Looking for some frugal ways to spruce up your home for fall? Here are some great tips to bring the autumn season into your house on a budget!
Fall is my favorite time of year. There’s something about the end of a long, hot summer that makes the cooler weather, shorter days, and changing landscape oh-so-welcome.
I know I’m not the only one who loves the changing colors of the trees. And as much as we say we’re over the pumpkin spice craze, we’re still buying the lattes, cookies, and candles when we head to Target and Starbucks.
Fall also brings the beginning of the school year. Like all new beginnings, there’s a sense of freshness, of possibility. This is something else that I love about the season.
As a homeschooler, a lot of those new beginnings are happening right here in my home. So decorating for fall is a fun way to commemorate the season and make our home more inviting and cozy for the cooler months ahead.
Don’t Forget the Budget…
Oh, that budget. If I could head out without a spending limit to find the perfect decorations for my home, I wouldn’t have a problem. Even the designer-challenged can do a lot with the right funds.
But in real life, I do have a budget. And that budget doesn’t have a lot allotted for decorations. So, if I want to spruce up my house for autumn, I need to get creative. And stay frugal.
Believe it or not, there are a ton of ways to make your home fall-ready without spending a lot. Physical decorations are only a part of the process because the energy and feeling that you are trying to create in your home is much more important.
I have a few suggestions for ways you can get your home ready for fall while being frugal with your finances. If you’re looking for some tips to celebrate the season, read on…
Frugal Ways to Spruce Up Your House for Fall
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Budget-friendly decorations
Visit Dollar Tree and Target’s Dollar Spot for cute (and cheap) decorative pieces that you can add around your house. Remember that it’s often the little touches that pull a look together.
I love window clings that the kids can put up, small signs that can sit on the kitchen counter, and craft items that we can use to make decorations together. I’m not a super crafty person, but my kids love it and are getting older and more skilled every year. So, why not let them shine?
Light candles
I love wax melts and candles. There’s something about a flickering candle and the perfect autumn scent floating through the air that really brings the season home.
I limit candle use because my little ones are still pretty little, but warmers and melts are perfect for any home. Here’s a cute one that will look great with your autumn décor. There are so many scents to choose from, but you can’t go wrong with cinnamon apple, pumpkin, or caramel.
Create a homemade cornucopia
Is there anything more “fall” than a cornucopia? While you can buy one, you can also make one. At this time of year, the items you would need are fairly inexpensive, including the wicker horn.
Purchase ears of corn, gourds, little pumpkins, and anything else you want to add. Arrange them in the horn, or on a plate if you prefer. Then, place your beautiful centerpiece on the dining room table, kitchen island, or mantle.
Fall-ify your colors at home
Change up the colors in your home. I’m not talking repainting here, just some low-cost alterations. Switch out your dish and hand towels for those with autumn themes or colors. Put away the blue throw on your couch in favor of a rust-colored one. Do the same to bedding.
If you have these things on hand, just sitting around in a linen closet, then this is a frugal and easy way to spruce things up for fall. You can even grab some seasonal towels at Walmart, Target, etc. Keep your eyes open for deals as stores starts clearing out there fall inventory in favor of the Christmas stuff (Already?! I know, right).
Stock up on fall favorites
Say what you will about the pumpkin spice latte, but I usually find myself getting one at Starbucks at least once a year. But to save money, do it yourself and stock up your favorite fall drinks and snacks.
For me, it’s Chai tea, Cinnamon apple herbal tea for the kids, pumpkin puree for muffins and pancakes, and the ingredients for fresh apple pie. If you want to be your own barista, here’s an amazing recipe for a do-it-yourself version of the Starbucks favorite. Or you can be lazy like me, and just use the syrup in your coffee. J
Create cuddle corners
When I think fall, I think cozy. If you have a fireplace, then this is the perfect place to create a cuddle corner (or area) to really enjoy those autumnal evenings with a hot cup of tea. Or, if there’s no fireplace, pick a comfy couch corner or armchair.
Set up your little area with everything you’ll need on a cool fall night. A warm blanket. Pillows. A small magazine rack or basket, like this one, to hold a book, Bible, magazine, or sewing project. Maybe even a tray, like this one, that can be used to balance a snack when you’re in the mood.
You can use things you have around the house, or check out Goodwill. I get tons of baskets and other decorative items there that are in great condition, save us money, and help a good cause (and the planet!).
Carve pumpkins
Pumpkin patches are cute for the littles, but also pretty expensive. If you’re ready to forgo the patch, you can save money by picking up pumpkins at the store.
My kids much prefer the decorating to the picking, so letting them choose their pumpkin at Walmart is just the first step. Once home, they can paint, cut, and color their pumpkins to be used as decoration on our front porch, in the backyard, or on the mantle.
Change up your backyard
Summer may be the time for backyard barbecues, but that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy them in fall, too! Fall nights are cool and crisp, but the bite of winter is still weeks away. Spruce up your backyard to enjoy it for the autumn season.
My favorite tip is to hang up fairy lights if you can. These cast a beautiful light over your yard, or even just the back patio. Candles with high glass holders to block wind can be another nice touch. If you have a waterproof box that can hold blankets, or a place beside the backdoor to hold them, this will make your fall evenings even better.
I hope these suggestions for frugal ways to spruce up your house for fall help you create a warm and cozy atmosphere for the season. My family loves this time of year, especially as a prelude to Thanksgiving and Christmas. So, let’s enjoy this autumn by celebrating it in our favorite place—home.
What ideas do you have for decorating for fall on a budget? I’d love to hear in the comments below!
Looking for more on saving money? Check out these posts:
5 Ways to Save Money Right Now
Finding the Money: When Your Heart is Big, But Your Budget is Small
How to Manage Holiday Stress & Spend Less
[Disclaimer: I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. This post contains affiliate links. So, if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a commission, at no additional cost to you. All opinions are my own and I never recommend anything I haven’t used myself and loved.]
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