Decorate for fall on a budget
As summer comes to a close and fall begins, it’s time to start planning visits to pumpkin patches and apple orchards and preparing your wardrobe and home for cool, crisp mornings. Fall decorations for the home add to the fun by getting everyone in the spirit for Halloween and Thanksgiving.
When it comes to decorating your home for fall, there are many options, and it’s hard to decide where you should spend your time and money. Whether you choose a haunted Halloween theme or a simple autumn one, here are the best ways to decorate on a budget.
Fall décor ideas
Outdoor décor
When it’s October, it’s fun to spook your guests with some frightening inflatables or welcome them with a friendly ghost. Another fun fall activity is carving pumpkins and displaying your handiwork, or wishing everyone a happy fall with a customized burlap garden flag.
Twinkle lights
A more cost-effective item, twinkle lights run a couple of dollars a box. Find some orange twinkle lights or just switch out the bulbs for a quick and budget-friendly Halloween décor idea. If you can’t use twinkle lights outside, consider a lighted pumpkin window decoration.
Linens
Switch out your kitchen towels with some seasonal ones to extend the fall theme to your kitchen. An autumn-toned tablecloth really makes a table pop, along with some placemats and napkin rings.
Candles
Candles are another budget-friendly way to decorate for fall and make your home smell amazing. Light a candle, snuggle up under a blanket and read a book or watch your favorite TV show. If you’re sensitive to scents or don’t want to burn candles, get a flameless candle and some beautiful leaf candle holders.
Porch signs
Don’t forget to decorate the front porch. Let your guests know you’re ready for the season before they even step across the threshold. Porch signs are a great way to express the spirit of the season.
Wreaths
The larger or more intricate the wreath, the more expensive it can become. Grab an inexpensive wreath and add to it, or DIY the whole process and stick to your budget when it comes to buying dried flowers, wheat stalks, etc. Use a glue gun or some permanent adhesive to make sure the pieces stay in place.
Centerpieces
Whether decorating a table or mantel, a centerpiece is a great opportunity for a bold statement piece. Pick something that doesn’t overwhelm the space but is also full and lush. Scatter artificial fall leaves around for
Pumpkins, gourds, pinecones and autumn leaves
Pumpkins and gourds, real or fake, are simple design choices that add abundant fall inspiration to your space. You can choose to paint them, create a centerpiece with them or just display them as-is on the mantle or a shelf. Artificial autumn leaves and pinecones can also add a festive touch to any fall display.
Doormat
If you don’t have any outside space to decorate or you just want something simple, a doormat is a great way to get in the fall spirit without spending a lot of money or effort. Pick a fall message or something spooky for your trick-or-treaters. You could also personalize the mat with your names or a holiday message for your guests.
Cheap fall décor cost
You should be able to get smaller individual décor items for under $20. Doormats, wreaths, tablecloths and some signs are in the $20-$40 range. You shouldn’t have to spend more than $40 on a single item to achieve an amazing fall style.
Fall décor essentials
Best of the best
OurWarm Interchangeable Seasonal Welcome Sign: available at Amazon
Our take: Not just perfect for fall, this wooden welcome sign with 16 interchangeable accessories gives you the option to celebrate every season and holiday.
What we like: Instead of buying something you can only use during certain periods of the year, you can use this welcome sign 365 days a year, as the “o” in home changes to any one of 16 different seasonal or holiday-inspired decals. It also includes a hook, a rope for hanging and four cushions to place on the back so that the wind won’t cause it to bang against the door.
What we dislike: You may want to use your own adhesive and hook, as some have complained it’s not strong enough.
Best bang for your buck
Miulee Corduroy Throw Pillow Covers: available at Amazon
Our take: It’s not easy to get a deal this good: A set of two soft fall-colored pillow covers for under $11.
What we like: Incredibly extensive selection of sizes and colors available, each in very soft corduroy fabric with a hidden zipper. Anyone would love to nap on these comfortable, easy to put on and machine-washable covers.
What we dislike: Be gentle with the zipper, as some have had difficulty.
Best door mat
Calloway Mills Fall Leaves Coir Door Mat: available at Bed Bath & Beyond
Our take: This chic orange doormat with bright autumn leaves will put you in the autumn mood.
What we like: This simple yet elegant doormat is made with coir, which rids your shoes of dirt and grime with a few wipes and won’t move around due to its skid-resistant backing. It’s fade-resistant and can be used indoors and outdoors. The mat is easy to clean; you can just hose it off.
What we dislike: Coir mats can shed over time due to exposure, so it may only last a few years.
Best budget wreath
FUTUREPLUSX Autumn Harvest Maple Leaf Wreath: available at Amazon
Our take: This stunning 11-inch fall wreath in bold autumn colors with a little bell is a perfect way to honor the season.
What we like: This easy to hang fall floral wreath is absolutely gorgeous and will make a welcome addition to any front door. Crafted with pumpkins, fall-colored leaves and harvest wheat, you won’t be disappointed and your guests will be impressed.
What we dislike: It’s fairly small compared to other wreaths.
Best for small spaces
S-Union Artificial Fall Lighted Maple Tree: available at Amazon
Our take: Bring the changing of the leaves indoors with this desktop-sized miniature maple tree with beautiful twinkle lights.
What we like: Perfect for any home, but especially great for smaller homes, this battery-operated maple tree has adjustable leaves and branches. Energy-efficient LED bulbs ensure that the lights won’t get warm like incandescent bulbs. The tree is suited for a desktop, mantle or even a shelf.
What we dislike: The lights are extremely bright.
Stefanie Hammond is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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