Thrifty Fall Decor Ideas: 9 Tips For A Cozy, Budget-Friendly Home

Today I am sharing nine thrifty fall decor ideas for a cozy and budget-friendly autumnal home!

One of the hardest parts about being a blogger and a YouTuber is feeling the pressure from social media, especially when the seasons change, to quickly redecorate your home and make it look new. You feel as if people are waiting on Facebook or Instagram to see what thrifty fall decor ideas you have for the coming season.

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That can be difficult for a content creator like me because I like to hang on to each season. While I’m excited for fall (and I love fall so much here in Michigan) I don’t typically think about decorating for it until October. I hang on to summer as long as I can. September, to me, is just an extension of that beautiful weather.

So, while I’d love to show you a fully decorated home for fall, right now I want to show you how you can save a lot of money when decorating for the season. You don’t have to spend hundreds of dollars—there are so many thrifty ways to decorate. That’s what today’s post is all about, and I hope it gives you loads of inspiration for the upcoming fall season!

1. Clip and Dry Your Own Leaves

One of my favorite things to do every fall is clip branches from my redbud tree. I’ve been doing this for years, and it’s my very first tip for you: dry leaves from your own yard and use them as DIY fall home decor. You can mix them with faux berries or flowers, but I love the natural look dried leaves and flowers bring in the fall.

Try experimenting with a few tree varieties in your yard or outdoor space to see what you like. Not only is this method budget-friendly, it’s completely free!

2. Thrift Scarves for Cozy Textures

On my entryway hooks by my front door (which still feels very summery with sun hats, an oar, and a jean jacket) I love to swap out summer accessories for plaid scarves. Both scarves I used were thrifted. Thrift store finds make great, budget-friendly fall decor items! I usually look for plaid because it reads “fall,” but you can choose whatever pattern you love for touches of autumn in your home.

Even a simple change like hanging a scarf instead of a summer item instantly shifts the mood to fall. You could even consider hanging up a thrift store flannel shirt. It’s an easy and affordable way to make your living space feel seasonal.

3. Swap Out Blankets

Another quick way to transition your home from summer to fall is by swapping out your throws and blankets. I usually trade my blue, striped blankets for cozier textures and fall colors. They look great draped across sofas combined with pretty fall-themed throw pillows.

You can find beautiful, affordable blankets at craft stores or shops like TJ Maxx or Marshalls for $15–20, but keep an eye out at thrift stores too for unique pieces or even new pieces. In recent years, I found a brand-new Target blanket with a beautiful texture at Goodwill for half the price! It’s an easy way to cozy up your home without spending much.

4. Switch Up Your Candlestick Holders

One of my personal favorite things to thrift for in the fall is candlestick holders. All of mine have been thrifted, and I especially love the handmade pottery ones and vintage pieces. They’re often only $1 or $2, and candles bring such a warm, cozy ambiance to your space.

Even the candles themselves can be thrifted; I found a beautiful blue set for just $1.50. I keep my eye out for white candles and anything copper, as copper always feels like fall to me.

5. Use Baskets for Decor and Storage

Baskets are so versatile, and I recently found a beautiful one at a thrift store for $2.99. In the fall, I love filling baskets with cozy blankets, firewood, or even seasonal fruits like apples and pears.

These fruits are everyday items many of us already buy weekly, so why not use them as decor this time of year? They look beautiful in a basket on your dining table or kitchen island.

6. Refresh Your Artwork with Free Printables

A great, budget-friendly tip is to swap out your artwork. There are so many free printables available online; some are even available as a free digital download on my blog too if you’re subscribed to my emails! We send out a free printable every week, many of them featuring fall scenes with pumpkins or barns.

You can print fall-themed art at home and use thrifted frames to display it on your wall or a shelf. I once picked up a beautiful vintage-style frame at Marshalls for $6.99. Just pop in a free print, and you’ve added a fall touch to your home for next to nothing.

7. Dry Your Flowers

Just like leaves, dried flowers are another free and beautiful decor option. I’ve saved bundles of dried hydrangea and baby’s breath, which I reuse year after year. Eventually, they become brittle, but they last surprisingly long.

You can dry flowers from your garden, or buy inexpensive ones at the grocery store and dry them yourself. Limelight hydrangeas are also gorgeous in the fall. They work great for a fall wreath or on your front porch as outdoor decor as well.

8. Decorate with Faux or Real Fruit

If you want longer-lasting decor, faux fruit can also look beautiful. Last year, I found incredibly lifelike pears at the thrift store for just $2. This year, I spotted even more in the craft section, including dried gourds and other unique items for just $1 a bag.

You can display them in ironstone or wooden bowls with dried orange slices or leaves. Be sure to check the floral and craft sections at your local thrift store for these little gems.

9. Display Your Baked Goods

One final tip: let your baked treats double as decor! Rather than storing your cookies or zucchini bread in plastic Tupperware, look for beautiful glass cake stands or dishes at the thrift store. It not only makes your kitchen or dining room more inviting, but adds to that warm, cozy fall feeling. Plus, it’s a fun way to add a little fall to your home.

Thrifty Fall Decor Ideas: Wrapping It Up

I’m not officially decorated for fall just yet – I’m still holding onto summer – but I’m starting to tweak things here and there. These are some of the thrifty fall decor ideas that I’ve used over the years, and I hope they inspire you to decorate your home without breaking the bank or wallet.

Do you have any favorite budget-friendly fall decorating tips? I’d love to hear from you! Drop your ideas in the comments. Let me know if you’ve started decorating for fall yet, or if you’re still hanging on to summer like me.

Thanks so much for reading! If you’re new here, I’d love for you to sign up for my free mini homemaking course below. I’ll see you next time and happy decorating!

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