How to decorate every room for fall – 25 ideas to help you style up every corner of your home in time for cozy season
Your complete room-by-room guide to creating a warm, inviting home this fall


While it may feel like each summer we're rushing ahead to fall even earlier, there is no doubt that cozy season will soon be upon us. And with that comes the urge to redecorate every room with soft and stylish fall decor that leans into pumpkin spice and all things nice.
As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, our homes naturally become the heart of our seasonal celebrations. So from the moment you step through the front door, you want your fall decor ideas to feel inviting, warm, and layered.
In this one-stop-shop guide to decorating every room for fall, we’ll walk through inspiring ideas for the entryway, living room, kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom –ensuring no corner of your home is left untouched.
Whether you’re aiming for a subtle seasonal refresh or a full-on harvest-inspired transformation, here are 25 easy, affordable, and creative ways to welcome in fall in style.
How to decorate every room for fall
Fall is the season to slow down, nest, and create a home you want to linger in. From outdoor fall decor ideas to wow your loved ones, to beautiful fall color schemes and simple ways to make your home smell like fall, there are plenty of ways to shift your home's mood for the new season ahead.
With advice from top interior designers and easy-to-implement tips, let this be your ultimate guide for decorating every room of your home for fall.
Entryway fall decor
The first room upon entering a home, what better place to start your seasonal decorating than with the entryway? Your entry is an important space for welcoming you and your guests into your home, and there are so many ways to make an entryway cozy with some entryway fall decor ideas.
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So, if you're wondering how to start decorating for fall, it makes total sense to start from the front door and work your way back. Here are a few ideas to get you inspired.
1. Start with a fall wreath on the door
Setting the tone right at the door is an easy yet impactful way to welcome the season. Fall front door decor, like a fall wreath or garland, instantly creates a cozy and inviting display.
Whether you choose something bursting with berries and golden leaves or a more understated green foliage wreath, you can tailor your wreath to your decor indoors or your fall porch ideas.
'Nothing is prettier than the color of fall leaves,' says designer Roger Higgins of R. Higgins Interiors. He suggests that if you're not sure where to start with decorating your entryway for fall, stick to the most classic, warm autumnal hues.
For a truly personal touch, consider adding small, unique elements that reflect your style, like velvet ribbons or seasonal fruits like faux figs or pomegranates. Hanging your wreath with a length of satin or grosgrain ribbon rather than a plastic hook instantly elevates the look.
2. Welcome guests with blooms
Fresh (or high-quality faux) blooms in rich fall tones can instantly set a warm, seasonal tone the moment someone steps inside.
'I have a giant vase in my entryway that’s always filled with flowers, greenery, or blooming branches – because what better way to welcome guests than with a whimsical botanical arrangement?' says designer Kathy Kuo.
'I love the idea of creating an autumnal-inspired arrangement to bring a dreamy seasonal touch to the first room of your home,' Kathy adds. Use maple branches, dried Pampas grass, or a mix of florals in soft red, yellow, and orange hues.'
A simple vase filled with dahlias, dried hydrangeas, marigolds, or bronze leaves positioned on a console table or even a small stool near the door will lift your entire entry.
'When summer blossoms start to fade, we love to make large entry arrangements from oversized branches, mixing in autumnal blooms when available, but bringing in more of that drama and moodiness that the season is all about,' agree designers Austin Carrier and Alex Mutter-Rottmayer of Hommeboys Interiors.
3. Introduce mood lighting
Ambient entryway lighting can make or break the atmosphere of your entryway, and in the fall, it’s all about creating a warm, golden glow as the days get darker. You can achieve this with something as simple as popping a few candles or a lamp on your entryway table.
'The trick with decorating for a specific season is to avoid all the overused cliches,' says Helen Bygraves, cofounder of Hill House Interiors. 'Autumn can be alluded to through more subtle changes in the choice of accessories and smaller design details, without it feeling overwhelming.'
'In an entryway, the console table is an avenue to bring in seasonal pieces, be it autumnal floral arrangements, fall-scented candles, or decorative accents. Keeping to a timeless, neutral color theme ensures each of the pieces chosen complements the rest of your decor and does not look out of place. Falling leaves are an obvious reminder of autumn, and there are beautiful lighting and accessory designs that take on the color, shape, or texture.'
4. Hang a front door curtain
As the temperature drops, a front door curtain can be both a beautiful and practical addition to your entryway.
Not only does it add a layer of softness and style, but it also helps keep your home warmer by blocking draughts. 'Door curtains are a simple solution to the troublesome problem for those with draughty homes come fall,' says Tori Murphy. 'They’re another way to introduce texture and interest to an entrance or doorway and easily shield off things you don't want to see or be seen.'
Select a fabric that complements your fall palette – think deep ochre, warm plaid, or rich charcoal – and opt for tactile materials that feel as good as they look. 'Keep the heat in by choosing naturally insulating merino wool, with a little extra pooling length for the most enveloping result,' Tori advises.
5. Style a cozy vignette
Choose a surface such as a console table, round table, or shelf near the door, and layer it with a few well-chosen pieces that capture the season's aesthetic.
‘The key to decorating for fall is to select a color palette that is inspired by the changing landscapes surrounding the home,’ says Louise Bradley, interior designer and founder of her eponymous firm.
‘We recommend choosing two to three main colors and building your vignette from there, adding complementary accent pieces like candles to add warmth. Also incorporate any personal pieces, such as a favorite coffee table book or unique pieces such as a vase, to create layers and different heights that draw the eye in.’
Decorating with vintage can also be a great way to refresh an entryway for fall, adding plenty of charm and interest without feeling too fall-centric. Opt for a vintage dresser to double as a storage solution or style smaller decorative items such as antique vases.
Shop entryway fall decor
Warm up your entryway to welcome you and your loved ones home with a few seasonal touches like fall foliage and inviting scents.
Living room fall decor
As the days grow shorter and temperatures drop, fall is the perfect time to refresh your living room with some cozy living room ideas to give your space an enveloping new look.
The good news is that transitioning your living room for the new season doesn’t require a complete overhaul. Instead, small touches like adding plush textures, warmer tones, and elevating the space with seasonal accessories will only help to make your home feel more snug and special during the colder winter months.
There are plenty of big – and small – updates you can make to your living room ideas to make the space feel more seasonal. Here are a few of our favorites.
1. Switch up your mantel display
In the living room, the mantel is prime real estate for seasonal styling – it’s often the natural focal point of the space and one of the first places your eye is drawn. One of the simplest and quickest mini-makeovers you can do is to introduce some fall mantel ideas.
'I always like to update the decor vignettes on my living room mantel decor for the changing seasons,' suggests Kathy Kuo. Living room fall decor thrives on layering, so think of textures, patterns, and materials that work together to create visual interest. Foliage is an easy one, as well as swapping out summery, bright-colored candles for more autumnal shades like amber or deep burgundy.
'For fall, that means adding vases made from concrete or natural stone and filling them with sprigs of fall foliage, and also adding some clusters of autumnal scented candles and stacks of vintage books that have a little bit of a haunted aura,' Kathy adds.
Don’t forget about the art or mirror above your mantel, as it can help tie the look together. You might hang a fall-inspired print, drape a garland of autumn leaves, or even frame a piece of fabric in a seasonal plaid or botanical print.
2. Create a soft, layered lighting scheme
Having the right living room lighting is important no matter what time of year, but it is during fall and winter – when the days become shorter and the nights longer – that good, layered lighting dotted around the room can really make a difference in the overall mood and ambiance of the space.
From cozy table lamps placed upon side tables and sideboards to tall floor lamps positioned beside a sofa or lounge chair – not to mention plenty of candles and twinkling string lights – all of these lighting elements can work together as one to make your space feel more cozy, warm, and relaxing.
Aside from installing a living room fireplace, a wood-burning stove or adding more radiators, an array of candles and candle holders will certainly add some visual warmth, too. Group pillar candles on your coffee table, cluster votives on a mantel, or place a few taper candles in brass holders on a sideboard. Mixing heights and shapes creates visual interest while enhancing the overall warmth of the room.
3. Refresh the textiles in your scheme
Textiles are the easiest way to transform a space for the season without committing to major changes. Your living room should feel like a cozy and comforting retreat during the fall and winter, and cocoon you in soft texture and warmth as you escape the harsh, cold weather outdoors.
'Texture and layering are all about creating tactile moments that invite touch,' says Tiffany Leigh, of Tiffany Leigh Design. 'And they help to keep a space from feeling flat or one-dimensional, making them optimal for fall and winter living rooms.'
By having plenty of upholstered furniture and accessories such as chunky, woven knit blankets, rugs, and window treatments, your space will only feel more snug. Opt for fabrics that feel luxurious to the touch, like wool, velvet, bouclé, or cord, which can add both warmth and sophistication to your living room.
A new piece of furniture, like an armchair or couch, can transform the feel of your living room. Choose materials that are not only soft and soothing but also durable enough to withstand all those cozy nights in with the entire family (including the dog).
4. Style up your coffee table with seasonal touches
Preparing your coffee table with a warm, welcoming fall ambiance is an easy fall decorating idea that ensures your living room is ready for hosting success. Even a few subtle updates – a bowl of mini pumpkins, a stack of books, or a sculptural candle holder – can make the room feel more curated.
‘An effective way to update coffee tables, or any space within the home, for a new season is to start with scent – swap citrusy fragrances for deeper, earthy, or even smoky notes,’ says Ali Childs, founder of Studio Alexandra. ‘Sticking with candles, add tall tapers in the tones of the season. Forest greens, rich reds, and mustards can transform a small area instantly.’
‘A nice finishing touch for your coffee table is to add something living to the display,’ says Laura Hammett, founder of Laura Hammett Living. ‘A bouquet of flowers placed in a stunning handblown glass vase can breathe life into your coffee table arrangement. Although it’s hard to maintain fresh flowers all year round, especially during the colder months, beautiful-quality faux florals can be the perfect solution. Select your favorite blooms – from baby hops and snowball, to ranunculi, peonies, or roses.'
5. Mix and match your throw pillows
When choosing cushions for your fall-ready living room sofa, don’t forget to mix and match the selection. Bring in a combination of small and large, skinny and wide, circular and square cushions for a high-end look that’ll provide comfort for each and every guest who comes to visit.
'Autumn is all about hunkering down and preparing for the cooler months to come, layering is key, so be sure to add lots of cushions in varying textures for a cozy feel,' adds Ali Childs.
Layering in lush throw pillows, blankets, and textured accessories is perhaps the quickest and most accessible way to update your sofa’s design scheme for the season. ‘Fall is all about being warm and cozy, so I recommend adding throw pillows and a blanket draped over the couch for an inviting touch,’ says Jennifer Verruto, founder and CEO of Blythe Interiors.
‘By adding throw pillows, you can incorporate warm colors like amber, mustard, mint, or sage green, or even ivory and black, that bring an autumnal color palette to your existing decor. While normally one might hide blankets in storage when not in use, during the chilly months I recommend adding a decorative throw draped over the back of the couch or thrown over the armrest for a cozy touch.’
Shop living room fall decor
From rich colors to cozy textures and soft lighting, there are plenty of chic new fall collections to help spruce up your living room for the new season.
Kitchen fall decor
Kitchens are full of colder surfaces and hard lines, so warming and softening your space with kitchen fall decor makes it much more inviting during the colder months.
In the kitchen, it's all about blending beauty and function. So, while you might not be looking to add the same decor as you would in a bedroom or living room, there are plenty of cozy ways to bring a touch of fall into your kitchen that won't interfere with function.
Whether you introduce the rich colors of fall or add warmth with textiles, these designer-approved ideas will add seasonal style and abundant personality to your kitchen.
1. Roll out a runner rug
A rug is both a practical and decorative way to make a kitchen feel cozy, instantly warming up the space while adding seasonal style. Fall is the perfect time to swap in a runner with rich textures, warm tones, or subtle autumnal patterns.
'Texture can be added with kitchen textiles or a new rug runner in rich, fall hues,' says Liz Potarazu, of LP & Co Design. As well as adding visual appeal to your kitchen, having a kitchen rug in areas that you frequently use will instantly warm up the room and make spending time in it throughout the fall much more enjoyable.
When choosing a runner, think about durability as well as style. Natural fibers like wool or cotton blends can handle traffic, spills, and kitchen activity while still looking inviting. And in addition to aesthetic appeal, a rug helps define zones in the kitchen, which can be a useful styling trick.
2. Add a countertop lamp for coziness
While the summer months are all about embracing brighter evenings, fall requires a different approach to kitchen lighting. As you can't rely so much on daylight later in the day, adding additional lighting is the perfect way to not only introduce a cozy ambiance.
In a kitchen, you might automatically think about pendant lights, or maybe even wall sconces. But in the fall, introducing a kitchen countertop lamp is the perfect way to add a warm glow and focus the light in areas where you need it most. 'Lighting can make a big difference in the mood and ambiance of your kitchen,' says Jacky Chou, principal and director at Archute.
And, because lamps aren't permanent, they are easy to move around your home and swap out throughout the seasons. If you don't have any free outlets, opt for a wireless or portable lamp instead.
3. Bring in some themed linens and tableware
Another easy way to decorate for the season is to switch out your regular kitchen accessories for fall-themed ones. This can include tablecloths, placemats, dish towels, dinnerware, mugs, glassware, and pots in fall colors or patterns.
'Small touches can also make a significant impact. Consider oven mitts, pot holders, and tea towels in autumn-themed prints. Not only are they functional, but they also serve as decorative elements,' says Barbara Stern, editor in chief of Ottoman Textiles.
'Imagine pulling a pie out of the oven with a mitt adorned with golden leaves or drying dishes with a towel featuring pumpkins and acorns. These little textile accents can be strategically placed to catch the eye and evoke the warmth and comfort of the season,' she adds.
Look for plaid or checkered designs that evoke a rustic feel, or pieces with leaf or pumpkin motifs. Alternatively, warm metallic tones such as copper accents on pots pans, and utensils can also complement the fall theme.
4. Arrange a fall display on your island
An easy yet effective way to give your kitchen a fall makeover is by creating a centerpiece display on your kitchen island, table, or kitchen countertop.
It's not just the foliage that can bring in a sense of fall, but the pot or vase you choose should also be carefully considered. 'I make sure to style it with a darker, more rustic vase or container and some additional items nearby, such as an interesting cutting board,' says interior designer Amy Youngblood.
You can tie various fall table decor elements together by using a rustic wooden tray or basket, which you can fill with seasonal touches such as pumpkins, gourds, pinecones, dried flowers, and colorful leaves, as well as candles or a lantern to create ambiance during meals.
Jessica Cinnamon adds that seasonal natural elements like pinecones, acorns, and leaves take a fall display quite a long way: ‘Group and nestle decorative gourds or a few small white or orange pumpkins on top of books. Change up and introduce richer, earthier-toned accessories, dishes, and wooden trays in deeper, richer earthier hues and materials.’
5. Introduce deeper tones with color and wood
While every season has particular color palettes associated with it, none are quite as specific as fall hues. From moody tones to rich, earthy shades, fall colors are an easy yet effective way to decorate your kitchen for the season.
'Fall is all about rich and vibrant hues, such as orange, red, yellow, and brown', says Jacky Chou. Fall embraces richer, moodier, darker hues than spring or summer, which add a balanced blend of coziness and luxury.
Painting cabinets or a wall can be an impactful way to introduce a color into your kitchen – just make sure it coordinates with the existing features in your kitchen, such as the countertops and flooring.
You can also swap decor items for deeper-toned alternatives, like replacing vases with terracotta or amber glass, switching out linens, or wooden cutting boards, bowls, and serving trays to bring a tactile warmth that complements fall’s palette.
Shop kitchen fall decor
Whether you fancy picking up a pot of paint or adding a few subtler changes, kitchen fall decor is where you can have the most fun. Think gourd-shaped serveware and playful new styling additions.
Bedroom fall decor
As we bid farewell to the light and airy summer fabrics, colors, and decor, the beginning of fall welcomes a much richer and layered approach to the decor of our sleep spaces, ensuring a warm and cozy space fit for longer nights and cooler temperatures.
Think moody colors, textured fabrics, and layered bedding – there's much to love about fall decor for the bedroom, and it's the perfect time to get creative to ensure your space is full of interest as we spend more time hunkered down at home.
1. Switch out your bed linen as the temperature drops
When contemplating when to start decorating for fall, the minute you start to feel chilly at night should warrant a bedroom switch over. And rather than completely redecorating your bedroom, you can choose bedding in bold colors and seasonal styles to reinvent your bedroom, fast.
Get creative with the best bed sheets in colors, textures, and patterns of your pillows and blankets, inspired by some fall bedding trends, to make your bedroom cozy.
'Fall calls for a cozy bedroom that welcomes you at the end of the day, and for us, that means layers of different fabrications,’ adds Jo James, co-founder & creative director of Bedfolk.
‘We’ll start with a 100% cotton sheet woven in a sateen blend, which has a naturally warm hand feel, and then add layers of linen via duvet covers and pillowcases (typically associated with summer, but actually perfect year-round as it’s naturally temperature regulating). We will then add even more layers of squishy warmth via a quilt and some quilted pillowcases, creating a cloud of warm comfort to climb into at the end of the day.'
‘Layering also means mixing and matching colors – I like to mix different shades across the bed rather than sticking with one color for everything. This winter, I will be layering up with shades of rust and rose – a new favorite combination.’
2. Set the mood with lighting
Having soft, relaxing bedroom lighting is important any time of the year, but especially in the fall. It’s all about creating pockets of warmth throughout the space.
'Lighting plays a crucial role in setting the mood. As the nights grow longer, adding more light sources can make your bedroom feel cozier. Candles with scents of cinnamon, apple, or pumpkin can add a sense of warmth and comfort while also adding a lovely aroma reminiscent of the season,' advises designer Artem Kropovinsky.
Designer Elizabeth Grace adds, 'Set the mood with soft, warm lighting that evokes the glow of autumn sunsets. Use table lamps, string lights, or candles with scents like cinnamon or vanilla for a cozy ambiance.'
Install dimmer switches to control the brightness of your big light, to create a more relaxing atmosphere for evenings, and use various different lamps and lights to create pools of light. And banish harsh overhead lighting.
3. Dial up the comfort with a deep pile rug
Plush bedroom rug ideas are often a nice choice in the fall since they will make the room look more cozy and inviting while keeping your feet warm.
Elizabeth Grace says, 'Consider adding a stylish area rug with an autumnal motif, tying the entire decor together and adding a touch of visual interest.' Choose a rug in rich, seasonal tones like warm taupes, deep rusts, or jewel-inspired hues that complement your bedding and overall color palette.
You can also layer rugs to tie areas and themes of your room together, especially if you have hardwood floors. Place a larger neutral rug under the bed for stability, then add a smaller, deep-pile rug on top for a plush, inviting effect. It’s both comforting and stylish.
4. Layer in some warming colors
Layering warm colors in a bedroom immediately makes the space feel more intimate and enveloping, and it’s an easy way to update the room without a full renovation.
'Mustard yellow is warm and earthy, so it’s the perfect color for fall,' explains interior designer Nadia Watts. 'It’s comforting and cozy, making it the ideal choice for the bedroom. It’s the perfect pop of color, and it’s incredibly versatile, pairing well with strong colors like navy, teal, and green as well as neutrals.'
Mustard is a good color choice that has longevity beyond fall, too. You can incorporate these tones through bedding, throws, pillows, or artwork.
'Deep, jewel-toned greens project luxury and glamour, which is why they are perfect to use as a deep and calming bedroom color as the seasons turn,' adds Matthew Williamson.
'Picture a bedroom brought to life with rich emerald pillows, lush moss green vases, and hints of jade in the artwork. These green accents can transform a space, adding depth and a touch of nature-inspired elegance. The versatility of green allows it to pair beautifully with a variety of palettes. For a warm and luxurious touch, complement green accents with sumptuous golds and pops of mustard.'
5. Create a cozy corner to retreat into
A small, thoughtfully styled corner can turn your bedroom into a true autumn sanctuary. This could be a reading nook, a window seat, or simply a corner chair layered with blankets and cushions – anywhere you can curl up and relax.
'If you have the space, create a cozy nook in your bedroom. Add a comfortable chair or chaise lounge, a small table for books or a cup of tea, and soft lighting,' recommends Shlomo Cherniak, owner of Cherniak Handyman Services. 'This dedicated space can be a perfect spot to unwind during the fall season.'
Layer textures for maximum comfort: add a chunky knit throw over a chair, a soft rug underfoot, cushions in warm, seasonal colors, and consider switching lightweight curtains for heavier drapes to help insulate your bedroom and block drafts.
Shop bedroom fall decor
You don't need much to transform your bedroom into a cocooning haven, just a few new layers and an emphasis on getting cozy will work wonders for the fall season.
Bathroom fall decor
A bathroom is not often the first place you might think of decorating for a season; however, bathrooms are blank canvases for decorating, meaning that simple swaps and additions can easily transform the space without making any big or permanent changes.
What’s more, seasonal decorating does not discriminate, meaning that seasonal decor can find a home in small bathrooms just as well as in larger family bathrooms and en-suites.
We have spoken to experts to source their tips for decorating a bathroom for fall, so even the smallest of spaces can embrace the changing seasons
1. Choose towels and linens in fall hues
Perhaps one of the more obvious and simplest bathroom tweaks, but adding towels and linens that correlate with seasonal colors is an easy and affordable way to smarten up your space.
‘To refresh your bathroom for the colder months, consider incorporating new towels and linens in an array of comforting textures and colors. A waffle towel is a perfect choice for winter and adds a luxurious touch too,’ suggests Jenna Choate-James and Mariana Ugarte, co-founders of Interior Fox.
You could introduce a pop of rich, moody color to a neutral bathroom or take a leaf out of Oho Interiors' book above and color-drench with matching towels to your walls.
‘Adding a fall-toned hand towel is an easy way to bring seasonality into a bathroom. Swap your neutral hand towel for something that's in a deeper, more saturated colorway,’ adds Audrey Scheck, founder & CEO of Audrey Scheck Design.
2. Mix up the scheme for a permanently cozy look
Rethinking bathroom color ideas? If you are looking for a bigger bathroom update, renovating your space and adding new bathroom tile ideas or bathroom paints will curate a fall appeal all year round for those who cannot get enough of the season.
‘I am a huge fan of warm colors in a bathroom and fall could be the perfect time to make this update,’ suggests Steve Corcoran, decorating consultancy manager at House of Hackney.
‘Typically, people choose cooler, fresher tones in a bathroom; however, going for a warmer hue makes for a much more inviting and decadent space. Earthy pinks and oranges can be used on the tiles, paint, and even wallpaper to create a cozy scheme.'
‘Decorating a bathroom with floral wallpaper in natural colors is a great way to incorporate an autumnal feel into a bathroom, without being too overt,’ suggests Louise Wicksteed, design director at Sims Hilditch. ‘Subtle designs will give a nod to fall while also looking great year-round.’
3. Speak to the senses for relaxation
While decor is usually considered a visual addition, introducing warming scents with new soap or candles will help to update your bathroom vanity ideas and upgrade your bathroom for fall by appealing to the senses.
Engaging multiple senses creates a truly relaxing environment, which is especially important as the days get darker and S.A.D. sets in. Introduce scented candles, essential oil diffusers, or bath salts in autumn-inspired fragrances like cinnamon, clove, cedarwood, or pumpkin spice to evoke the season.
‘Updating your hand soap to one with a spicy scent is another quick way to make a bathroom feel more festive,’ Audrey Scheck explains.
Pair these fall scents with tactile elements too, such as plush towels, a soft bath mat, or an upholstered stool, and the bathroom becomes a multi-sensory retreat.
4. Layer the space with lighting
Layered lighting makes a bathroom feel luxurious and intimate, perfect for fall evenings. It allows you to adjust the mood while highlighting key features of the room.
Consider pairing soft, warm-toned overhead lights with wall sconces near mirrors and subtle accent lighting around shelves or under cabinets for task lighting. And choosing warmer bulbs and dimmable fixtures allows for flexibility, bright enough for morning routines but soft and calming in the evening.
5. Add tactile textures with a rug or shower curtain
Introducing textures is a simple way to make your bathroom feel cozy and autumn-ready. A plush, thick bath mat or a soft bathroom rug can immediately warm up cold floors, while a textured or patterned shower curtain adds visual interest and depth.
‘For fall, rich, warm tones work beautifully – think deep oranges, burnt siennas, and forest greens,’ adds Ashley. ‘Pair these with neutrals like cream, taupe, or charcoal to ground the look. Metallic accents in bronze or gold can add a sophisticated touch without overwhelming the color palette. It’s all about creating a cozy, inviting atmosphere that reflects the richness of the season.’
Adding fabrics in warm fall colors can enhance the autumnal scheme, but be changed out seasonally, so come summertime, you could swap in a jute rug or an airy linen curtain, for example.
Shop bathroom fall decor
While redecorating your bathroom for the fall might feel silly, it is actually the most important room to create an ambiance for ultimate space come winter with soft touches and scent.
How do you start decorating for fall?
Early fall is the most lovely time of year, before the weather really changes and there's still a hint of warmth in the air, and the days are yet to get shorter. It's the best time to start switching out your decor too, giving it a cozier, more welcoming feel but how should you start bringing fall into your home?
Designers advise starting with a few subtle changes to your floral arrangements. 'Lean into nature' is designer Bethany Adams' suggestion for how to start decorating for fall. 'A foraged branch of fall foliage with some lit tapers will send a subtler message than a sign emblazoned with "Happy Fall Y'all!" but it will be the same message: fall is here, and I'm excited about it.'
‘An easy way to begin transitioning to a fall aesthetic is through florals and foliage’, agrees Eleanor Trepte of Dekay & Tate. ‘Think about changing the flowers on your kitchen countertops or dining table centerpieces. This is an easy and very natural way to bring some of that outside crispness in.'
Then, move on to your soft furnishings.
'When looking for items to start decorating for fall, look within your home before running out to buy new things,’ says Judy Pickett of Design Lines Signature. ‘Start with items that have warm tones and cozy textures – could you perhaps swap out easy items like pillows, throws, and bedding? We always recommend keeping the seasonal changes subtle so as not to shake up your overall interior design too drastically!’
'One way to start decorating for fall is by redoing your throw pillow covers with a new color palette. If you have lighter tones, try swapping all of them out with a richer palette of fabrics. I'm currently showing a space with navy pillow covers that immediately make the room feel layered and warmer for the upcoming season,' agrees interior designer, Brooke Spreckman, founder of Design Hutch.
How do you make your home look more expensive with fall decor?
Beautifully curated interiors that reflect nature’s colors and bounty to make a home warm and welcoming can appear to have been achieved as if expense hasn’t been spared, without that actually being the case.
For a chic take on fall decor, consider using accents of color. ‘Instead of the bright red and orange, opt for a neutral palette with selective small pops of color and subtle textures – this allows your fall decor to easily blend in with your existing pieces, making your space feel more cohesive and thoughtfully curated,’ says Jennifer Verruto, founder and CEO of Blythe Interiors.
‘For example, ditch a bright orange vase for a simple gold one instead. Something neutral, yet festive like gold, can easily transition to the following season’s decor. For fall, throw in some gorgeous, dried florals and then swap them out for something more wintery, like holly leaves, when the time arrives. This will make your decor feel more sophisticated.’
‘Fall denotes a particular coziness, and lighting is an easy way to nail it,’ adds Dan Mazzarini, principal and creative director of BHDM Design and ARCHIVE by Dan Mazzarini.
‘It’s all about finding that sweet spot where functionality meets aesthetics – light dimmers work wonders,’ he advises. ‘With a simple adjustment, you can create a warm mood or set the stage for a cozy movie night. Our suggestions: Lutron Credenza plug-in dimmer from Amazon and soft white dimmable light bulbs.’
How do you decorate for fall in a modern way?
Modern fall decor does not necessarily have to embrace a theme; it can be as simple as styling your space with a beautiful new table lamp or cozy candle. Switching up your home for the seasons is all about creating a sense of freshness – and it can be as minimalist or as maximalist as you like.
'One creative modern fall decorating idea where you can showcase a beautiful seasonal bouquet is to hollow out a pumpkin, fill it with water, and place fall flowers and foliage inside,' says flower expert and florist, Igor Podyablonskiy at My Flowers
'Sunflowers look particularly great against the contrasting orange base. Alternatively, if you have a mantelpiece, why not create a cascading bouquet that includes branches, dried leaves, and fresh orange flowers for your fall mantel decor?'
How do you decorate tastefully for fall?
For tasteful fall decor, create a scheme that has more subtle and sophisticated references to the season, rather than obvious and over-the-top.
From small curated displays of elegant ornaments, flowers, and candles, to embracing more modern color palettes that reflect your interior style, tasteful fall decor should create an enhanced feeling of warmth and coziness, and make the inside of your home feel more inviting and special for the season.
Rather than dressing every room in your home with pumpkins, garlands, pinecones and bright yellow, orange and brown accents, (although, who are we to stop you if this is the style you're gravitating towards) think about more unique and creative ways you can celebrate the changing of the seasons, and embrace colors and decorations that coordinate with your own sense of style.
For some similar inspiration, we explore subtle Halloween decorating ideas in our dedicated feature.

Charlotte is the style and trends editor at Homes and Gardens and has been with the team since Christmas 2023. Following a 5 year career in Fashion, she has worked at many women's glossy magazines including Grazia, Stylist, and Hello!, and as Interiors Editor for British heritage department store Liberty. Her role at H&G fuses her love of style with her passion for interior design, and she is currently undergoing her second home renovation - you can follow her journey over on @olbyhome
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