How to decorate your living room for fall
We all know that feeling when school is back in session, and there’s a crispness in the air that is usually a welcome reprieve from the summer heat. It’s that time of the year that’s filled with cozy al fresco dining while the weather is still warm enough to be outdoors. It’s when we take on activities that make us feel connected with nature, like hiking and apple picking. It feels like a new beginning — a time to swap out your wardrobe and make some changes around the house. You guessed it. We’re talking about the beloved season of fall.
Often, we focus on the front porch or entryway when it comes to decorating for fall (don’t worry — we have some general decorating tips as well!), but the living room is often an underutilized space for seasonal decor. We’ll explore some of the many ways you can give your living room just a taste or a full splash of fun holiday-inspired tips
When to start the transition from summer to fall
Timing varies depending on where you live. In southern states, such as South Carolina or Georgia, the summer lingers much longer than it does in the Northeast. There is no wrong or right answer when it comes to giving your space a makeover for the onset of autumn. We suggest trusting your mood and the weather. While some Halloween candy isles may tell us we’re ready for fall in July, we know it’s hard to think about pumpkin spice lattes when it’s still 90 degrees outside. The bottom line is go with your instincts and decorate when the time feels right for you.
Fall decorating ideas to transform your living room
Mantel decor: The center of a living room is often the mantelpiece, so give it an easy refresh with some greenery. If you’re located in the eastern part of the United States, you might be familiar with the beautiful and flowing smilax vine. It is one of the most stunning green vines that you can bring indoors and drape over anything — from mantelpieces to family portraits. Have a big entryway leading to your dining room? Hang it above the door to feel like you’re waltzing into a palace whenever you enter that room. In a matter of minutes, your home will look like it’s being featured in a fancy home tour. This is an especially useful tip if you aren’t sold on seasonal decor as it makes a beautiful addition to your home any time of the year.
Paint your pumpkins and bring them indoors: For any of you who aren’t orange lovers (We get it! Not everyone loves every color) but still want to include pumpkins in your fall home decor, there’s a simple fix for that. Paint your pumpkins. This adds a pop of color and allows you to coordinate your living room decor with your pumpkins. And yes, we just said living room! These pumpkins can live inside. Place smaller ones on a coffee table or a side table for some cozy fall vibes. Just be sure they are placed out of reach so the kids or pets don’t decide to take a bite. We recommend a paint color that really makes a statement — like maroon or deep purple. Another idea that involves some arts and crafts (and could be a good activity for the kids!) is papier-mâché. You can add any fun patterns or prints to the pumpkins.
If you’re a little nervous about bringing your pumpkins indoors, you can always stick to tradition and place them on your front stoop. Your fall porch will be the talk of town because it’s not featuring your oh-so-average orange pumpkin.
Throw in some moody colors: If you want to make minor changes that have the ability to extend past just one season, we suggest the use of moody colors, such as maroon, mustard yellow or even dark velvets. Perhaps you’ve been eyeing a deep velvet accent chair. Now might be the time to take the plunge because this color scheme is also great for winter. For a less permanent option, go with some seasonal throw pillows that can easily be swapped out.
Fall decor ideas for other areas of your home
Fall centerpieces and tablescapes: Fall is the time of year when we all gather around the table, often sitting tightly with family and friends at our dining tables enjoying meals together. Fall-inspired centerpieces are not only one of the easiest fall decorating ideas, but they come in quite handy if you’re like us and love seasonal dinner parties. Create an inspiring tablescape your friends will ooh and ahh over — maybe they’ll even replicate it in their own homes. A fall centerpiece can include a plethora of seasonally appropriate items, such as pine cones, gourds, mini pumpkins and even acorns from your backyard. Place these around candle holders or sprinkle them throughout the table. You can even use them as place cards. But don’t feel like you have to get crafty or create a clear focal point; sometimes organic, free flowing decor is the best because it’s truly one of a kind and back-to-nature.
Cozy up with a fire: Are you one of the lucky ones who has a working fireplace in your living room? We are jealous to say the least. Sitting in front of a warm, crackling fire is one of those small joys in life that never gets old. Don’t have an indoor fireplace? Create your own DIY fire pit outside by clearing a small area and placing a few rocks in a circle. Make the area complete with a few Cabana Chairs, which can easily be transitioned from season to season regardless of the color scheme. Hello bright patterns all year-round! A cocktail hour with your closest friends by an outdoor fire pit sounds too dreamy to turn down.
Sprinkle in some live pumpkins: Pumpkins are arguably one of the most visible signs of fall. Picture the stoops in your neighborhood overflowing with orange spheres that in time will be carved hollow, allowing a light to flicker for one magical Halloween night. Stage a few on your own front porch when the time is right, and if you’re feeling up for it, carve them on Halloween night. We’ve seen some pretty impressive carvings in our time, and we feel certain you’re up for the challenge.
Decorate the front porch with more than just pumpkins: During holidays, it can feel like we’re often limited to one set theme surrounding that specific holiday. Fall is often characterized by orange pumpkins, but that doesn’t mean autumn decorating must include this symbol of the season. Place a fall wreath — such as a grapevine wreath — on your front door. Add some dried hydrangeas for texture and an unexpected pop. Tie it off with a warm colored bow, such as a mustard yellow that still holds onto the lingering (though fading) feelings of summer while also showcasing one of the many fall colors that is seen in bouquets and gardens everywhere.
Plant fall flowers in your garden: While this decor idea begins outside in your garden, you will soon reap the benefits of fresh fall flowers all season long! Use them for dinner parties, in guest rooms, or just as a nice pick-me-up when the days start to feel a little too chilly. We truly believe fresh flowers make a house feel like a home. Some of our favorite fall flowers and plants include Chrysanthemums, Aster, Sweet Alyssum, and Black-Eyed Susans, though the options are really limitless.
Many of the fall decor ideas we’ve mentioned involve some sort of active planning, from painting to gardening. We’d be remiss if we didn’t also mention some of the simple fall touches to get your home ready for the season without too much heavy lifting on your end. For example, you can simply grab an old wicker basket and fill it with plush throw blankets. This even looks quite lovely next to your sofa or an armchair. Swap out your throw pillows for some fall colors and fabrics, such as antelope or earthy tones, like moss. Better yet, create a cozy fall with memories dining with your best friends or having a glass of wine bundled up on your outdoor patio. The natural elements alone are enough to put us in the spirit and ease us into the approaching winter season.