When should you start decorating for fall? Tips and tricks for changing your home for the change in season

Summer may still be in its final weeks, but so many of us feel a shift at this time of year. We can help looking forward to cozier days, crisper weather and all those lovely traditions that come with fall.

Okay, so officially fall starts on 22nd September, but that's not to say you have to wait till then to start making some small switches to your home decor. But how do you know when to start decorating for fall?

Do you start when your favorite brand launches its fall decor? Or when the weather starts to change? Or is it more a feeling you get? We explore some of the best times to start decorating for fall, plus get some designer tips on how to start making some decor changes.

When is the best time to start decorating for fall?

'For me, personally, I can't start until the weather turns crisp, which in Louisville, Kentucky isn't until October,' says designer Bethany Adams. 'In my native New England, though, we'd be bobbing for apples before Labor Day. In short, do whatever makes you happy, whether your pumpkin spice is hot or on ice.'

Agreed. There's really is no set time to start decorating for fall, but we have explored a few key factors that may help you find the perfect moment to embrace fall decor in all its glory.

1. Wait for the cooler weather to settle in

One of the best times to start decorating for fall is when the weather begins to cool down for longer periods.

After the intense heat of summer, cooler weather is often the first herald of the fall season and can help to make fall decor, such as living room fall decor, feel all the more cozy and inviting.

'Late September may still be warm in many parts of the country but with October on the horizon, it’s not too early to start embracing fall as the weather starts to change,' suggests designer Jennifer Walters. 'You don’t have to pull out the skeletons just yet, but subtle changes like a wreath on the door and even the scent of your regular candles can fill the home with autumnal spirit.'

As the weather shifts, you may also want to look for changes in the leaves. The beautiful red and orange tones of autumnal leaves are a great signifier that fall is approaching – and the warm colors provide beautiful inspiration for decorating ideas in the home as well as for activities such as fall craft ideas and fall wreath ideas.

Cooler weather also allows for the lighting of fireplaces and wood stoves, making fall mantel decor ideas more appealing.

2. Start the season on October first

Despite fall officially starting with the fall equinox on September 22nd, October first marks the beginning of the so-called ‘spooky' season.

October is the perfect time to begin adding fall decor or Halloween decorating ideas to your home in preparation for the holiday. From decorating with pumpkins, to ensuring you have plenty of the best candles dotted around you home, Halloween decor and fall decor will always go hand in hand.

3. Decorate at the same time as your neighbors

If you are conscious of ending the summer season too early, looking to see if your neighbors have started to decorate may help you to decide when to start decorating for fall.

Start your fall porch ideas and fall planter ideas when you notice other people doing the same in your neighborhood – there is nothing worse than bright, possibly loud Halloween decor illuminating the street a month and a half too early.

It may also be a good idea to start small if waiting for other people, such as with an elegant autumnal wreath for fall front door decor – you then might pave the way for your neighbors to start doing the same.

4. Decorate for fall without Halloween influences

If you want to get a head start on decorating your home for fall, consider using decor pieces that do not speak to the Halloween holiday.

For more subtle fall decor, similar to cozy room ideas, consider items that help to set a snug mood; such as autumnal-inspired candles, lush throws and cushions in reds, oranges, and yellows, and subtler motifs such as pumpkins and leaves. You can also introduce rustic elements such as decorating with dried flowers and wreaths made from fall foliage; bringing natural fall color schemes and the beauty of nature into your home.

Interior designer Brooke Spreckman from Design Hutch suggests, 'swap out the little things that you touch and feel every day. Such as a new hand towel and soap dish in your powder room in a rich, cozy color palette. You can also rearrange or buy some beautiful new seasonal artwork. A nice visual re-set throughout your space will undoubtedly make you feel refreshed and ready to take on fall.'

We explore how to decorate tastefully for Halloween in our designated guide

5. Decorate for fall in stages

If you are unsure when to start decorating for fall or how to start decorating for fall, consider making small, simple changes in your home in stages.

'I like to start the fall decor transition the week after Labor Day,' says designer Kathy Kuo. 'I like the idea of transitioning slowly, especially since September in many places still can feel very warm and summery. I gradually start swapping my decorative pillows, throw blankets, and bed linens; and by October I'll start adding in seasonal decorative objects that are more overt.'

Start by removing summer decor items such as cushions, florals, centerpieces, and thinner throws to make space for fall pieces such as thicker soft furnishings in more luxurious textures such as velvet and wool, or simple switches in table scaping pieces like runners and napkins.

As the season progresses, buy pumpkins and other seasonal plants for fall color to adorn your home and front porch, before finally embracing fall fully with obvious decor pieces and Halloween decorations.

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FAQs

Before you start decorating for fall, it is also worth considering generally preparing your house for the colder months by cleaning out your hearth ready for cool fall nights. We explore how do I prepare my home for fall in our designated feature, and have also created a fall cleaning checklist to help you on your way.