Maybe you’re the type that had a PSL in hand on September 1st. Or maybe you’re like me, still clinging to an aperol spritz telling anyone who’ll listen, “Um, it’s technically summer until September 23rd, thankyouverymuch.” Whichever camp you’re in though, I think we can all agree on one thing. There’s no better home decor than fall home decor.
As the leaves eventually change and the temps drop, there’s nothing more comforting that transitioning your abode into a den of coziness. But rather than solely leaning into clichéd motifs (“Falling for Fall” throw pillows, we’re looking at you), we’d like to take the opportunity to elegantly fuse autumnal elements with more forward-thinking design.
Related: 25+ family Halloween costume ideas
According to Elizabeth DeCecco, founder of interior styling firm Corduroy + Pine Interiors, when it comes to decorating for fall, “I’ll typically not add anything with writing on it so that it leaves something to the imagination and doesn’t scream “ITS FALL!”
What to do instead? Here are some of the easiest ways to lean into the season and bring that golden light, rich color palette, and cozy vibe into your home.
Bring the foliage colors in–sparingly.
You know the drill. Autumn is all about those warm tones–rich burgundies, deep oranges, and muted golds. However a little goes a long way. Instead of saturating your space with these ubiquitous hues, opt for statement pieces that provide that autumnal touch. DeCecco suggests swapping accents like throw blankets and pillows in a variety of textures. Velvet, flannels, and even knits offer both visual interest and a whole lot of comfort.
Related: These are the best places to see fall foliage across the US
Get creative with your pumpkins
And no, we don’t mean attempting some wildly intricate carving that never turns out even remotely as you planned. Instead, reimagine this unofficial emblem of fall. Trade the OG orange motif for more monochromatic varieties, especially in whites or muted greens, to bring a fresh and unexpected twist. Pepper them in with other seasonal accents for a minimalist but still festive look.
Breathe in fall
Ambiance isn’t merely visual. It’s also influenced by fragrance. (There’s a reason chic hotel lobbies often have a signature scent!) Swap out your home diffusers and candles with traditional pumpkin and cinnamon forward blends or opt for richer, understated profiles like cedarwood, vanilla, or leather. The moody, smoky florals of the Cinderose Boy Smells candle feel just right for a dark and crisp fall evening.
Bring the light in
Speaking of candles, as daylight becomes a precious commodity, lighting takes center stage. (Oh, hey there sunset at 4pm, didn’t miss you!) Mix different lights to keep rooms bright and inviting. Some lights for the whole room, some for reading or work, and a few to highlight special spots. We love hurricane lanterns with flameless candles inside for an ambient look that’s safer with kids around.
In the end, autumn is more than just a time for pumpkins and leaves. It’s a chance to refresh our homes, mixing the warm feelings of the season with modern style. With the right choices, your space can feel both cozy and fresh, ready to welcome the days ahead.
To get started, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite fall home decor pieces to help you make the transition in style.
Fall pillows and throw blankets
Homfiner
• $21.99
Faux Leather Throw Pillow Covers Set of 2
These 18×18 faux leather pillow covers get high ratings for their quality and aesthetic. They’re also fur-resistant and wipeable which protects them from getting destroyed by kids and fur babies alike.
Dokot
• $16.99
Knit Decorative Throw Pillow Cover
Sure, rich burgundies and oranges are go-to fall colors, but cream offers a crisp alternative. Add in some cable knit texture and it’s a no brainer. This 18×18 pillow cover would look fetching on the couch, but if light colors and your kids aren’t a match made in heaven, toss it on your bed instead!
La Jolie Muse
• $21
Knitted Decorative Pillow Cover
Mix up your knits and add a pop of color with this sunny sweater pillow cover. It’s machine washable and most importantly, according to one reviewer looks like it “cost 5x the price.” We’ll take two.
Jeanerlor
• $15
18"x18" Solid Cotton Linen Decoration Throw Pillow Case-Set of 2
When it’s inevitable that your throw pillows are going to constantly be hurled from the couch to build forts (or hurled on if we’re really keeping it real), budget-friendly, washable options are the only way to go. These highly-rated linen covers check both of those boxes and come in a wide range of autumnal hues.
Adyrescia
• $59.99
Chunky Knit Blanket Throw
This chunky hand knit beauty is light and soft, and perfect for snuggling. Fold it at the edge of your bed to add some warmth and texture or use it on the couch for your Halloween movie binges!
Good Manors Living
• $16.99
Buffalo Plaid Throw Blanket
Buffalo plaid is a great way to get in on the fall prints without the traditional “cabin in the woods” look. Toss this affordable throw on the couch or drape it over your shoulders as you stand on the porch, coffee in hand, wondering when that pile of leaves will dispose of itself.
EMME
• $49.99
100% Muslin Cotton Throw Blanket
If you’ve ever looked at your swaddled babe and thought, “I wish I could be that relaxed”, I’ve got news for you. There’s absolutely no reason you can’t wrap yourself if that same kind of comfort. How? With a muslin throw blanket. It’s the ticket to luxurious lounging as a full grown adult. And not only is this one a total steal, it also gets softer each time you wash it.
Cozy Bliss
• $45.99
Luxury Soft Faux Fur Throw Blanket
This supremely fuzzy number takes the coze factor up to 11. With a minky-like fabric on one side and a fluffy wide-ribbed fabric on the other, you might need to buy one for each member of the house. You know, to keep bickering to a minimum.
Longhui
• $36.99
Chunky Cable Knit Throw Blanket
A knit throw in a warm orange or earthy green gives an instant seasonal upgrade to the living room or bedroom. These cable knit blankets are made from 100% cotton that’s thick and soft, perfect for keeping you warm without getting overheated. Opt for a throw size, or upgrade to the oversize version for a sweet family movie night.
Pendleton
• $149
Yakima Camp Wool Throw Blanket
Yes, it’s pricey, but a Pendelton wool blanket is more than just the epitome of fall coziness–it’s a family heirloom in the making. The iconic brand was founded in 1863 and has been making some of the most high quality wool products ever since. We’ve still got my husband’s grandmother’s Pendelton blanket at the foot of our bed as soon as the nights get chilly!
Frelish Decor
• $67.99
Round Pouf Ottoman
How can we not love a hand knit pouf? It’s a side table, a foot stool and extra seating all in one! Opt for an autumn hue to make it fun or tone it down with a seasonless neutral.
Fall home accessories
Kate Aspen
• $19.31
Vintage Ribbed Amber Glass Tealight & Votive Candle Holders–Set of 6
Whether perched on a mantle or part of a tablescape, these amber tealight holders bring warmth and ambiance.
NEST Fragrances
• $54.99
Reed Diffuser in Pumpkin Chai
Yes, we realize it’s a little on the nose (pun intended), but fall decorating has to involve a bit of pumpkin-inspired aromatherapy. And while we love a good candle, reed diffusers offer all the scent without the stress. (Kids and fire, you know?) Nest is one of our top picks year round but this time of year it’s Pumpkin Chai all the way. The scent isn’t too overpowering and the clean glass vessel goes with any decorating style.
LampLust
• $39.99
Taper Candlestick Holders
Still, nothing creates a mood quite like taper candles. (And as a bonus, they don’t compete with other scents you’ve got going on!) And candlestick holders? They’re a great accessory to swap out with the seasons to keep your decor fresh. Right now we’re loving this Scandinavian-inspired pair which are sleek, modern and sturdy.
Serene Spaces Living
• $48
Gold Decorative Hurricane Lantern Candle Holder
Similarly, hurricane lantern style candle holders offer a warm and cozy vibe. They’re beautiful on their own but look especially sophisticated in a group of various sizes and shapes. Pro-tip: Opt for battery operated flameless candles to make them safer and mess-free.
Lvydec
• $15.99
Fall Maple Garland 2-Pack
Draped across the mantle or wound along the bannister, this maple leaf garland brings the outdoors in (but leaves the bugs out).
VGIA
• $12.99
Artificial Eucalyptus Stems
Add a pop of color to your entryway or dining table with vase full of faux eucalyptus stems. They’re maintenance-free and if stored properly can last year after year!
Humnibo
• $37.99
Boho Flowers Orange Pampas Grass
If you’re going for a more bohemian aesthetic, we love the varied colors and textures of these pampas grass bouquets.
Domyniksea
• $15.99
Modern White Vase
Speaking of vases, might we suggest this one? Its minimalist and modern doesn’t scream “autumn,” but that’s kind of the point. Let the insides do the talking.
Rumi Décor
• $32.99
Modern Ceramic Vases
Of course, if you just can’t help yourself, you can always opt for this Halloween-inspired trio. Display them together and everyone will ask when you became such a savvy design influencer.
Godinger
• $18.99
Leaf Tray Centerpiece
Fall decor, but make it chic. This gilded leaf tray looks gorg displayed solo or as a perch for coffee table accoutrements. (But don’t leave it by the door or it’s guaranteed to have rocks, candy wrappers and someone’s keys in it before sundown.)
Your Heart's Content
• $39.99
Small Velvet Pumpkins Set of 4
Of course it wouldn’t be fall without pumpkins. And while the OGs are fine and all, we love the idea of something a little fancier for a change. These gorgeous velvet minis, which are handmade in Wisconsin, give a chic look to any mantle or tablescape. Plus you can reuse them as Thanksgiving place settings!
BESTTOYHOME
• $12.99
White Artificial Pumpkins 12-Pieces
Another option are these realistic white pumpkins. And before you’re all, “Oh, that’s some sad beige business…” I’ll defend my position by saying white pumpkins are a real thing. I live in Vermont. Trust me.
Leevan
• $35.99
Washable Runner Rug
Another simple fall decor update is to swap your runner rugs for something in a rich seasonal tone. We love this one for its boho-chic aesthetic and added pop of texture.
Outdoor fall decor
Quera
• $15.99
Fall Door Mat
We also can appreciate this option which offers a bit of color and whimsy. It’s great for indoors as well!
Earthall
• $29.99
Halloween Door Mat
Another one of Dececco’s tips is to layer a buffalo plaid rug under your more utilitarian door mat. It gives a subtle fall vibe that pairs perfectly with some baskets full of mums and a classic collection of pumpkins!
Ynylchmx
• $23.99
Fall Wreath
Simple and elegant, a fall foliage-esque wreath is the perfect way to dress up your front door for the season.
