Simple & Affordable DIY Fall Décor Ideas

Fall is beautiful. The crisp air, the crunch of leaves under my feet, the smell of cinnamon and pumpkin spice drifting from the kitchen—it all feels like a fresh start. But let's be honest: once fall rolls around, it's also really tempting to run to Target or HomeGoods and buy everything in sight. Those Pinterest-worthy displays can make you feel like your house isn't festive unless you spend hundreds of dollars on matching décor.

The truth? You don't need to spend a lot of money to make your home feel cozy and inviting for fall. With a little creativity, some natural finds, and a few budget-friendly supplies, you can transform your space for less than the cost of a dinner out.

In this article, I'm sharing 10 budget-friendly DIY fall décor ideas that are simple, affordable, and fun to create. I'll walk you through step-by-step instructions, give you cost breakdowns, and share little tips I've used in my own home.

1. Bring Nature Inside

Sometimes the best decorations are free. Fall is the season of abundance, and you can find most of what you need just by stepping outside.

What you'll need:

How to do it:

1. Take a short walk and collect fallen leaves, pinecones, and branches.

2. Arrange pinecones in a basket or bowl.

3. Place colorful leaves inside a mason jar and use them as a centerpiece.

4. Spray pinecones lightly with cinnamon or clove essential oil for natural fragrance.

Estimated cost: $0–$5 depending on whether you need to buy jars or baskets.

Budget tip: If you don't have jars, reuse spaghetti sauce or pickle jars. Wrap them with twine or burlap for a rustic look.

2. DIY Candle Holders

Candles instantly make a space feel warm and cozy, but store-bought holders can be pricey. Make your own for just a few dollars.

What you'll need:

• Mason jars or glass jars (free if reused, $1–$2 if thrifted)

• Popcorn kernels, dried beans, or acorns (less than $2)

• Tea lights ($1–$3 for a pack at Dollar Tree or Walmart)

• Twine, burlap, or ribbon (optional, $1–$2)

How to do it:

1. Fill the jar one-third full with popcorn kernels, dried beans, or acorns.

2. Place a tea light in the center so it sits above the filler.

3. Tie twine or ribbon around the jar's neck for extra charm.

4. Group 3–5 jars together for a centerpiece.

Estimated cost: $4–$8 for multiple holders.

3. No-Carve Pumpkin Décor

Carving pumpkins is fun but messy—and carved pumpkins don't last long. No-carve pumpkins are affordable, creative, and reusable.

What you'll need:

• Mini pumpkins ($1–$2 each at grocery stores or farms)

• Acrylic paint ($2–$5)

• Washi tape or painter's tape (optional, $2–$3)

• Faux pumpkins from the dollar store ($1–$5 each, reusable every year)

How to do it:

1. Paint pumpkins in neutral or metallic tones for a modern look.

2. Use washi tape to create stripes, chevrons, or polka dots.

3. Stack small pumpkins on trays, mantels, or even stairs for a layered effect.

4. Mix real and faux pumpkins to save money and reuse each year.

Estimated cost: $5–$15 depending on how many you decorate.

4. Cozy Textiles & Layers

Nothing screams fall like plaid, flannel, and chunky blankets. You don't need to buy all new décor—repurpose what you already have.

What you'll need:

• Old flannel shirts or blankets (free if already owned)

• Thrifted scarves ($2–$5)

• Baskets ($3–$7 thrifted or dollar store)

How to do it:

1. Make pillow covers out of old flannel shirts—just wrap and pin them around your existing pillows.

2. Drape scarves or plaid blankets across couches and chairs.

3. Use woven baskets to store throws or firewood for a cozy corner look.

Estimated cost: $0–$15 depending on supplies you already own.

Budget tip: Hit up thrift stores after fall or winter—they often have scarves and blankets for under $3.

5. DIY Fall Wreaths

Wreaths instantly give your home a seasonal touch, but store-bought ones can cost $40 or more. Make your own for under $10.

What you'll need:

• Grapevine or wire wreath base ($3–$5 at Dollar Tree or craft stores)

• Faux leaves or greenery ($1–$5)

• Ribbon, pinecones, or dried oranges (optional, $1–$3)

How to do it:

1. Attach leaves or greenery to the wreath base with hot glue or floral wire.

2. Add pinecones, berries, or ribbon for extra detail.

3. Hang on your front door, mantel, or window.

Estimated cost: $6–$12.

6. Kitchen & Dining Touches

Fall décor doesn't stop at the living room—the kitchen and dining area are perfect for seasonal updates.

What you'll need:

• Candy corn or seasonal candy ($2–$4 per bag)

• Clear jars or bowls (free if reused, $1–$3 thrifted)

• Small gourds or pumpkins ($1–$2 each)

• Fabric scraps or burlap ($2–$4 for a yard)

How to do it:

1. Fill jars with candy corn and place on countertops or shelves.

2. Use fabric scraps as DIY table runners.

3. Add mini pumpkins or gourds at each place setting.

Estimated cost: $5–$12 depending on how many items you use.

7. Lighting for Warmth

Lighting sets the mood for fall more than anything else. Soft glows turn any room cozy.

What you'll need:

• String lights ($5–$8 at Walmart or Amazon)

• Candles ($1–$3 each)

• Lanterns or jars (free if reused, $2–$5 thrifted)

How to do it:

1. Wrap fairy lights around mantels, shelves, or windows.

2. Place candles in groups of 3–5 for a layered effect.

3. Repurpose jars as lanterns by adding a candle inside.

Estimated cost: $8–$15.

8. DIY Seasonal Signs

A fun and personal way to decorate is by making your own fall sign.

What you'll need:

How to do it:

1. Paint the wood in a neutral base color.

2. Add phrases like “Hello Fall,” “Give Thanks,” or “Pumpkin Patch.”

3. Distress the edges for a rustic look.

Estimated cost: $3–$8.

9. Front Porch Flair

Don't forget the outside! A few simple touches can make your porch look festive without much cost.

What you'll need:

• Pumpkins ($1–$5 each)

• Mums or fall plants ($5–$10)

• Doormat (optional, $5 at Dollar Tree or DIY with paint)

How to do it:

1. Arrange pumpkins in varying sizes on your porch.

2. Add a pot of mums or even thrifted planters.

3. Layer a plaid blanket under your doormat for extra color.

Estimated cost: $10–$20 depending on plants/pumpkins.

10. Repurpose What You Already Have

Before buying anything new, shop your home first. Look for blankets, jars, trays, baskets, or picture frames you already own.

Ideas:

• Use an old blanket as a tablecloth.

• Turn a baking tray into a rustic candle holder.

• Spray paint old picture frames in gold or bronze for a fall look.

Estimated cost: $0.

Final Thoughts

Fall decorating doesn't have to mean expensive shopping trips. Most of these ideas cost less than $20—some cost nothing at all. And the best part? They give your home that cozy, seasonal feel without the guilt of overspending.

The truth is, fall isn't about having the “perfect” house—it's about creating a space that feels warm, inviting, and joyful. When you fill your home with small touches like pinecones, pumpkins, and soft lighting, you'll feel the difference every time you walk in the door.

So this year, instead of focusing on what you don't have, look around at what you do have. Add a little creativity, repurpose what's already there, and sprinkle in a few budget finds. Before you know it, your home will be filled with the magic of the season—without emptying your wallet. 🍂