Autumn is a beautiful time of year, with leaves changing color and a crispness in the air. As the seasons change, it’s normal to feel like you want to refresh your home decor. The colors and textures of fall provide the perfect inspiration for giving your space a new look. With some simple updates and autumnal accents, you can easily decorate with autumn’s best elements.
Embrace Autumn Colors
One of the easiest ways to refresh your home for fall is to embrace autumn’s rich colors. Warm hues like red, orange, yellow, and brown can add cozy vibes to any room. Consider adding pillows, throws, candles, flowers, and other accessories in these autumnal shades. You can go bold with bright pumpkin orange and mustard yellow, or opt for more muted terra cotta, cinnamon, and khaki tones.
Don’t be afraid to mix in some autumnal patterns and textures too. Plaid, tweed, knits, and velvet in russet or ochre colors further enhance the fall aesthetic. These colors pair perfectly with autumn flowers like mums, sunflowers, and marigolds. Bring the outdoors inside with natural elements like pine cones, acorns, and maple leaves.
Add Warm Metallics
Metallics are another way to inject autumn’s colors into your home. Copper, bronze, antique gold, and brushed nickel accessories give a living space a cozy, vintage autumn vibe. Try metallic urns, candle holders, trays, lamps, or vases. Or add metallic accents with pillows, throws, or table linens in shimmering amber, copper, pewter, or bronze. Warm metallics feel celebratory and special, ideal for fall entertaining.
Embrace Earthy Neutrals
Don’t overlook earthy neutrals like cream, stone, moss green, slate blue, and warm brown. These gentler, grounded tones complement autumn’s bold hues beautifully. Neutrals create an airy, calming backdrop for pops of russet, orange, and yellow. Use muted earth tones in furniture, rugs, linens, and soft furnishings. Then inject rich fall colors through accent pillows, blankets, flowers, and artwork for contrast. The interplay between earthy neutrals and bold autumnal colors results in spaces that feel quietly elegant.
Transition to Autumn Textures
Beyond coloring, texture is another important decorative element to consider for fall. Think cozy, textured fabrics like velvet, knits, flannel, linen, and tweed. Layer in knit throws, velvet pillows, wool rugs, linen curtains, or nubby upholstered furniture. These tactile textiles evoke autumn’s essence so well.
Natural textures like wood, rattan, clay, and leather also help create autumn ambiance. Try incorporating wooden crates, baskets, bowls, or cutting boards. Or display ceramic pumpkins, vases, and platters. Distressed leather ottomans, chairs, and pillows also bridge rustic and refined. Mixing textures like velvet and linen or rattan and clay makes space feel curated.
Incorporate Faux Fur
For ultimate autumnal coziness, include faux fur throws and pillows. Nothing says fall quite like fuzzy faux fur! Faux fur accessories instantly provide warmth and texture. Drape these fluffy accents on sofas, chairs, and beds in creamy ivories, chocolates, and caramels. Use faux fur rugs as luxe floor coverings too. When combined with cable knits, velvets, and plaids, faux fur adds autumnal hygge.
Add Natural Woven Accents
Incorporate natural woven accents like jute, seagrass, rattan, and wood. These natural materials give off an earthy, rustic vibe perfect for fall. Jute and seagrass rugs provide cozy texture underfoot. Woven baskets or boxes work beautifully for storing blankets, pillows, and other autumnal accents. Rattan furniture and decor instantly enhance autumnal aesthetics with organic texture. Try a set of rattan barstools, a woven pendant light, or a rattan mirror.
Warm Up with Autumnal Layers
Layering is key for fall decorating. Think cozy blankets, light scarves, floor pillows, and area rugs layered throughout your home. Don’t be afraid to pile on layers of throws, pillows, and textures to enhance autumn’s snuggly appeal.
Use furniture like ottomans that can act as tables, extra seating, or foot rests. Layer in trays and decorative objects like books, candles, and mini pumpkins. Create vignettes on console tables, bookshelves, mantels, and side tables with autumn-hued objects. The layered look signifies fall’s sense of abundance and comfort.
Cozy Up with Throws & Blankets
Plush throws in knits, faux fur, and autumnal patterns layered on sofas, chairs, and beds breathe fall. Fold colorfully patterned throws at the end of beds or drape them on couches for pops of fall flair. For Neutral furniture, choose throws in bold fall hues like saffron, pumpkin, olive, and garnet. For patterned sofas or beds, stick with neutral ivories, creams, chocolates, and caramels. A thoughtfully layered throw invites snuggling on chilly autumn days.
Pile on the Pillows
An easy way to fall-ify your home is to pile on cozy patterned pillows. Pillows are inexpensive and easy to switch out seasonally. Opt for autumnal plaids, florals, and geometric prints in russet, mustard, chocolate, and ochre. Faux fur and cable knit pillows also evoke autumn’s comfortable essence. Pile on a myriad of patterned and textured pillows on sofas, armchairs, and beds for fall coziness. You can never have too many!
Add Area Rugs as Foundational Layers
For major seasonal impact, roll out some fresh area rugs in autumnal colors, textures, and patterns. Area rugs become the foundational decor layer that sets the tone for the whole room. Use autumnal hues like spice orange, olive green, and warm camel for bold impact. Neutral jute, seagrass, sisal, wool, and cotton rugs create soft backdrops. Patterned Moroccan trellis, Turkish kilim, or graphic prints turn floors into fall statements.
Refresh with Natural Fall Botanicals
Autumn’s natural bounty provides unlimited options for seasonal decor. Embrace fall with organic found objects like dried leaves, acorns, pinecones, and more. Display autumn greenery like dry grasses, bushes, branches, and wreaths. Fresh or faux flowers like chrysanthemums, dahlias, and hydrangeas also scream fall.
Create DIY autumnal centerpieces and wreaths with found autumn objects. Place a bowl of acorns or pinecones on an entryway table for organic texture. Style a set ofticklegrass in a vase for subtle fall flair. Fill glass terrariums or cloches with small pumpkins and gourds as mini indoor gardens. Showcase autumn’s harvest in creative ways indoors.
Display Fresh Chrysanthemums & More
Fresh flowers are fabulous for instantly refreshing your fall decor. Chrysanthemums, dahlias, and gladiolas last beautifully in autumn. Opt for spiky yellow, russet, garnet, and ochre blooms that align with fall’s color palette. Display fresh florals on console tables, kitchen islands, mantels, and dining tables. Pair blooms with adjacent candle displays, botanicals, and seasonal fruits like pomegranates or mini pumpkins.
If you don’t have the budget for regular fresh flowers, find realistic permanent botanicals. Faux mums, hydrangeas, dahlias, and even dried pampas grass look surprisingly real year after year. Use permanent blooms to create lasting autumnal arrangements.
Create Fall Focal Points
Create special focal points using natural fall elements. Hollow out a large pumpkin or gourd and fill it with pinecones, acorns, leaves, dried moss or flowers. Display this organic cornucopia on an entryway table or use as a statement centerpiece.
Hang a fall wreath on your front door using dried leaves, mini gourds, berries and traditional plaids. Line your mantel or shelves with a garland of autumnal maple leaves. Style an empty wooden bowl with pinecones, chestnuts, and acorns for organic texture. Let nature inspire your fall decor!
Set the Autumn Table
The dining table offers an easy decorating opportunity for autumn. Use place settings, table linens, floral arrangements, and other accents to set the autumnal table. Embrace fall motifs and a seasonal color story of russet, ochre, olive green and mustard.
Create depth with layers of table linens like plaid runners, velvet or linen placemats, and ikat or wood-printed napkins. Choose serveware and dishes that align with the fall color palette and nature theme. Add candles, fresh flowers, and organic elements like leaves or acorns. Design a table that reflects autumn’s spirit.
Use Fall Color & Texture
Think beyond expected pumpkin and leaf motifs when setting the autumn table. Channel the season through color and texture instead. Use weathered wooden boards as rustic table runners. Choose napkins in airy ochre or olive linen. Set a handmade ceramic bowl filled with chestnuts as a centerpiece.
Mix metals like antique silver, pewter, copper, and brass for layered elegance. Accent with glassware, utensils, or mugs featuring fall’s warm metallic tones. Allow colors, palettes, and textures to establish the seasonal motif.
Incorporate Fall Fruits & Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables that are ripe in autumn help create seasonal ambiance. Display ornamental corn, mini pumpkins, gourds, pomegranates, or figs in attractive bowls or baskets. Create a centerpiece featuring autumn’s bounty. Float cranberries, flowerhead kale, or crab apples in a glass vase for organic texture.
Encourage guests to take fall fruits and veggies home as gifts. Provide burlap bags, paper boxes, or other natural containers. This organic decor does double duty at the end of a gathering.
Light the Way for Fall
Lighting sets the mood for any season. To welcome autumn, incorporate lighting fixtures, lamps, and candles that emanate fall’s glow. Darker evenings beg for abundant ambient lighting. Strategically place light fixtures, table lamps, floor lamps, sconces, and candles throughout your home.
Try fixtures with warm filament, Edison bulbs or smart lights with autumnal modes. Dimmer switches allow you to create optimal fall ambiance at any hour. Candles of all shapes and sizes add flattering flickering light. Use illumination to infuse spaces with fall magic.
Flattering Lamp Light
Consider your lighting layers when decorating for autumn. Overhead fixtures tend to cast harsh, sterile light that doesn’t suit fall’s cozy appeal. For more welcoming illumination, add table and floor lamps placed strategically throughout a space.
Opt for lamps with warm orange, amber, or yellow glows. lamps with fabric drum shades also diffuse light beautifully. Place lamps in corners, near seating areas, by beds, and on end tables to create an ambient fall glow. Use smart bulbs to program different seasonal lighting schemes.
Candlelight for Fall
For flickering ambiance, embrace candles in autumnal colors and prints. Group taper candles in earth tone glass holders down the center of the table or on the mantel. Display clusters of pillars and votives on side tables, bookshelves, and windowsills. chose fall-scented candles like apple cinnamon, clove orange, and smokey cedar.
Light the fireplace if you have one. There’s nothing cozier on an autumn night than flickering flames. Add a pop of color with fireplace candles tucked into holders. Candlelight and firelight create an irresistibly welcoming fall ambiance.
Warm Up with Autumn Entertaining
Autumn gatherings are made special with seasonal touches, flavors, and activities. When hosting fall soirees, reference the colors, textures, and decors of the season. Send autumnal invites, like leaf-printed cards sealed with copper wax. Offer cider, hot chocolate, mulled wine, or cocktails featuring fall flavors like maple, pecan, cranberry, and pumpkin.
Set an autumnal tablescape with natural elements, richest seasonal produce, and warm lighting. Greet guests with a hot apple cider bar. Provide cozy throws and seasonal games by the fire pit. Send friends home with pumpkin breads or maple candies. Entertain with autumn’s spirit in mind and heart.
Plan Seasonal Menus
The easiest way to create fall flair for parties is through seasonal food and drink. Tailor menus and beverages to autumn flavors. Serve mulled ciders, pumpkin ales, or maple cocktails. Offer hearty dips, seasonal salads, soups, and stews that feel warming. Desserts like apple pie, pumpkin bread pudding, or pear tarts satisfy autumnal cravings.
Create an interactive autumn cocktail bar. Provide seasonal spirits, liqueurs, juices, and garnishes for DIY drink-crafting. Set out cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, cranberries, and oranges so guests can mull their own cider. Provide take-home cookies, confections, breads, or jam.
Activities that Say Fall
Plan party activities that align with the autumn season. Set out pumpkin carving tools and gourds for guests to make jack-o-lanterns. Create intriguing autumnal crafts like leaf wreath making or DIY bird feeders. Play classic lawn games like cornhole with a fall twist.
Light up the firepit and provide cozy blankets, seasonal treats, and scary tales. For kids’ gatherings, organize apple bobbing, leaf pile jumps, or acorn scavenger hunts. Curate playlists with folksy autumn tunes. Any festivities that suit the fall spirit help immerse guests in the season.
Decorate Outside for Autumn Curb Appeal
Your home’s exterior also deserves some seasonal love when autumn arrives. Use the same color palette, textures, and natural elements to give your home striking curb appeal this fall. Pumpkins, gourds, haybales, and fall foliage say welcome to both trick-or-treaters and party guests.
Paint or stain your home’s front door a warm autumnal hue like red, orange, olive, mustard, or chocolate. Opt for a warm metal finish on exterior accents like house numbers or light fixtures. Add a fall wreath to your door featuring foraged branches, dried foliage, or a plaid bow. Display potted mums flanking your front steps in yellow, amber, and garnet tones.
Pile pumpkins, gourds, and haybales on your front porch, in planters, or along walkways. Decorate with mini bail totes filled with ornamental corn for texture. Line driveways and walkways with hay or straw for a festive fall spirit.
Add Autumnal Style to Small Spaces
You don’t need a massive home to decorate for autumn ambiance. Even small spaces can channel fall’s essence with some creative styling. Use multifunctional furniture like storage ottomans and tray tables that serve as surfaces and storage. Rattan furniture and woven pendant lights keep the space feeling airy.
Focus on fall accent pieces like throw blankets, nature-inspired artwork, and ceramic vases rather than large furniture. Opt for lighter, neutral furniture and linens to keep the room feeling open. Add a big cozy rug for fall texture underfoot. Small spaces just need strategic autumnal accents.
Decorate for Fall in Every Room
While entryways, living rooms, and dining spaces may get the most autumnal attention, don’t forget to incorporate fall flair in every room. Infuse cozy autumnal ambiance into bedrooms, home offices, playrooms, kitchens, and bathrooms.
Bedrooms: Layer on extra throws at the end of beds. Add autumnal accent pillows. Display fresh florals on dressers and nightstands. Burn autumnal candles for cozy evenings.
Home Offices: Use a plaid or fall-hued throw as a rug under your desk. Add metallic copper desk accessories and autumnal art prints. Display branches, dried florals, or gourds for seasonal flair.
Playrooms: Incorporate textured throw pillows, wall art, and lamps featuring fall colors and natural prints. Choose area rugs and storage bins in autumnal hues. Add plush throw blankets for playtime coziness.
Kitchens: Display a wood cutting board, fruit bowl, or vase of flowers on kitchen islands or counters. Use cotton linens and serviettes in ochre, olive green, and russet. Add a warm pendant light above kitchen tables. Decorate with wreaths, mini pumpkins, or gourds.
Bathrooms: Place small gourd and floral displays on vanities. Use autumn-hued candles, towels, and soap dispensers. Hang fall wreaths on the bathroom door for cheery seasonal style.
Shop Secondhand for Authentic Fall Finds
Autumnal ambiance often calls to mind comfort and tradition. Shop secondhand and vintage stores to discover authentic fall furnishings with a lovely lived-in look. Search for:
- Wool blankets, quilts, or pillows in traditional tartan plaids, Native American prints, or muted solids.
- Wicker or rattan baskets for storing blankets, pillows, and firewood.
- Wooden crates to use as side tables or decorative displays.
- Leather armchairs that impart refined, masculine autumnal elegance.
- Oil paintings featuring autumnal landscapes and botanicals.
- Silver serving pieces like trays, bowls, and candlesticks for elegant fall entertaining.
- Ceramic figurines of woodland creatures like foxes, owls, deer, and hedgehogs.
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