living room look instantly pulled together when company is on their way over. Just shove the couch blankets in a basket. Voilà!
14. The Simple Switch Plate
This is the tiniest change with a surprisingly big impact. Swap out your standard plastic light switch plates for ones made of wood, brushed bronze, or even ceramic. It’s a five-minute upgrade that adds a custom, finished feel.
How to make it work:
- Choose a finish that complements your existing doorknobs and hardware.
- This is a great project for one switch that’s highly visible, like in the entryway.
- It requires a screwdriver and five minutes. That’s it.
- It’s the kind of detail people notice subconsciously.
Pro Tip: Take the old switch plate with you to the hardware store to ensure you get the right size and screw alignment. Easy peasy.
Final Thoughts
See? I told you it didn’t have to be complicated. Transforming your space for the season is all about those small, impactful touches that you can pull off faster than you can drink a pumpkin spice latte.
Don’t overthink it! The best Fall decor feels collected and personal, not like it all came from one overwhelming shopping trip.
My biggest piece of advice? Just start with one idea that made you think, “Hey, I could do that.” Maybe it’s simmering some potpourri or tossing a new pillow on the couch.
Once you get that first hit of autumnal bliss, you’ll probably be itching to try another. I’d love to hear which project you tackle first. Let me know in the comments.
