When the winds pick up and the days grow shorter, it’s easy to feel like the coziness of fall is slipping away in the chaos of stormy weather and long nights.

That’s exactly when DIY Fall Decorations come in to save the season. They have a way of turning gloom into warmth, transforming even the rainiest days into something magical.

I’ve recently been diving into projects for my own space, recreating the Pottsfield Harvest Festival from Over the Garden Wall! Between waiting out a hurricane and planning my legion of pumpkin people (and even a towering 15-foot Enoch), I’ve found that filling the house with fall colors, textures, and light helps keep the atmosphere festive no matter what’s happening outside.

In fact, in my recent article about Cozy Sitting Room Ideas, I mentioned how these small seasonal touches can completely change the mood of a home.

The beauty of DIY Fall Decorations is that they don’t need to be expensive or complicated. A simple pumpkin pail from Walmart under $2 can be drilled with drainage holes and turned into a cheerful planter for mums.

Affordable electric taper candles with a remote (available for under $20) look enchanting when hung from a curtain rod, floating like lanterns in the night.

My thrifted hutch, filled with estate sale finds, becomes a rotating seasonal display of warm oranges, woven baskets stuffed with apples, and brass candlesticks holding vibrant tapered candles.

Each small detail pulls the room together, making it feel alive with the energy of fall. The best part? I can constantly rearrange your décor, keeping it fresh throughout the entire season.

Regardless of the weather outside, I can always bring beauty and magic home with these simple, do-it-yourself additions.

16. Rustic Mason Jar Candle Holders

Mason jars are a classic DIY staple. Wrap twine or burlap around the base of a jar, add a few pressed autumn leaves inside the glass, and place a tea light candle in the center. When lit, the warm glow highlights the leaf’s natural veins, creating a magical autumn effect.

DIY Fall Decorations Tip: Use flameless LED candles for a safe option if you’re decorating around children or pets.

15. Pumpkin Vase Centerpieces

Hollow out a medium-sized pumpkin and insert a glass or plastic container inside. Fill with seasonal flowers like mums, sunflowers, or marigolds. This makes an eye-catching centerpiece perfect for dining tables or entryways.

DIY Fall Decorations Tip: Spray the inside of the pumpkin with a light coat of bleach water to slow down rotting.

14. Burlap and Leaf Garland

Create a garland using strips of burlap and faux fall leaves. Attach them to a jute string with clothespins or hot glue. Drape the garland across mantels, stair railings, or even windows for a rustic autumn look.

13. Acorn and Pinecone Wreath

Gather natural elements like pinecones, acorns, and dried berries. Arrange them on a foam wreath form and secure with hot glue. Finish with a ribbon in burnt orange or deep red to hang on your front door.

12. Corn Husk Candle Wraps

Wrap corn husks around large candles, securing with twine or raffia. The neutral tones pair beautifully with warm candlelight, giving a farmhouse-style fall touch.

11. Cozy Plaid Throw Pillows

Transform plain pillow covers by sewing or gluing plaid fabric squares over them. This quick DIY instantly brings autumn vibes to your living room without buying new pillows.

10. Mini Pumpkin Table Place Cards

Use small white or orange pumpkins as unique table place cards for gatherings. Write guest names on craft tags and attach them with twine around the pumpkin’s stem.

9. Fall Harvest Basket Display

Fill a woven basket with faux pumpkins, dried corn, and gourds. Add hay or raffia as filler, then place it on your porch or entryway.

DIY Fall Decorations Tip: This arrangement doubles as a welcoming fall decoration and a photo-worthy display.

8. Cinnamon Stick Candle Holders

Glue cinnamon sticks vertically around a candle and secure with twine. Not only does this look rustic, but the candles also release a warm cinnamon scent when lit.

7. Wooden Crate Porch Display

Stack old wooden crates in a tiered design on your porch. Fill them with pumpkins, plaid blankets, lanterns, and fall flowers.

DIY Fall Decorations Tip: This layered arrangement creates height and dimension to your outdoor décor.

6. Pressed Leaf Wall Art

Collect colorful autumn leaves and press them flat in a heavy book for several days. Once dried, frame them in a neutral frame for elegant seasonal artwork.

5. DIY Twig Pumpkin

Bundle twigs together in a circular shape and tie with twine. Repeat several layers to build a round pumpkin form. Add a cinnamon stick or a small branch as a stem.

DIY Fall Decorations Tip: This natural craft works well indoors or outdoors.

4. Apple Candle Holders

Hollow out apples to fit tea lights inside. Place them on a tray with cinnamon sticks and star anise for a cozy fall scent and rustic look.

3. Fabric Pumpkins from Old Sweaters

Cut old sweaters into circles, stuff with polyfill, and gather at the top with thread to form pumpkins. Add a stick for a stem and wrap with twine.

DIY Fall Decorations Tip: These fabric pumpkins add a soft, cozy texture to your fall décor.

2. Fall-Themed Chalkboard Sign

Repurpose an old frame into a chalkboard and write seasonal quotes like “Hello Fall” or “Pumpkin Spice & Everything Nice.”

DIY Fall Decorations Tip: Decorate the corners with faux leaves and mini pumpkins.

1. Dried Orange Garland

Slice oranges into thin rounds and dry them in the oven at a low temperature. String the slices with twine, alternating with cinnamon sticks and bay leaves.

DIY Fall Decorations Tip: This garland adds a natural, fragrant touch to mantels or window frames.

Conclusion

These 16 DIY Fall Decorations bring the warmth, charm, and cozy textures of autumn into your home. With simple materials like pumpkins, leaves, twigs, and fabric, we can create seasonal accents that look high-end but cost very little. Whether you’re decorating for a festive gathering or simply want to enjoy the fall atmosphere every day, these ideas will transform your home into a welcoming autumn retreat.