Fall is in the air, and it’s time to embrace the season’s warmth and charm with some delightful DIY fall decor. Who doesn’t love the cozy feeling of autumn settling in?
Have you ever wondered how to capture that magical autumn essence without breaking the bank?
Rustic Pumpkin Centerpiece
Nothing says fall quite like pumpkins, but why settle for the ordinary when you can create something extraordinary? Start by gathering a few faux pumpkins in various sizes and colors. Give them a rustic makeover with some chalk paint in muted autumn hues like sage green, warm orange, and creamy white.
Arrange your painted pumpkins on a weathered wooden tray or a slice of tree trunk for that perfect farmhouse feel. Nestle some artificial leaves, pinecones, and cinnamon sticks around the base to complete the look. This charming centerpiece will be the talk of your fall gatherings!
Cozy Plaid Throw Pillow Covers
Embrace the warmth of autumn with some DIY plaid throw pillow covers. It’s easier than you think, darlings! Choose a few yards of plaid flannel fabric in rich fall colors like burgundy, forest green, and mustard yellow. Cut the fabric to size, allowing for a half-inch seam allowance all around.
Sew three sides of the cover, then fold and stitch the open end to create an envelope closure. Slip these over your existing pillows, and voila! You’ve got instant fall coziness that would make any Highland cottage proud. Mix and match patterns for an eclectic, lived-in look that’s oh-so-inviting.
Mason Jar Leaf Lanterns
Let’s turn those spare mason jars into magical fall lanterns, shall we? Start by collecting some beautiful fall leaves on your next nature walk. Press them between the pages of a heavy book for a few days to flatten them out. Once they’re ready, use Mod Podge to adhere the leaves to the outside of clean mason jars.
Once dry, place a battery-operated tea light inside each jar. The warm glow through the leaves creates a stunning autumn ambiance that’s perfect for your mantel or as a centerpiece. Tie a bit of twine or raffia around the jar’s neck for that extra rustic touch. It’s like capturing the essence of a crisp fall evening in a jar!
Autumn Leaf Garland
Bring the beauty of fall foliage indoors with a stunning DIY leaf garland. Gather an assortment of artificial fall leaves in various shapes and colors. You can find these at most craft stores, or if you’re feeling adventurous, collect and preserve real leaves!
Using a needle and thread, carefully string the leaves together, alternating colors and sizes for a natural look. Drape your creation across a mantel, down a banister, or around a doorframe for an instant autumnal upgrade. It’s a simple project that packs a big visual punch and will have your home feeling like a cozy woodland retreat in no time.
Cinnamon Stick Candles
Fill your home with the warm, inviting scent of cinnamon with these charming DIY candles. Start with plain pillar candles in cream or warm white. Using a hot glue gun, carefully attach cinnamon sticks vertically around the entire candle, making sure they’re snug against each other.
Tie a piece of twine or raffia around the middle to secure the cinnamon sticks and add a rustic touch. When lit, the heat from the candle will release a subtle cinnamon aroma, creating a cozy atmosphere that’s perfect for those chilly fall evenings. Place them on your coffee table or sideboard for a fragrant fall accent.
Burlap and Lace Table Runner
Add a touch of rustic elegance to your dining table with a handmade burlap and lace table runner. Cut a length of burlap to fit your table, leaving a bit of overhang on each end. Along the edges, carefully fray the burlap for a shabby chic look.
Next, layer strips of lace down the center of the burlap, securing them with fabric glue. For an extra fall touch, stencil on some leaf designs using metallic gold paint. This lovely runner will add texture and warmth to your table, creating the perfect backdrop for all your autumn meals and gatherings.
Pinecone Fire Starters
These adorable and functional fire starters are perfect for chilly fall evenings by the fireplace. Collect pinecones during your autumn walks and let them dry out completely. Dip each pinecone in melted soy wax mixed with a few drops of your favorite fall essential oil, like cinnamon or pine.
While the wax is still wet, sprinkle the pinecones with a bit of ground cinnamon or glitter for extra sparkle. Once dry, tie a piece of twine around the top for easy handling. Store them in a pretty basket near your fireplace. They’re not only decorative but also practical for starting those cozy fall fires!
Wooden Pallet Pumpkin
Turn a discarded wooden pallet into a charming oversized pumpkin decoration. Disassemble the pallet and arrange the boards in a pumpkin shape, securing them together with wood glue and nails. Sand any rough edges for safety.
Paint your pallet pumpkin in a warm orange hue, or get creative with a white or sage green for a more modern look. Add a real wooden stem or craft one from twisted rope. Place it on your porch or in your yard for a unique fall statement piece that’s sure to impress the neighbors!
Autumn Wreath from Nature’s Bounty
Create a stunning fall wreath using items found in your own backyard. Start with a grapevine wreath form as your base. Take a nature walk and collect an assortment of fall leaves, acorns, pinecones, and small twigs.
Arrange your found treasures on the wreath, securing them with a hot glue gun. Add in some faux berries or small apples for pops of color. Finish with a burlap bow for that perfect rustic touch. Hang it on your front door to welcome guests with the beauty of autumn.
Cozy Flannel Blanket Ladder
Showcase your favorite fall throws with a DIY blanket ladder. Cut two long pieces of wood for the sides and several shorter pieces for the rungs. Sand all pieces smooth and stain them in a warm, rich color.
Assemble the ladder by attaching the rungs to the sides with wood screws. Once complete, drape it with cozy flannel blankets and throws in autumn hues. Place it in a corner of your living room or bedroom for both decoration and easy access to warm blankets on chilly nights.
Painted Acorn Vase Filler
Transform plain acorns into a colorful vase filler with this simple DIY. Collect acorns and remove their caps. Clean the acorns thoroughly and let them dry. Paint the acorn bodies in fall colors like deep red, burnt orange, and golden yellow, leaving the caps natural.
Once dry, reattach the caps with a dab of glue. Fill clear glass vases or mason jars with your painted acorns for a pop of autumn color. These make charming centerpieces or mantel decorations that celebrate the season’s bounty.
Autumn Leaf Bowl
Create a unique bowl using nothing but fall leaves and Mod Podge. Collect a variety of fall leaves and press them flat. Cover a balloon with plastic wrap and layer leaves over half the balloon, overlapping slightly and securing with Mod Podge.
Once you’ve created several layers and the Mod Podge is completely dry, pop the balloon and remove it along with the plastic wrap. You’ll be left with a delicate, leaf-shaped bowl perfect for holding potpourri or small decorative items. It’s a true conversation piece that brings the outdoors in!
Rustic Wood Slice Artwork
Turn simple wood slices into stunning wall art. Cut several thin slices from a log or purchase pre-cut wood rounds. Sand them smooth and stain or paint them in various fall colors. Arrange them in a pleasing pattern on a large piece of reclaimed wood or a canvas.
Secure the slices with wood glue and add a sawtooth hanger to the back. You can even stencil fall-themed words or images onto some of the slices for added interest. This unique piece of art will add warmth and texture to any wall in your home.
As we wrap up our journey through these delightful DIY fall decor ideas, remember that the essence of autumn is all about warmth, comfort, and the beauty of nature’s changing palette.