3 Subtle Ways to Decorate for Fall

The days are getting shorter and the nights are getting cooler and to be honest, I’m not sure how I feel about it just yet! But the reality is that fall is coming up quickly, whether we’re ready or not.

Decorating for fall doesn’t have to mean Halloween decor, 7 million pumpkins, and cheesy “Welcome Fall!” signs. You can bring some autumn vibes into your home with just three easy updates: texture, color, and florals. As a matter of fact, you can update your home every season this way- just choose seasonally appropriate materials. Here’s what I’d recommend for fall!

Texture

What are the textures you think of when you think “fall?” Cozy blankets, maybe some hay bales, crunchy leaves, burlap, acorns, dried corn, bumpy pumpkins?

  • If you’re like me, you have a blanket on the couch year-round. Maybe you had a lighter one for the summer? Now’s the time to add some cozy wool knitted blankets. Nothing is better than snuggling up under a cozy blanket in the cool evenings!
  • Swap out your sheets and/or duvet cover for a heavier cotton one- maybe even flannel, as the season progresses.
  • Add visual interest by displaying acorns, apples, corn cobs, pinecones, pumpkins (only if you’re ready!) etc. throughout your home in a wooden bowl or glass vase.
  • Create fall bouquets with flowers (faux or real), branches, and greenery.
  • Add a wreath to a door or mirror to bring in both fall color and texture!
  • If you’re a same-pillows-all-year type of person, I’ve got news for ya- don’t be! Life is more fun with a little change here and there, and a new season is the perfect time to swap out your pillow covers. Add some fall vibes with velvet, tweed, mohair, flannel, or wool fabrics. If you’re into the farmhouse style, you might consider some burlap covers. A quick Etsy search will show you tons of options, but you can also shop retailers as well!
Subtle fall decor by Sima Spaces

Color

Close your eyes and imagine looking out over a valley of trees in the fall. What do you see? Brown, red, orange, yellow, green? Now think of colors that complement those colors- white, gold, tan, black. You can go crazy with fall colors, add just a few here and there, or stick to the neutrals- the choice is yours. Just make sure that you’re replacing any brighter summer colors you may have decorated with.

  • Blankets add both texture AND color- a simple (or bold!) plaid, a soft tan and white, a thick wool burnt orange blanket are all ways to add a pop of fall color without going overboard.
  • Just like blankets, pillow covers are a quick and easy way to add a pop of fall color (and texture). Plaid, solid colors, ombre, patterned, the list goes on! Many retailers are offering a variety of mustard yellow, burgundy, burnt orange, and dusty greens in pillows, blankets, and other decor this season.
  • Another easy way to add color is with candles. I love buying pumpkin scented candles, but they tend to only last a month or two because I’m constantly burning them in the fall. A trick I use is keeping the jar and just adding a votive or tealight when the candle is gone so I can still use the candle itself as part of my decor.
  • The final “color” tip brings me to….
This entryway is subtly dressed up for fall, courtesy of @wild_run_farms

Florals

Whether or not you currently use seasonal greenery in your decor, it’s not too late to start. Faux (or real) florals can add color and fall vibes to your space with minimal effort. I love shopping Michael’s and Hobby Lobby for faux florals- it takes some digging sometimes, but there are some beautiful options. I love adding mums to our patio outside for some fall colors as well.

3 Subtle Ways to Decorate for Fall- Sima Spaces
I replaced the summery florals with fall bouquets in our kitchen and dining room to bring in the fall vibes!

Shop Some Ideas

Hopefully this post gave you a bit of inspiration to get your home into the fall spirit. Now go light some pumpkin candles and get to decorating, friends!

Amber Interiors always nails it!

Author: Laura Sima

Hey there, I'm Laura- creator of Sima Spaces. I'm a home renovator, designer, and blogger based in the Twin Cities in Minnesota. When I'm not designing or renovating homes, you can find me working as a pediatric ICU RN, snuggling my dog or cat, skiing in CO, soaking up the sun on our boat, or enjoying a glass of wine on our patio!

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