Finally, fall - the season of pumpkins and plaid!
But not just that - it’s also the season of warmth, richness, layers, and prints.
While we’re first to admit our unwavering love for the color green, we won’t feign disinterest in the most visually arresting period of the year. And neither can 90% of social media.
But the beauty of fall in our homes often hinges on the number of trinkets related to the season, i.e. the pumpkin knickknacks, the scented candles, and the patterned pillows.
When you fixate on this, fall decor becomes overwhelming, especially with the abundance of seasonal products tempting us in stores and online. It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking more is better. But in reality, you can get the same feeling without dipping into your retirement fund.
And you do this by working with cheap fall decor ideas that bring out the same essence.
Stick around and we’ll give you all you need to get your creativity rolling.
4 Easy and Cheap Fall Decor Ideas to Try This Season
So how do you do fall decor on a budget?
It might sound tricky, especially with all those excessively decorated storefronts vying for your attention. But inexpensive fall decor is about resourcefulness and just a few focal-point items.
Here are some actionable, budget-friendly ideas to get you started:
1. Use Nature as Decor
What’s a better way to capture the spirit of a season than by using nature itself as decor?
Since we don’t have all eternity to come up with something better, let’s agree it’s simply the best way to have affordable fall decor. This idea is versatile and gives you plenty of room to adapt it to your style.
Take acorns, for example. A quick trip to the park can leave you with enough to fill bowls or trays for a cozy entryway display. And if you’re feeling crafty, glue them together to make a mini wreath for a more hands-on project.
Alternatively, collect colorful fallen leaves and sturdy twigs to arrange in vases as a centerpiece. For a longer-lasting option, dip the leaves in melted wax to preserve their color and use them as garlands and table accents year after year.
2. DIY a Wreath
If you’re into cheap fall DIY decor, we’ve got a real treat for you!
Personalizing your decor is a one-way ticket to a space you’ll never get tired of looking at. A great way to do that is by crafting your own fall wreath for your front door or a blank wall in your home.
You can do this on a budget using store-bought garlands or our durable faux garlands for $15-$25 per piece. For example, our Lifelike Hanging Ivy Garland is 63” long and interconnectable, making it ideal for a double or triple loop wreath. Green garlands are the perfect base for your wreath because you can customize them however you like.
To get started, bend a wire into the shape you want. Then, take your chosen garland or material, follow the outline, and secure the ends. Once you form the base, adorn it with seasonal accents like berries, pinecones, or even small ceramic pumpkins to finish it off.
3. Upgrade the Use of Pumpkins
Carving pumpkins is about as classic as fall traditions get. But let’s face the music - doing the same thing every year can get a little stale. If you need fall decor on a budget, you can upgrade this tradition and make it part of a more creative decorating scheme.
For example, ditch the usual jack-o’-lantern faces and experiment with designs that break the mold. Try geometric patterns, florals, or anything you haven’t seen before - be the trendsetter in your neighborhood. This hones your creativity, makes for a bonding activity with your loved ones, and even sharpens your artistic skills.
Another approach is to skip carving altogether and do a bit of painting. You can use spray paint, acrylics, or even chalk paint to make your designs. Or, add fabrics, lace, or metallic foil to dress your pumpkins and display them as centerpieces.
Lastly, you can also use your pumpkins as vessels for floral arrangements. Hollow them out, fill them with flowers, leaves, and small plants, and place them at your entryway. Now, everything looks much more curated.
4. Include Scents
The last idea on our list isn’t exactly decor, but it’s an addition you can include even if you’re pinching pennies: scents. Often, no matter how much you decorate, your space can feel a bit flat. And that’s when scents come in clutch.
As we’ve said, it’s not just about how much decor you have; it’s about how you combine it with other elements, including those you can’t see. Scents play a huge role in how we experience our surroundings. So, adding fragrances is a simple yet impactful way to bring your fall decor to life.
There are several ways to introduce scents, such as:
- Candles
- Essential oils
- Room sprays
- Aroma beads
- Reed diffusers
- Scented sticks
As for what to smell, we recommend warm, autumnal scents like pumpkin spice, cinnamon, clove, orange, apple, cedarwood, etc.
How Do You Decorate for Fall on a Budget?
Social media often makes us feel like we need the latest must-have gadget or limited-edition decor item from Target. If we don’t have it, is our decorating even good? Is it on-trend? Will people scoff at what we’ve done?
The truth is - it doesn’t matter what people think. It matters even less what strangers on the internet have to say.
The most important aspect of decorating, for fall or any other season, is focusing on what you like. Fall decor ideas shouldn’t serve as a gateway to overconsumption. Instead, treat those “can’t-live-without” items as a continuous stream of inspiration from which you can pick and choose.
If you follow every fad and overindulge, you’ll likely end up with clutter and unnecessary expenses. Truth be told - you probably won’t use the same items next year and will chase after the new trends, leading to a perpetual cycle that drains your wallet.
Instead of falling down this very, very deep rabbit hole, here are some tips to keep your budget in check:
- Repurpose existing decor from other seasons and use fall accents to enhance it
- Use candles and soft lighting to evoke the feeling of fall without physical decor
- Thrift or swap decor to find affordable fall items and exchange what you don’t need
- Make a list of items you absolutely need before going on a shopping spree
- Wait for post-season sales and use the decor next year for a fraction of the cost
With a shoestring budget, prioritize decor that lasts and can be repurposed. Be mindful of your choices and we promise you’ll enjoy the fall season without dreading your next credit card statement.
Finishing Thoughts
Make resourcefulness a kingpin in your fall decorating. Fall decor doesn’t have to be a race to keep up with trends or a hit to your budget.
When you emphasize cheap fall decor ideas over an endless array of seasonal items, you’ll steer clear of unnecessary spending.
As the days grow shorter, focus on decorating your home in a way that’s authentic to you and brings you joy. Simplicity, creativity, and mindfulness are just as impactful as any store-bought centerpiece - only much, much cheaper.
If you want your monthly dose of inspiration, check out our gallery.