Did fall sneak up on anyone else this year? Just me? If you still plan to boost fall decor in your home this season, check out these affordable ideas and sales. Before diving in, I want to share that I try to repurpose items I already have on hand, rather than buying season-specific decor that will spend most of the year in storage. If you need some thrifty inspiration to “shop your home” for fall decor, read on! I’ve updated this post for 2021.
Fall Decor Ideas In This Post
Create a Theme
Bring the Outside In
Throw Blankets and Baskets
Natural Elements
SHOP: Affordable Fall Decor
Create a Fall Decor Theme
Beyond the general idea of “fall,” a theme will help you add a few cohesive elements to your decor. I’m not talking about creepy jack-o’-lanterns on every shelf. Pick a color or pattern (buffalo plaid, anyone?), or perhaps a metal accent that could spice up your living space. Purple is still on trend and I am here for it. These $1 felt pumpkins were in the Target dollar bins and I couldn’t resist!
I like to add a few touches of fall decor along the theme of “texture.” I already have enough color going on that I can’t really do a color theme without making big changes. However, texture is easy to add! It’s perfect for autumn, too, if you love baskets, cozy blankets, dried grasses and leaves… I think you know where this is headed.
Bring the Outside In
Do you have branches or ornamental grass that can be cut for a dry display? Karl Foerster feather reed grass is one of my favorites because it’s perfect for drought-tolerant landscaping and holds up extremely well once it’s dried. How about a tree branch with a few leaves?
Fall 2021 update – I turned this grass into an easy DIY wreath a few weeks ago. Check out the tutorial in this post.
You could also take a “nature walk” and look for pine cones or other interesting seed pods that could be displayed in a glass hurricane or mason jar. I’ve been known to throw a few oak leaves in a glass mason jar with fairy lights. (I highly recommend remote-controlled LED fairy lights for convenience!)
How to Apply Gold Leaf to Glass
Add Throw Blankets and Baskets Galore
As my friend says, my basket game is strong, and she’s not wrong about that! I have quite a collection. Our living room already has year-round fall decor and I wouldn’t change a thing. With our basket wall and a few throw blankets, I can practically smell the hygge in the air. Do you have baskets to display on a shelf or bookcase? How about sticking one on the wall?
How to Hang Baskets with Command Hooks
Can you dig out some throws and drape them on chairs and couches? Done! Even rotating throw pillows and blankets throughout your house can help rooms feel snug and cozy for fall.
Break Out the Natural Element Decor
This is the season for wood, ceramics, leather, metals, and warm natural elements. Not that metal is from nature, but it still fits with the theme. I already mentioned baskets, but can you dig up any rustic wooden pieces? How about cutting boards? Stack them on display or use as the base for a collection of pumpkins or candles.
Do you have pottery or ceramics that can be displayed this season? Maybe a glazed bowl full of apples on the counter or a terracotta planter to hold pens on your desk?
Shop: Affordable Items to Spruce Up Your Home
If you want to buy a few new items for your fall decor, here are affordable picks.
If you can, visit a thrift store to look for baskets and glass vases. Here are a few good baskets, if you prefer to shop online.
Ikea is a great place to find affordable baskets and faux plants, too. I picked up this cute little handled planter last year. I also have this basket and this ceramic planter on rotation throughout the house.
As for plants, the best deal is to clip a few branches from your yard. If you prefer faux or dried, Target has some great-looking options in the Threshold and Magnolia lines. Crate & Barrel’s clearance section often has fun items, but they move quickly. Magnolia also sells nice faux florals, but they are a bit of a splurge. Here are some winners:
Have Fun With Your Fall Decor!
Have a wonderful week, friends! Even if you don’t change a thing, I hope you enjoy spending time in your space this season.
Read More From List in Progress
1 – Tips to Help Fresh Flowers Last Longer
2 – Easy DIY Rope Hanging Shelves Tutorial
3 – My Favorite Affordable Turkish Towels
4 – A “Work in Progress” Home Tour
