5 unexpected places in the home to decorate for fall – surround yourself with that cozy fall feeling

If you want your home to feel extra special this fall season, ensure to enhance these 5 unexpected places with beautiful and thoughtful decoration

unexpected places in the home to decorate for fall
(Image credit: Natalia Miyar | Anthropologie | Future)

Our five unexpected places in the home to decorate for fall will elevate your space with a little bit of extra fall magic. 

The most popular areas of the home to embrace fall decor ideas are usually the front door and porch, the entryway, and the living room. Although these spaces benefit beautifully from plenty of decoration, we're here to show you just how creative you can be with modern fall decor, fall trends, and more, in less obvious areas of the home.

From using fall-scented candles in a bathroom to enriching your home office with layers of comforting texture and warmth, embracing elegant seasonal decor throughout your home will only make your space feel more special and cozy for the season.

5 unexpected places in the home you should consider decorating for fall

As fall decor becomes bigger, better, and more creative each year, learn how to take a fall scheme to stylish new heights (and locations) with our five unexpected places in the home to decorate for fall.

1. Kitchens

Fall tablescape

(Image credit: Pottery Barn)

As one of the most practical and functional areas of the home, kitchens can easily be neglected when it comes to decoration. However, many of us spend a great deal of time in our kitchens, whether that be for cooking, relaxing, or entertaining, so it pays to uplift this busy hub of the home with stylish seasonal decor. 

From a beautiful seasonal tablescape for fall table decor ideas to refreshing everyday items such as plates and dish towels with fun new seasonal designs, there are many ways you can bring fall decor into your kitchen. 

Other ideas include creating a cozy fall coffee nook with autumnal-themed mugs and delicious seasonal syrups and decorating countertops and shelving with ornaments and vases of fall flowers and foliage.

Shop some of our favorite products below and explore our kitchen fall decor ideas for further inspiration.

2. Bathrooms

Cozy, boho bathroom with sink, mirror and wallpaper

(Image credit: Anthropologie)

Similar to kitchens, bathrooms can often be forgotten when it comes to seasonal decoration. Of course, a bathroom may not be your first priority when it comes to fall decor, but there are so many easy ways you can make slight tweaks to the space to make it feel more seasonal. 

From swapping out towels, bath mats and rugs to designs that embrace uplifting fall color schemes, to styling countertops and shelving with candles and vases of fall flowers, these simple yet thoughtful changes will only help to make your bathroom feel more inviting, soft and cozy.

'If you have multiple bathrooms in your home, rather than decorating them all for fall (of course, you can if you wish) choose the one that you use the most or that will be appreciate. For example, if you're planning on doing lots of hosting and entertaining over fall season, then bring seasonal decor into your downstairs powder room – it will be sure to impress your guests,' says Homes & Gardens' section editor, Millie Hurst.

millie hurst news writer
Millie Hurst

Millie Hurst is Section Editor at Homes & Gardens, overseeing the Solved section, which provides readers with practical advice for their homes. Millie has written about and tried out countless cleaning and DIY hacks in the six years since she became a journalist, and has worked in both London and New York. 

3. Home offices and study spaces

Cozy home office

(Image credit: Natalia Miyar)

'Even if you're the only one who sees it, decorating your home office for fall can set a truly comforting and cozy tone. 

Place a small tabletop pumpkin or gourd as a paperweight, or add a scented candle with a fall fragrance like cinnamon or apple spice. A soft, warm-colored throw blanket draped over your chair can also make your workspace feel warmer and cozier,' says interior designer, Floss Kelly.

Floss Kelly
Floss Kelly

Brand Director and Co-Founder of online store TileCloud; Floss has extensive experience in the home renovations and interior industry; using her background in design and ceramics to bring the TileCloud business to life. 

4. Balconies and backyards

Small balcony with a chair, wall lighting and rug

(Image credit: Future)

Fall front door and fall porch ideas are often at the center of fall decor, with these areas uplifted with pumpkin decorations, fall wreaths, lights, and more – but that doesn't mean these are the only outside areas that should be decorated.

'Whether you live in an apartment with a balcony, or have a beautiful view into your backyard from the kitchen window above your kitchen sink, cater your outdoor fall decor specifically to your space, and decorate areas that will be enjoyed and appreciated by you,' says Homes & Gardens' digital editor, Jennifer Ebert.

From string lights, lanterns, and cozy outdoor rugs on a balcony, to decorating with pumpkins and fall planters in your backyard, shop some of our favorite outdoor fall decor below.

Jennifer Ebert
Jennifer Ebert

Jen is the Editor (Digital) of Homes & Gardens online. Before starting this position, she had completed various interior design courses at KLC Design School, as well as working across Ideal Home, LivingEtc, 25 Beautiful Homes and Country Homes & Interiors as an interiors writer.

5. Staircases

pine cone Christmas garland

(Image credit: Styling Katrin Cargill / photographs Adrian Biscoe)

And finally, if you have a staircase in your home – celebrate it with plenty of beautiful fall decor.

'You can utilize the available space on the steps or the walls nearby to add decorative LED lights or string lights. These will create a warm and inviting ambiance as you ascend or descend the staircase. Or, consider intertwining faux autumn leaves or garlands with lights on your staircase railings for a cozy touch,' advises interior designer, Floss Kelly. 

For a unique fall craft idea, why not get creative and make your own garland for your staircase? Shop the craft supplies below to create a similar look to that pictured above.

FAQs

How can I make my house cozy in the fall?

As we spend more and more time inside of our homes during fall and winter, making our spaces feel more cozy, inviting and warm is of utmost importance. 

You can never go wrong with styling your space with the best candles. Many candles can not only help your house smell like fall, but they provide a warming, intimate glow and can also act as stylish decorations – what's not to love? As well as candles, ensure you have plenty of cozy table lamps scattered around your home – no one wants to sit back, relax, and get cozy with the big light on.

Add pillows and throw blankets to your living room seating and across your bed, too. These additions can help your home feel layered with plenty of tactile texture. 

If you have wooden or stone flooring in your home, you can also bring in one of the best rugs for the fall and winter seasons, adding a cozy layer of warmth and comfort underfoot.

We explore more ideas in our dedicated feature, how to make a home cozy for fall.


Other unexpected places in the home to decorate for fall include transitional areas such as landings, and empty corners of a room. 

From lanterns placed on the floor in a cozy nook in a living room, to garlands, such as this pretty pumpkin design from Terrain, that bring beautiful decoration to corridor spaces, the possibilities really are endless when it comes to decorating ideas for fall.

Zara Stacey
Managing Editor

Zara is the Managing Editor at Homes & Gardens. She joined the brand in February 2022 as an Interiors Content Editor, specializing in writing content on interior color trends, decorating ideas and design inspiration. After studying English Literature at University, she worked as an Ecommerce Website Editor, Content Writer and Buying Intern at multiple independent businesses within the luxury retail and lifestyle sectors. She enjoys nothing more than discovering new trends, brands and products, whether that be in fashion, interior design or lifestyle.