There’s something magical about the changing of seasons, and fall is no exception. The crisp air, the warm, golden tones of the trees, and the comfort of a crackling fire all invite us to settle in, refresh our homes, and embrace the cozy vibe that only autumn can bring. Today, I’m sharing 6 tips to help you with your fall decorating without overspending.
Let’s dive in!
Fall Decorating on a Budget: 6 Tips to Cozy Up Your Home Without Breaking the Bank
Tip 1: Shop Your Stash
I know, I know—sometimes it’s tempting to head straight to the store for new fall decor (I’m guilty of it too!). But if you’re trying to keep things frugal, shopping your stash is a great place to start. Lay out everything you already have, and see what you can reimagine or rearrange to create a fresh look. Scrolling through Pinterest or even looking back at last year’s photos can spark new ideas on how to style your existing pieces. You’d be surprised at how new a space can feel just by moving things around!
Tip 2: Get Crafty and Creative
There have been many times I purchased some type of seasonal decor only for it to go out of style by the next year. Last year, I bought some plastic pumpkins, and guess what? They no longer fit my style this year. But rather than tossing them out, I plan to give them new life by painting them a fresh color. Don’t be afraid to play around with paint, floral stems, and fabric.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with paint, fabric, or even floral stems to create something unique and tailored to your current taste. There are so many DIY tutorials out there—like Sarah from She Holds Dearly’s fabric pumpkin tutorial (you can check it out here)- that show you how to make adorable fall decor using materials you likely already have around the house. Trust me, it’s easier than you think, and the end result is always so much more meaningful when you’ve created it yourself!
Tip 3: Thrift Your Decor
This is one of my all-time favorite tips. If you don’t know, I adore thrifting and antiquing. Thrifting for seasonal decor is an affordable way to find unique, quality pieces that have a story to tell. I recently found a handmade throw at a thrift store for a fraction of the cost it would have been at big-box retailers like TJ Maxx or Marshalls. It’s the perfect cozy addition to my living room this fall.
Some of my other favorite fall finds include down pillow inserts for switching out pillow covers, amber bottles, and antique brass candle holders. These kinds of items instantly warm up a space for fall, and they often come with a lot more character than mass-produced pieces. Plus, they don’t cost a lot.
Tip 4: Bring in Nature
You don’t have to spend much to bring a bit of nature’s beauty indoors. Foraging for greenery and florals is a great way to fill your home with fresh, free decor. My mom and I recently went foraging at my parents’ farm, and we ended up with beautiful, wild arrangements that were absolutely free. It’s the perfect way to spend time together while creating something beautiful for your home.
Not into foraging? Local farmer’s markets often have great deals on pumpkins, mums, and other seasonal florals. Not only are real pumpkins and mums affordable and timeless fall decor items, but they’re also much better for the environment. You can even grow your own —whether it’s in a small garden or just a few pots on your porch.
At my local farmer’s market, I scored a whole stack of Cinderella pumpkins for just $20 and some gorgeous mums for $6. Plus, by shopping local, you’re supporting small businesses!
Tip 5: Choose Neutral Fall Decor
This might not be for everyone, but if you want to keep things frugal (and sustainable), opting for neutral, minimal decor is the way to go. The best part? Neutral tones work season after season, meaning you can reuse your fall decor year after year. You can still add trendy pops of color through smaller pieces like throw pillow covers or table settings without breaking the bank.
Tip 6: Wait until After Season and Add Each Year
If you can hold off until the end of the season, you can snag some great deals on decor—sometimes at 60% off or more! Last year, I was able to score several ceramic and wooden pumpkins from Hobby Lobby and Joann for a fraction of their original price. It was totally worth the wait!
Another tip is to add a few pieces to your collection each year, rather than all at once. By doing this, you can spread out your spending and really think about what items will bring lasting beauty to your home. It also makes each addition feel more intentional.
You don’t have to spend a fortune to create a beautiful, cozy fall atmosphere. A little creativity, some thrifting, and shopping your own home can go a long way in making your space feel warm and inviting. If you have any other budget-friendly fall decorating tips, I’d love to hear them! Drop a comment below and let’s share ideas for making this season as cozy and affordable as possible.
“Delight thyself also in the Lord: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.” Psalm 37:4-5
If you would like to check out more affordable home decor or DIYs, click here.
