Get your home ready for fall with these 5 quick and budget-friendly home decor updates. Simple, seasonal refresh ideas that won’t break the bank!
Budget-Friendly Fall Decorating
With fall just around the corner, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all the seasonal decor ideas swirling around on Pinterest, Instagram, and every home store display.
But here’s the good news: You don’t need to completely overhaul your home to give it a cozy, autumn-ready vibe.
Sometimes, small, simple updates can make the biggest impact—without requiring a huge budget or loads of time.
If you’re like me, juggling a busy life while trying to keep your home looking fresh and festive, these 5 quick home decor updates will help you get your space ready for fall in no time.
Each idea is budget-friendly, easy to implement, and perfect for giving your home that cozy fall atmosphere we all crave this time of year.
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5 Easy Fall Decor Ideas
1. Swap Out Pillows and Throws
One of the easiest and most impactful ways to refresh your home for fall is by updating your pillows and throws.
The switch from summer’s bright colors and lightweight fabrics to warm, cozy textures instantly transforms the feel of a room.
How to Make the Swap
- Choose Cozy Fabrics: Opt for pillows and throws in chunky knits, faux fur, velvet, or wool blends. These textures will add warmth and comfort to your space.
- Fall-Inspired Colors: Swap out lighter, summer shades for rich fall tones like burnt orange, mustard yellow, deep burgundy, or forest green. These colors evoke the earthy, cozy vibe of autumn.
- Mix and Match: Don’t be afraid to layer different patterns and textures. Plaids, buffalo checks, or even leaf motifs paired with neutral solids can create a balanced, cozy look.
Shop Fall Pillow Covers
Related: The Best Fall Throw Pillow Covers
Quick Tip: No need to buy new pillows—just invest in a few pillow covers that fit your existing inserts. This way, you can easily switch them out each season without taking up extra storage space.
2. Incorporate Natural Elements
Fall is all about celebrating nature—think harvest themes, changing leaves, and crisp air.
By bringing in natural elements, you can create a seasonal atmosphere that feels grounded and serene.
Simple Ways to Add Natural Decor
- Use Fall Florals: Swap your summer flowers for seasonal fall blooms like sunflowers, mums, or branches of eucalyptus. Dried wheat and pampas grass are also great for adding texture.
- Add Wooden Accents: Incorporate wood through decorative bowls, trays, or candlesticks. These pieces add a rustic, organic feel that complements autumn’s natural beauty.
- Fill Vases with Branches or Pinecones: Simple, budget-friendly fillers like faux or real branches, acorns, and pinecones instantly give your space that fall feel. Bonus—they last all season!
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Read: How to Make an Easy Fall Floral Arrangement
Quick Tip: Take a nature walk with your kids to collect pinecones, acorns, and fallen leaves. Display them in a glass vase or bowl for an instant, free fall centerpiece.
3. Swap Your Scents
Don’t underestimate the power of scent when it comes to seasonal decor.
As the air cools and we start cozying up inside, the right scent can make your home feel instantly inviting.
Fall Scents to Try
- Candles: Swap out summery citrus or floral candles for scents like cinnamon, pumpkin spice, vanilla, and cedarwood.
- Essential Oils: If you prefer diffusing essential oils, blend fall-inspired scents like clove, orange, cinnamon, or sandalwood to create a warm, spicy aroma.
- Simmer Pots: For an all-natural, DIY option, try simmering cinnamon sticks, orange slices, and cloves in a pot of water on the stove. Your home will smell like a fall festival in no time!
Read: How to Make a Cozy Fall Simmer Pot
Favorite Fall Candles
Quick Tip: Place candles or oil diffusers in key spots—entryways, living rooms, and kitchens—so guests are welcomed by the cozy scent of fall as soon as they enter your home.
4. Layer Your Rugs
Nothing says cozy quite like a layered rug look, and it’s one of the quickest ways to transition your home into fall.
Not only does it add warmth and texture, but it also gives your space a designer, thoughtfully-curated feel.
How to Layer Rugs Like a Pro
- Start with a Neutral Base: If you already have a larger, neutral rug (like jute or sisal), you’re halfway there. This acts as a perfect base for layering.
- Add a Seasonal Accent Rug: Look for smaller, seasonal rugs that feature fall colors or patterns like plaid, leaves, or geometric designs. Place it on top of your base rug to add depth and warmth to the room.
- Mix Textures: Don’t be afraid to mix textures when layering. For example, layer a plush, faux fur rug on top of a flat-woven one for added coziness.
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Quick Tip: If you’re layering rugs under a coffee table or dining table, make sure the top rug isn’t too thick to avoid making the surface uneven.
5. Update Your Entryway with Fall Touches
Your entryway is the first space guests see, and it’s a prime spot for giving your home a quick seasonal refresh.
A few simple fall accents can make your entryway feel welcoming and festive in no time.
Fall Entryway Updates
- Add a Fall Wreath: Swap out your summer wreath for a fall one featuring leaves, berries, or wheat. A DIY wreath with faux pumpkins or gourds can be a fun project and add a personal touch.
- Layer Doormats: Try layering a patterned outdoor rug underneath your doormat for a cozy, layered look. Choose a fall-inspired pattern like plaid or buffalo check to amp up the seasonal feel.
- Switch to a Cozy Runner: Replace your entryway rug with a fall-inspired runner in warm hues or a textured weave. This small swap can make a big difference in creating a seasonal vibe.
Shop Entryway Favorites
Get Inspired: Fall Mudroom and Entryway
Quick Tip: Add a basket by the door filled with cozy throw blankets or an umbrella stand with a fall-themed umbrella to make your entryway both functional and stylish.
Final Thoughts: Fall Refresh, Simplified
As the cooler months approach, preparing your home for fall doesn’t have to be stressful or expensive.
With these five quick and budget-friendly decor updates, you can welcome the season with open arms and a beautifully refreshed space.
Focus on simple swaps like pillows and throws, incorporate natural elements, layer in some cozy textures, and finish it off with fall scents to bring that warm, inviting feeling into your home.
The best part? These changes are easy to implement and can work for any size home or budget.
So, let’s embrace the cozy vibes of fall and get decorating—without the overwhelm!
