25 Easy Budget Friendly Fall Decorations Ideas This Year

Get inspired with easy, budget friendly fall decoration ideas. Create a cozy autumn home with rustic charm, pumpkins & festive seasonal accents.

Fall is the season when your home can feel warm, cozy, and beautiful without spending a fortune. With just a little creativity, you can transform your space into a retreat that smells like cinnamon, feels like apple pie, and glows like golden leaves—all on a budget.

Here are 25 easy and affordable fall decoration ideas you can use this year to bring autumn into your home.

1. Use Pumpkins in Creative Ways

Pumpkins are the crown jewels of fall decorating. Whether you carve, paint, or leave them natural, they instantly bring the harvest spirit into your home.

Tips: Choose a mix of sizes for variety.
Steps: Spray-paint small pumpkins gold, white, or metallic for elegance.
Cost: $2–$10 per pumpkin.
Pros: Versatile, classic, seasonal.
Cons: Real pumpkins don’t last long indoors.

2. DIY Leaf Garland

Bring autumn’s natural beauty indoors with a homemade garland. Colorful leaves strung together make any doorway or mantel feel festive.

Tips: Press leaves between books for flatness.
Steps: String leaves onto twine or ribbon.
Cost: Free if you collect leaves.
Pros: Natural, authentic, free.
Cons: Real leaves may dry and crumble.

3. Mason Jar Candle Holders

Turn simple jars into glowing accents that warm up your evenings. The rustic charm is unbeatable.

Tips: Wrap jars with twine or burlap for texture.
Steps: Drop in tealights, then add acorns or leaves.
Cost: $1–$5 per jar.
Pros: Cheap, cozy, DIY-friendly.
Cons: Glass gets hot—handle with care.

4. Cozy Blanket Baskets

Blankets are not just for warmth—they are decor too. Displaying them in baskets makes your living room instantly more inviting.

Tips: Use fall colors like mustard, rust, and deep red.
Steps: Roll blankets neatly and place in a basket by the couch.
Cost: $10–$20 for thrifted baskets.
Pros: Functional and stylish.
Cons: Takes up space in small rooms.

5. Rustic Wooden Crates

Wooden crates scream farmhouse charm. Stack them or use them as stands for seasonal displays.

Tips: Paint or distress crates for a vintage look.
Steps: Fill with pumpkins, pinecones, or lanterns.
Cost: $5–$15 at thrift stores.
Pros: Rustic, versatile, reusable.
Cons: Bulky for small homes.

6. Pinecones Everywhere

Free, natural, and endlessly versatile, pinecones add instant autumn charm.

Tips: Spray-paint them gold or silver for sparkle.
Steps: Place in bowls, vases, or string into garlands.
Cost: Free if collected outdoors.
Pros: Natural, affordable, adaptable.
Cons: Can be messy if not cleaned.

See More | 20 Easy and Cheap Fall Decor Ideas to Try

7. Fall Scented Candles

Nothing sets the mood like the scent of apple pie or pumpkin spice drifting through your home.

Tips: Dollar stores often carry budget fall scents.
Steps: Light candles during evenings to enhance coziness.
Cost: $1–$5 each.
Pros: Cozy, aromatic, mood-setting.
Cons: Candles burn out quickly.

8. DIY Wreaths

Skip the pricey store versions and craft your own. A wreath says “welcome fall” the moment guests arrive.

Tips: Use wire hoops or even cardboard bases.
Steps: Attach leaves, berries, or fabric scraps.
Cost: $5–$15.
Pros: Customizable, handmade.
Cons: Time-consuming to assemble.

9. Burlap Table Runners

Simple yet chic, burlap adds rustic texture to your dining setup.

Tips: Cut burlap strips to fit your table.
Steps: Place pumpkins and candles on top.
Cost: $5–$10.
Pros: Affordable, reusable.
Cons: Frays easily if not hemmed.

10. Chalkboard Signs

Add playful seasonal messages with a rustic touch. Perfect for kitchens or entryways.

Tips: Repurpose old frames with chalk paint.
Steps: Write fun phrases like “Hello Pumpkin.”
Cost: $5–$15.
Pros: Personal, reusable.
Cons: Chalk can smudge easily.

11. Dried Corn Decor

Indian corn brings harvest flair with its jewel-toned kernels.

Tips: Bundle with twine for a rustic look.
Steps: Hang near entryways or kitchens.
Cost: $5–$10 for bundles.
Pros: Seasonal, long-lasting.
Cons: Attracts pests if stored poorly.

12. Faux Fall Flowers

Bright, budget-friendly, and reusable every year faux flowers are a great swap for fresh ones.

Tips: Mix with wheat or leaves for texture.
Steps: Arrange in jars or wine bottles.
Cost: $1–$3 per stem.
Pros: Vibrant, reusable.
Cons: Can look less natural.

13. Seasonal Throw Pillows

Nothing refreshes a living room faster than cozy pillows in fall tones.

Tips: Buy pillow covers instead of whole pillows.
Steps: Swap out covers in plaid, orange, or mustard.
Cost: $10–$20 per set.
Pros: Affordable, instant update.
Cons: Requires storage after season.

14. Pumpkin Centerpieces

Turn pumpkins into natural vases for flowers and foliage.

Tips: Hollow carefully and line with a jar inside.
Steps: Fill with flowers, wheat, or branches.
Cost: $5–$15.
Pros: Unique, biodegradable.
Cons: Lasts only 1–2 weeks.

15. String Lights with a Twist

Twinkling fairy lights are not just for Christmas—they are perfect for cozy fall evenings too.

Tips: Choose warm white bulbs for softness.
Steps: Drape along mantels, shelves, or jars.
Cost: $10–$20.
Pros: Magical, versatile.
Cons: Needs power source.

16. Apple Decor

Apples bring orchard vibes indoors. They’re simple, fresh, and beautiful.

Tips: Carve apples into tea-light holders for a unique glow.
Steps: Display in bowls or trays.
Cost: $5–$10.
Pros: Edible and decorative.
Cons: Short shelf life.

17. Cozy Porch Seating

Extend fall coziness outside with plaid throws and pumpkins.

Tips: Repurpose blankets and chairs you already have.
Steps: Add a lantern for evening ambiance.
Cost: Minimal if reusing items.
Pros: Inviting, seasonal.
Cons: Weather-dependent.

18. DIY Fabric Pumpkins

Handmade pumpkins add charm without the mess of carving.

Tips: Use fabric scraps or old clothes.
Steps: Wrap fabric around stuffing, tie with twine, add a stick stem.
Cost: Nearly free with scraps.
Pros: Reusable, crafty.
Cons: Takes time to make.

19. Wheat and Grass Arrangements

Tall, golden bundles bring elegance and height to your displays.

Tips: Secure with ribbon for polish.
Steps: Arrange in tall vases on mantels or tables.
Cost: $5–$15.
Pros: Natural, long-lasting.
Cons: Fragile outdoors.

20. Lanterns with Fall Touches

Old lanterns become magical when filled with pumpkins, acorns, or fairy lights.

Tips: Check thrift shops for budget lanterns.
Steps: Add seasonal fillers and place by entryways.
Cost: $10–$20.
Pros: Warm, rustic, reusable.
Cons: Can be bulky for small spaces.

21. Painted Pumpkins

Skip the mess of carving paint instead!

Tips: Try patterns like stripes, plaid, or polka dots.
Steps: Use acrylic paints for bold colors.
Cost: $2–$5 per pumpkin.
Pros: Long-lasting, creative.
Cons: Time-consuming.

22. DIY Fall Signs

Simple signs make big seasonal statements.

Tips: Repurpose wood or cardboard.
Steps: Paint words like “Harvest” or “Gather.”
Cost: $5–$15.
Pros: Personal, budget-friendly.
Cons: Requires crafting time.

23. Tea Towels and Kitchen Swaps

The kitchen deserves fall touches too! Seasonal towels brighten the everyday.

Tips: Look for plaid or pumpkin patterns.
Steps: Pair with a small pumpkin display on the counter.
Cost: $5–$10.
Pros: Easy, low-cost update.
Cons: Subtle impact compared to bigger decor.

24. Thrifted Finds

Some of the best fall treasures hide in secondhand shops.

Tips: Look for baskets, plaid blankets, or rustic frames.
Steps: Mix finds with DIY projects for unique looks.
Cost: $1–$20 depending on item.
Pros: Budget-friendly, unique.
Cons: Requires hunting for good pieces.

25. Nature Walk Decor

Bring the outdoors in with acorns, leaves, and branches from a stroll.

Tips: Clean and dry natural finds before displaying.
Steps: Arrange in bowls, vases, or jars.
Cost: Free.
Pros: Authentic, personal, meaningful.
Cons: Doesn’t last forever indoors.

Final Thoughts

Decorating for fall doesn’t have to cost a fortune. With a mix of DIYs, thrifted finds, and natural touches, you can make your home cozy, warm, and inviting all season long. Sometimes, the simplest decorations—a bowl of apples, a pinecone vase, or a homemade garland—capture the season best.

So light a candle, grab a blanket, and let your home celebrate autumn in style.

FAQs About Budget Fall Decorating

Q1: How can I decorate for fall without spending money?
Use what nature gives you—leaves, pinecones, and branches collected from a walk are free and beautiful.

Q2: What’s the cheapest way to decorate a dining table for fall?
A pumpkin centerpiece or a burlap runner with candles makes a stunning table without breaking the bank.

Q3: Where can I find affordable fall décor items?
Dollar stores, thrift shops, and craft stores are great places for low-cost seasonal finds.

Q4: Can I reuse fall decorations year after year?
Yes—faux flowers, fabric pumpkins, and wreaths are perfect reusable pieces.

Q5: What colors work best for budget-friendly fall décor?
Burnt orange, mustard yellow, deep red, and earthy neutrals create the perfect seasonal palette.