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Ever scrolled through Pinterest or walked through a decor aisle and wished you could bring those fall vibes home—without emptying your wallet? You’re not alone. Creating that cozy fall atmosphere doesn’t have to be expensive. With just a few budget-friendly items and a little creativity, you can refresh your space for the season without overspending.
Think about using pumpkins, pinecones, and vibrant leaves straight from nature. Or repurposing everyday items around your home into beautiful, festive decor.
This guide is packed with tips on how to transform your space into a warm autumn haven—using both DIY projects and affordable finds that won’t break the bank!
Mason Jar Lanterns with String Lights
Turn mason jars into glowing lanterns to create a magical fall ambiance! Simply fill them with string lights to glow softly across any room or outdoor space. To make this project even more affordable, consider recycling jars you already have at home, like used jars from bread spreads or jams. The ones with silver or gold lids work especially well.
The key to success here is creativity! You can take it a step further by placing the jars on a wooden tray and surrounding them with dried maple leaves to create a stunning centerpiece.
If you’re looking to enhance this idea, there are plenty of cheaper options for string lights available online. You can find customized string lights designed specifically for mason jars or twinkling lights that create a more whimsical look.
Fall Pumpkins Decor Set
Unlike real pumpkins and natural elements that will eventually spoil, these artificial pieces can be reused season after season, saving you money in the long run. Plus, buying items in a set is often more affordable, whether you shop online or in-store!
A set like this offers a fantastic way to create beautiful centerpieces, vase fillers, or tiered tray arrangements for the season. With various faux pumpkins, gourds, maple leaves, acorns, and pinecones, this set is perfect for crafting that harvest vibe.
Candle Arrangement in a Wooden Tray
Arrange candles of varying heights in a wooden tray to create an inviting atmosphere. For a budget-friendly option, you can use items you already have at home. A wooden tray—or any decorative tray—combined with different candles can make for an effortless and stylish setup.
The soft glow of candlelight instantly adds warmth to any room, making it perfect for fall evenings when you want to embrace the season’s charm.
If you have scented candles like pumpkin spice, cinnamon, or vanilla, they’ll add an extra layer of autumn vibe to your space. You can also enhance the look by adding small faux pumpkins, pinecones, or dried leaves for a seasonal touch.
However, if you don’t have these materials on hand, don’t worry! You can still purchase these items at a low price. Look for cheaper options at your local dollar stores, discount retailers, or online for deals on candles and trays to complete your decor.
Fall Table Runners
One clever hack to save money this season is to use simple, readily available items like autumn-themed table runners. They come in a variety of designs, such as this one featuring orange pumpkins and eucalyptus leaves, and they add the perfect touch for Thanksgiving gatherings, seasonal dinners, or any special fall event.
Table runners also blend style with functionality. They protect your table from hot pans, scratches, and spills while also serving as a beautiful decorative piece.
Painted Pinecones in a Basket
Collect and paint pinecones to bring a festive touch to your home in a budget-friendly way. Display them in a wicker basket or tray to create a simple yet rustic statement piece.
If you already have pinecones and a basket at home, you’re in luck! All you need is a can of spray paint in a golden orange or copper shade to give the pinecones a fresh, autumnal look.
For those who prefer to keep things natural, you don’t need to paint the pinecones at all. A fully rustic look can be just as beautiful, allowing the natural textures and shapes to bring a touch of the outdoors inside—all without spending a penny.
While an authentic wicker basket can be a bit pricey, there are more affordable alternatives. For a cheaper option, consider using a willow basket.
Fall Throw Pillow Covers
Throw pillow covers are another practical way to enhance your fall retreat. You can choose covers featuring maple leaves or pumpkins or simply match the colors to warm autumn hues.
If you have ample space, consider creating a fall-inspired porch. To set the mood, add string lights, lanterns, pumpkins, and other seasonal decor.
The best part? These items are reusable each season, which helps you save money in the long run. Plus, they’re versatile enough to incorporate into your living room, bedroom, or outdoor spaces!
DIY Pumpkin Vase Centerpiece
Hollow a simple pumpkin out and use it as a vase to transform it into a stunning centerpiece. This DIY project offers a seasonal touch that is perfect for dining tables, coffee tables, or entryways.
Fill the hollow pumpkin with vibrant fall flowers, such as dahlias, chrysanthemums, and eucalyptus leaves, to create a charming arrangement that brings the beauty of autumn indoors.
While artificial pumpkins can be reused year after year, natural pumpkins provide an authentic, earthy feel that perfectly encapsulates the essence of the season.
Want to give this DIY project a try? Read this detailed guide: This Pumpkin Centerpiece Is Perfect for Fall – See How to Create It in 10 Easy Steps
Fake Fall Leaves
Artificial leaves are an inexpensive way to decorate your home. They come in a variety of rich autumnal shades—yellow, orange, green, brown, and red—perfectly mimicking the look of real maple leaves.
While you can certainly use real leaves in your decor, faux leaves will maintain their vibrant color and can be reused for many fall seasons to come.
Plus, the creative possibilities with faux leaves are endless! Use them to make garlands and table centerpieces, or add them to mason jars with small string lights for a festive touch.
DIY Candle Wrapped with Cinnamon Sticks
Wrap cinnamon sticks around a candle to add a touch of rustic charm to your decor. This simple yet elegant project not only looks great but also releases a subtle cinnamon fragrance when the candle is lit, filling your home with the spicy scents of autumn.
For a budget-friendly version, you can easily create this look using items you already have at home, such as a candle, cinnamon sticks, and twine. Simply tie the cinnamon sticks around the candle with twine, and you have a beautiful fall accent for your coffee table, mantel, or dining table.
If you want to create your own cinnamon stick candle, check out this detailed guide: DIY: How To Make Candle Decorated With Cinnamon Sticks
Knitted Fall Decor
If you’re a fan of DIY, crocheting is perfect for you! With a crochet set, the possibilities are endless—you can create pumpkins, leaves, and more to bring a handmade touch to your fall decorations. The best part? It’s an affordable way to decorate not just for this season but year-round.
If you’re making pumpkins, scrap fabric or old cloth can be a great alternative to polyester filling—it’s all about being resourceful and recycling what you already have at home. Plus, crocheting can become a fun new hobby, saving you money on seasonal decor!
DIY Autumn Wreath
A beautiful wreath like this one adds a welcoming touch to any door or wall. With its rich colors of fall foliage, pinecones, acorns, and berries, it is the perfect seasonal accent for your home. To save money, you can make a DIY version using materials like faux leaves, pinecones, and miniature pumpkins—all of which can often be found at craft stores or even in your backyard.
For a step-by-step guide on how to create your own autumn wreath, check out this helpful tutorial: Craft Your Own Cozy Autumn Wreath—Easy DIY Guide
Wrapping Up Your Cozy Fall Look
The key to saving money while decorating for the season lies in DIY projects, using natural materials, and repurposing items you already have at home. Whether it’s crafting your own decor or smart shopping, there are endless ways to make your space cozy without breaking the bank.
When purchasing decor items, it’s important to be savvy with your decisions. Look for affordable, high-quality items by shopping around, comparing prices, and taking advantage of sales or online discounts.
You’ll be surprised at how much you can save just by knowing where to shop and when to buy. With a little creativity and resourcefulness, you can transform your home into a stunning autumn retreat while staying well within your budget.
So, gather those mason jars, pinecones, and pumpkins, and start crafting your perfect fall space today!
The candles on a wooden tray are perfect autumn home decor. I love the minimal, unfixed look and the coziness of wood and candlelight.