Fall is right around the corner, so it’s time to fill your home with warmth and coziness befitting the season. Although everyone loves the classic pumpkins and plaid, there’s always room for more unique and unconventional autumn decor ideas.
Here are some out-of-the-box ways to embrace the season in style.
Monochromatic Decor
Fall decor is usually characterized by layers of warm colors. Decorating for the season usually means shades of orange, brown, mustard and beige swirled into a warm palette known and beloved by all.
You can move away from the tried-and-tested colors and embrace a clean, minimalist look. Do this by sticking with just one shade and creating a monochromatic scheme. You can pull off this unconventional decor choice by sticking to a white background and using your chosen hue strategically.
Use key pieces to highlight the color and smaller finishing items to tie the look together. For instance, if you’ve chosen tan, start with large elements like curtains and rugs. Then, you can move on to smaller pieces like painted pumpkins and vases.
Ensure plant color matches, too. Dried grass and light wood are ideal for a tan palette. Finally, you can select wall art pieces that fit within your chosen color.
Dark Autumn Shades
Autumn usually brings a warm, orange-based color palette to mind. This year, opt for a more dramatic and unexpected look. Choosing a dark color scheme can add an intense and rich feel to your home while keeping that beloved fall coziness.
Start with dark hues of purple and wine mixed in with black and brown. Use dark wood and wrought iron for accents. You can also use textiles, such as cotton, hemp, linen and wool, to enhance the rich, vintage atmosphere while maintaining warmth. Finish with mood lighting like electronic candles inside decorative lanterns.
Going Green
It may seem uncharacteristic of autumn to use green decor, but it can work to bring an earthy atmosphere to your home. Plus, green is a healing color that can improve your health and your relationships with others.
For fall decor, muted greens like sage and olive are the key. For plants, go for eucalyptus leaves and succulents. Focus on green glass and light to medium-toned wood in accent items. You can also add pops of white using flowers, candles and ceramics.
Highlight the natural theme by using glass dome terrariums as centerpieces. Remember to pop some green mini pumpkins inside.
Pressed Leaves
If you’ve been to a craft store in the fall, you’ve probably seen the aisles full of faux foliage. While store-bought leaves and autumnal garland can be great for decorating, you can save some money by collecting your own leaves and making pressed creations.
Once you spot some orange and red leaves falling from trees, collect some and press them between the pages of a book. After about two weeks, the leaves will be dried out. You can then use them any way you like. Here are a few ideas:
- Arrange the leaves in picture frames to create wall decor.
- Glue leaves to the inside of a vase with modge podge and put a candle inside for an autumnal glow.
- Adhere them to string or wire to create garland.
- Fill a bowl with leaves and other natural elements, like pinecones, to make table centerpieces.
Candy-Colored Fall
Turn against tradition this year by choosing bright candy colors. Focus on warmer hues to maintain the fall atmosphere.
Some recommended colors are teal, magenta, bright blues and hot pinks. Go for pastels for a more understated look. Include playful elements like round or uniquely shaped vases. Take the theme further by painting pumpkins, gourds and acorns in candy colors, and add flowers for a finishing touch.
Crochet, Knit and Macrame
Traditionally, the only things you knit for autumn are blankets and sweaters. However, many people are now using yarn crafting in home decor. Knitting, crochet and macrame are becoming increasingly popular for their warmth and unique charm.
Incorporate them into your home with basic pieces like table runners, pillowcases and coasters. Choose macrame wall decor hung from a dried branch for a more bohemian vibe.
3D decor is a more quirky element, such as crochet flower bouquets. For fall, crochet a set of mini pumpkins and use them as a centerpiece. You can also create a garland made with crocheted autumn leaves. The possibilities are endless.
Shine and Sparkle
Fall is all about coziness, simplicity and warmth, which is why it’s more commonly associated with humble rustic vibes. However, adding some sparkle can give you a more flashy and glam atmosphere this year.
Go for elements that are covered in glitter or shiny metallic paint. Instead of muted textures, go for glossy and glittery decor that grabs your attention the moment you walk in.
You can add sequined pillowcases, golden pumpkins, glossy flower vases, glitter-dipped flowers and more. You can even use fairy lights to increase the sparkle.
To keep the fall vibe intact, go for warm yet bright metallic tones like rose and yellow gold.
Dual Purpose Decor
Dual-purpose fall decor has been gaining traction recently. Items that seamlessly transition from autumn to Christmas are unique and practical. Plus, you only need to decorate once!
The holidays share a lot of design elements, so it makes sense. For instance, wreaths can be used for autumn and Christmas. You simply need to blend different components to make it work.
For your fall-to-holidays Christmas tree, use mini pumpkins and acorns in addition to the usual baubles. You can also incorporate rustic elements like burlap and twine.
Sticking to neutrals, natural tones, copper and gold can help make your decor last through the end of the year.
Fall Decor That Stands Out
This autumn, take a brave leap into more unconventional decorations. Explore different themes, dabble in new crafts and experiment with unexpected color palettes. After all, the season is less about the decor and more about the spirit of warmth, love and family.
Author bio: Cora Gold is a home decor blogger and editor of women’s lifestyle magazine, Revivalist. Connect with Cora on LinkedIn, Pinterest and X.