Fall is the beginning of the holiday decorating in our homes, but it can get pretty expensive when you consider the cost of cute pumpkins and faux greenery. The good news is there are tons of tricks to getting a great fall style without a huge price tag. Check out our roundup of inexpensive fall decor that will get you in the mood for a nice fall walk and maybe a PSL, too.
Source: passionatepennypincher.com
1. Use Popcorn Kernels As Decor
Fall means the beginning of Harvest and that means seeds for planting are a huge part of fall. Take this harvest time literally and use some popcorn kernels as decor in your home. Popcorn kernels are available at most grocery stores and are usually very inexpensive. You can drop them in a clear vase with a candle or simply put them in a bowl with some pumpkins on top. Either way, the rustic look of the kernels will really bring in the harvest and fall feel to your home and for cheap!
(If you’re looking for other great ways to decorate your home for less, head over to Passionate Penny Pincher).
Source: ritamay-days.blogspot.com
2. Bring Pinecones In From The Outdoors
I love using pinecones as part of any fall or Christmas decor. They perfectly represent the beginning of the “dying” season where trees will start to lose their leaves and pinecones. Instead of buying pinecones, go out and find your own! They are actually a lot easier to find than you think, even if you don’t live near the mountains! Throw them in a bowl, put them in a clear vase, or make a garland out of them. No matter how you use them they’ll make your home look beautiful and festive.
(Check out My Days for other great DIY projects for your home as well as delicious recipes).
3. Wrap Cinnamon Sticks Around Candles
Cinnamon sticks are another item you can buy at the grocery store that are very inexpensive. Cinnamon is an iconic fall spice and using it as part of your decor not only looks pretty but makes your home smell delicious as well! A great way to use them in your home is to wrap them around some candles, then tie them with some raffia or twine to secure them. It’s a very simple and inexpensive way to make your home look and smell very festive for fall.
(Head over to Home Stories A to Z for other great DIY projects, home decor inspiration, craft ideas and more).
4. Buy From The Dollar Store
Before you go out searching for the most adorable fall decor you can find, head to the dollar store first. I have found so many incredible pieces of holiday decor at the dollar store. They have lots of fake pumpkins, fake leaves, silk flowers, vases, cute signs and banners, and so much more. I think you’ll be surprised by how many great items you can find for your fall decor there. Just be sure to go early in the season since as time passes, the good stuff gets picked over and you won’t find very much.
(If you’re looking for coupons, sales, and deals on any and all products, check and see if the Super Coupon Lady has it for you).
Source: TheDecoist.com
5. Use Real Leaves To Decorate
You can buy fake leaves at the dollar store and even the craft store, but why spend the money when you can go out and find the most gorgeous colorful leaves in your own front yard? You can even involve the kids in helping you round up some leaves so you can use them to decorate your house. Be sure to check out our list on great fall crafts for your kids right here! You can make a banner, frame beautifully, put them in a vase or bowl, or tie one around a clear glass candle holder. Either way they will look beautiful and the best part is that they’re free!
Head to TheDecoist.com for tons of additional ideas on how to decorate with real leaves.
6. Preserve Pumpkins So They Last Longer
Since fall is such a long season (and if you’re obsessed with it like I am you’ll have your decorations up from the beginning of September to the end of November) preserve any fresh pumpkins you buy so they won’t rot either inside or outside your home. One of the biggest disappointments to me is having a beautiful pumpkin that I love sitting on my front door step, only to find out that it’s rotting and looking frail.
(Check out Creative Cain Cabin for decorating tips, gardening inspiration, photography advice, and so much more).
Source: DigsDigs.com
7. Use Tree Branches As Decor
Once again, bring the outside in for free and decorate your home with some tree branches. You can find ones on the ground that have fallen off trees, or simply cut some off from your own yard. You can use branches that are completely bare, or ones that have a few colorful leaves still attached. All you have to do is throw them in a vase and you’ve got a beautiful fall arrangement that’s simple, yet screams fall.
Check out DigsDigs.com for 36 MORE amazing ideas for decorating with tree branches and twigs.
Source: KaylaAimee.com
8. Use Free Fall Printables
We love free printables at Life As Mama––they are quick, easy and add just the right amount of style to your design without costing a dime! Add to an end table, hang on the wall or prop on a mantle. There is no end to the options with printables, especially when you can frame, hang with washi tape or attach to a clipboard!
Head to KaylaAimee.com to get this free printable, or visit our roundup of fun fall printables here on Life As Mama.
Source: MaisonDePax.com
9. Make Your Own Fall Pillow Covers
If there’s one thing that’s true about home decor, is that pillows cost a FORTUNE. Not only that, storing full-blown pillows year round just isn’t always an option. That’s why we love the idea of making your own pillow covers that are easy to make, cheap and don’t take up a ton of space in the off season. Use pillow inserts that you normally use, but dress up in your own unique color palette for a pulled together look.
Check out MaisonDePax.com for 9 more design ideas, including how to make these cute envelope pillow covers!
Source: Remodelaholic.com
10. Add a Fall Banner
A fall banner or garland could be just what your design needs this season, especially if you have a small home and can’t stand the clutter from a full-blown design overhaul. Hang from a mantle, window or staircase, there’s no end to the options when you add a banner that’s perfectly geared for autumn.
Head to Remodelaholic.com for tips on this DIY project, and be sure to check out our roundup up cute and DIY fall banners on Life As Mama!
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