Simple + Cozy Fall Decorating Ideas

Now is the perfect time to cozy up your home with some fall-inspired home decor! Maybe you’re all about pumpkin everything (raising my hand) or maybe you just love those warm autumn hues. Either way, these simple and stylish fall decorating ideas will help you bring that cozy, seasonal vibe to your home. Let’s dive into the best ways to give your space a fall refresh!

Embrace the Colors of Fall

I think one of the most important things to consider when you want to add some fall vibes to your home is how you want to incorporate color. When most people think of fall, they immediately go to oranges and reds. And yes, of course, those are the most traditional fall colors. But, you can (and should) think outside the box, too!

Colors like browns, dark blues, deep greens, and brass are also all great colors to incorporate for fall. This is really easy in my house because most of what I decorate with is warm fall colors! You can easily incorporate some fall colors by swapping out artwork, bringing in throw blankets with beautiful earthy tones, and using fall foliage throughout your house.

Bring in Cozy Textures

I preach this every year, but texture is one of the most important things to consider when you’re making your home all cozy for fall! Thick, knitted blankets, wood tones, and woven textures make such a difference in how cozy your home feels.

Here are a few ways I like to bring fall textures in, to give you some inspiration:

Woven baskets
Thick-knitted throw pillows
Brass frames
Velvet cushions
Faux fur throws
Chunky knit blankets
Cut branches from outside

You get the idea! Anything that feels lush and cozy will instantly make your home feel more like fall. When you’re shopping, look for brass, wicker, wood, plaid, and burlap for a cozy and rustic vibe.

Oh, and don’t neglect thinking about natural fall elements. Bringing in some acorns, cinnamon sticks, pumpkins, and branches with fall leaves can also really amp up the cozy fall feelings.

a fireplace mantel with a small mushroom decor piece and two candles

A living room with a chunky knit throw blanket thrown over the couch

Create a Fall-Focused Centerpiece

Don’t neglect those tables! Taking the time to style the surfaces in your home like the dining room and coffee tables can really go a long way and add some charm. I like to make a few small changes (using the tips above to add some fall colors and textures) to make every little vignette in my home feel a little more like fall.

You don’t have to get overly cheesy with it or add pumpkins everywhere. Just a few subtle changes like a new vase with fall colors, a planter with some fresh mums, or a beautiful fall-inspired garland will make a difference. Remember that you can stick to your regular home style, keep it minimal, and still create a home that feels like fall.

Set the Mood With Fall-Inspired Lighting & Scents

This goes right along with texture as one of the most important tips to creating a fall vibe! The lighting and scents in your home have a major impact on how things feel, and you can really communicate a lot with them.

Lighting

Mood lighting is your best friend here. Add in a table lamp or two, light some candles, and maybe even try a dimmable bulb to help create a relaxed atmosphere. Warm and cozy lighting can really increase the fall-like ambiance in your home, and it also makes things feel nice and cozy year-round!

I don’t do much to actually change the lighting in my home this time of year, but I do tend to use those lamps and candles a lot more. I love something like a candle lamp that does double duty with a cozy glow and a delicious fall scent.

Fall Scents

I have my candle warming lamp going pretty much 24/7 during the fall season because there’s nothing I love more than the smell of fall. But, I also love swapping out the Pura scents in my home for some fall smells that add some warmth to the house. Heck, I even start reaching for more fall-scented cleaners and hand soaps! Scent is powerful, and even if this is the only change you make in your home, I promise it’ll feel more like fall.

Also, remember that fall scents don’t just have to mean cinnamon, apple, and pumpkin spice. There are so many different scents out there that convey the feeling of fall without being too intense. Spend some time in the candle aisle sniffing around, and I promise you’ll find something you love.

Kitchen decorated for fall with fall stems and a fall scented candle

DIY Fall Decorating Ideas

Ok, so we’ve talked about all of the tips and tricks for bringing fall into your home in a subtle way. Now, let’s get into some actual projects and crafts, shall we?

Looking for some fall decorating ideas you can buy rather than DIY? Just click here!

Here are a few of my favorite fall projects that are simple but will really make your home feel like it’s ready for the season.

This DIY fall wreath for the front door is so customizable and perfect for those of us who aren’t super crafty.
Here’s a look at my favorite Thanksgiving centerpiece formula. Rinse and repeat this all season long!
Years ago, I made the cutest little scrap wood pumpkins. They’re a little on the rustic side for my style today, but I stand by this as a fantastic (and adorable) project.
You can paint cheap dollar store pumpkins to make them look so elevated. I love them all over a mantel.
This paper bag fall leaf garland is one of the easiest projects ever but man, it makes an impact!

I’ve also got a roundup of my favorite faux fall stems, and you can see a peek at how I decorated for fall last year right here. Oh, and if you’re more concerned about the front porch, here’s a roundup of some of my favorite fall porch decor!

entry with red faux maple leaves for fall

living room coffee table with fall inspired touches

Oh, and one more thing! If you’re more interested in Halloween crafts and ideas than you are in general fall decorating ideas, I’ve got you covered. Click here to see all of my Halloween ideas – they’re perfect as we wrap up September and inch towards October!