Beautiful & Easy: 19 Autumn Garland Ideas for Home Decor

Make your home feel like fall with 19 cozy autumn garland ideas—simple, budget-friendly decor for every room and style.

Bring the warmth of fall into your home with handmade garlands that celebrate the colors, scents, and textures of the season. From natural elements like leaves and pinecones to cozy fabrics and glowing lights, these garland ideas are budget-friendly and easy to create.

Here are 19 beautiful DIY autumn garlands, each with practical tips, step-by-step instructions, cost estimates, and pros/cons to help you choose the best one for your space.

1. Dried Leaf Garland

Press and preserve autumn leaves in shades of amber, gold, and rust, then string them along twine for a classic seasonal decoration.

Tips: Choose leaves that aren’t brittle to reduce crumbling.
Steps:

1. Collect colorful leaves.
2. Press them flat in heavy books for 5–7 days.
3. Thread them carefully onto twine or tie with mini clips.
   Cost: Free–$5.
   Pros: Natural, traditional, kid-friendly.
   Cons: Leaves are fragile and may not last long.

2. Pinecone and Twine Garland

Rustic pinecones tied with jute twine bring woodland charm to mantels, shelves, or doorways.

Tips: Bake pinecones at low heat to remove sap or insects before using.
Steps:

1. Collect or buy pinecones.
2. Tie securely onto twine at equal intervals.
3. Spray paint for a modern touch if desired.
   Cost: Free–$10.
   Pros: Durable, versatile style.
   Cons: Can look heavy if pinecones are too large.

3. Fabric Scrap Garland

Repurpose leftover fabric by cutting strips and tying them along rope for a cozy, homespun look.

Tips: Stick with autumn shades like mustard, plaid, or earthy tones.
Steps:

1. Cut fabric scraps into even strips.
2. Knot around twine tightly.
3. Push close together for fullness.
   Cost: Free–$10.
   Pros: Eco-friendly, customizable.
   Cons: Fabric may fray over time.

4. Acorn Garland

Symbolic and seasonal, acorns strung together make a simple but meaningful garland.

Tips: Drill gently to prevent cracking.
Steps:

1. Gather acorns.
2. Drill a small hole in each cap.
3. Thread onto string or twine.
   Cost: Free–$8.
   Pros: Natural, symbolic of growth.
   Cons: Time-consuming to prepare acorns.

5. Mini Pumpkin Garland

Tiny pumpkins in soft whites, creams, or oranges strung together create a playful fall touch.

Tips: Use lightweight foam pumpkins to avoid sagging.
Steps:

1. Buy faux mini pumpkins.
2. Poke holes through stems or glue onto twine.
3. Space evenly along the strand.
   Cost: $10–$20.
   Pros: Festive, reusable.
   Cons: Real pumpkins won’t last.

See More | 22 Beautiful Indoor Autumn Garland Ideas for Seasonal Decor

6. Cinnamon Stick Garland

A garland that doubles as seasonal decor and natural air freshener.

Tips: Use kitchen twine for a rustic kitchen-friendly finish.
Steps:

1. Bundle cinnamon sticks with twine.
2. Tie each bundle to a longer rope.
3. Hang in the kitchen or entryway.
   Cost: $8–$15.
   Pros: Smells wonderful, simple design.
   Cons: Sticks can break if tied too tightly.

7. Burlap Ribbon Garland

Rustic burlap strips knotted or woven onto twine bring farmhouse charm indoors or out.

Tips: Use wired burlap ribbon for easier shaping.
Steps:

1. Cut burlap into long strips.
2. Tie or weave along rope.
3. Add bows for accents.
   Cost: $5–$15.
   Pros: Durable, rustic.
   Cons: Limited color options.

8. Eucalyptus Garland

Soft, dried eucalyptus strands offer a subtle, muted green backdrop for autumn styling.

Tips: Mix eucalyptus with berries for contrast.
Steps:

1. Gather dried eucalyptus stems.
2. Tie or glue onto rope.
3. Hang over mantels or mirrors.
   Cost: $10–$25.
   Pros: Elegant, fragrant.
   Cons: Stems may become brittle

9. Apple Slice Garland

Dried apple slices strung together give a rustic, fragrant touch with warm tones of red and gold.

Tips: Soak slices in lemon water before drying to prevent browning.
Steps:

1. Slice apples thinly.
2. Bake at low heat until dry.
3. Thread onto twine.
   Cost: $5–$10.
   Pros: Natural, aromatic.
   Cons: May attract pests if not fully dried.

10. Felt Ball Garland

Soft felt balls in warm tones make a playful and cozy seasonal accent.

Tips: Mix different sizes for texture.
Steps:

1. Buy or make felt balls.
2. Thread them with a needle onto twine.
3. Arrange in a repeating pattern.
   Cost: $10–$20.
   Pros: Durable, colorful.
   Cons: Takes time to string.

11. Corn Husk Garland

Rustic corn husks tied in bunches create a harvest-inspired garland perfect for outdoor use.

Tips: Dry husks completely to prevent mold.
Steps:

1. Cut husks into strips.
2. Bundle and tie onto twine.
3. Hang on fences or porches.
   Cost: Free–$10.
   Pros: Traditional harvest décor.
   Cons: Can be fragile in damp weather.

12. Lighted Leaf Garland

Faux leaves paired with fairy lights glow beautifully in the evenings.

Tips: Choose battery-powered lights for flexibility.
Steps:

1. Attach faux leaves to a light strand.
2. Secure with floral tape or hot glue.
3. Hang across mantels or windows.
   Cost: $15–$30.
   Pros: Warm glow, versatile.
   Cons: Batteries need replacement.

13. Dried Orange Slice Garland

Slices of dried orange add a soft citrus scent and glowing color.

Tips: Bake slowly at low temperature to keep slices vibrant.
Steps:

1. Slice oranges into rounds.
2. Dry completely in the oven.
3. String with twine.
   Cost: $5–$12.
   Pros: Natural, fragrant.
   Cons: Fragile, not long-lasting outdoors.

14. Crochet Leaf Garland

Crocheted leaves in warm yarn colors bring handmade charm to your fall décor.

Tips: Use chunky yarn for a bold look.
Steps:

1. Crochet small leaf shapes.
2. Attach to twine evenly.
3. Hang across shelves or mantels.
   Cost: $5–$15 (yarn only).
   Pros: Cozy, reusable.
   Cons: Requires crochet skill.

15. Herb Garland

Dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage tied in clusters double as décor and kitchen supply.

Tips: Choose herbs that retain fragrance when dried.
Steps:

1. Bundle herbs with twine.
2. Attach to rope or wire.
3. Hang in kitchen or pantry.
   Cost: $8–$15.
   Pros: Fragrant, functional.
   Cons: Herbs may lose scent over time.

16. Paper Leaf Garland

Budget-friendly paper leaves cut in autumn shapes make a simple yet charming garland.

Tips: Use textured or recycled paper for added character.
Steps:

1. Cut leaf shapes from paper.
2. Punch holes or tape to string.
3. Layer in different colors.
   Cost: $2–$8.
   Pros: Kid-friendly craft, very affordable.
   Cons: Not durable in humid areas.

17. Beaded Wooden Garland

Smooth wooden beads strung together add elegance and texture to seasonal décor.

Tips: Paint some beads in fall tones for variety.
Steps:

1. String wooden beads onto twine.
2. Create alternating sizes or colors.
3. Drape over shelves or tables.
   Cost: $10–$20.
   Pros: Minimalist, reusable.
   Cons: Less colorful than other options.

18. Wheat Stalk Garland

Golden wheat bundles tied along twine bring abundance and warmth indoors.

Tips: Spray with clear sealant to minimize shedding.
Steps:

1. Gather wheat stalks.
2. Tie in bunches along cord.
3. Layer for fullness.
   Cost: $8–$20.
   Pros: Natural, symbolic of harvest.
   Cons: Fragile if handled roughly.

19. Mixed Natural Garland

Combine a variety of seasonal elements—leaves, pinecones, herbs, and pumpkins—for a full harvest-inspired garland.

Tips: Stick to a color palette to avoid looking cluttered.
Steps:

1. Choose 3–4 natural elements.
2. Attach to twine in alternating order.
3. Hang where it can be admired up close.
   Cost: $15–$30.
   Pros: Full, eye-catching.
   Cons: Can feel heavy or busy.

FAQs About DIY Autumn Garlands

Q1: What’s the cheapest type of autumn garland to make?
Paper leaf, fabric scrap, and acorn garlands are the most budget-friendly, often costing less than $5.

Q2: How long do natural garlands last?
Dried leaves and herbs last 1–2 weeks, while dried citrus or apples can last 2–3 weeks indoors. Faux garlands last for years.

Q3: Can I use real pumpkins or fruit?
Yes, but they’re best for short-term indoor use, as they may rot or attract pests. Faux versions are better for longevity.

Q4: How can I store garlands for reuse?
Keep them in a dry container, away from sunlight and moisture. Wrap delicate garlands in tissue paper.

Q5: What’s the best garland for outdoors?
Corn husk, burlap, and faux eucalyptus garlands hold up best outside when kept under cover.