50 Fall Decorating Ideas That Feel Like a Warm Hug (2024)

To prep your entire home for the season, begin with fall porch decor. Creating an inviting scene can be as simple as setting out two large planters filled with dried blooms on either side of the front door. Preserved hydrangeas bring autumn color to this bungalow designed by Leanne Ford.

While curtains can undoubtedly make a space feel warmer and cozier, there's also something to be said for letting in as much light as possible during the shorter fall days. This living room by designer Ashley Montgomery is a master class in minimalist fall decor, with bare windows allowing unobstructed views of the meadows outside.

If you're lucky enough to have a fireplace, ring in the fall season by reorienting your furniture toward the cold weather focal point of your room, as seen in this cozy cabin living room designed by Heidi Caillier. Trust us: There's no better place to pass a blustery autumn day than a front-row seat by the flames.

When it comes to autumnal fabrics, nothing feels quite as cozy and welcoming as velvet. The sumptuous texture begs to be touched and enjoyed, making it a great option for seasonal throw pillows or occasional seating, like the burgundy chairs in this room designed by Caroline Turner.

Give your lighting a seasonal refresh by swapping out your current lampshades for solid or patterned ones in fall hues like brown, orange, red, yellow, or burgundy. You can easily make the switch on anything from floor and table lamps to sconces, like the oxblood and gold ones in this library by designer CeCe Barfield Thompson.

Mixing up your fabrics is a great trick for transitioning seasons—but have you ever considered putting them on the wall? In this living room by interior designer Kevin Dumais, a green leather fabric covers the walls, adding texture and warmth.

The light, airy nature of open floorplans may feel great during the summer months, but a more closed-in, cuddled-up atmosphere works better for fall. Add some faux delineation between your rooms with a temporary divider, like this vintage folding screen. The end result? A space that instantly feels cozier and ready for hibernation.

You're going to be cozying up to the flames for at least the next few months, so why not make sure your fireplace is pretty enough to take center stage? If your mantel or fireplace decor could use an update, consider refreshing the tile in an eye-catching pattern like the one in this Leanne Ford–designed space.

Whether you own copper cookware or are looking for an excuse to invest in a set, treat the classic pieces as fall decor to warm up your kitchen. In this New Jersey kitchen by designer Birgitte Pearce, copper pans hang elegantly on a gold rail against a marble backsplash, bringing both warmth and patina to the space.

It's no secret that light becomes scarce during the fall, especially when the sun starts setting at 4 p.m. To chase away the seasonal scaries (and make the most of the light you do get), consider bringing in a few extra mirrors for the upcoming months, like the vintage one in this room designed by Heidi Caillier. They'll bounce light around and open it up so that it feels cozy, not cave-like.

Pillows are such an easy way to transition your living room for the season without making any major changes. Swap your summer shades for plush picks in deeper colors like burgundy, charcoal, and caramel, or seasonal patterns like the plaid seen in this living room designed by Christian Burch and John Frenchette.

It may be freezing outside, but we're willing to bet your body still craves a nature break. If chilly temps keep you indoors for most of the season, rearrange your room to take advantage of an outdoor view and fake it till you make it to spring. In this work-from-home space by designer Jen Samson, a modest desk gets the corner office treatment thanks to an expansive view of Lake Tahoe.

Fresh flowers can make any room feel more inviting, and while they may seem like more of a spring or summer thing, there are plenty of varietals that will appeal to your desire for fall vibes. Have fun placing a seasonal arrangement in an unexpected place, like the bundle of blooms in this luxe California bathroom designed by Harte Brownlee & Associates.

Textured paint techniques are totally in right now, and they're a great way to update your home for fall in line with current trends and the upcoming season. Limewash paint, as seen in this room by Rupp Studio, is particularly well-suited to this time of year, with a velvety finish that makes you feel like you're in a jewelry box.

For an easy update, swap out your kitchen towels or bath linens for festive alternatives, like the olive, cream, and burnt orange plaid one in this kitchen by Tammy Randall Wood of Interior Archaeology. It's a simple (and inexpensive!) way to add an extra layer of seasonality to your space.

Whether you harvest veggies from your own garden or get them from a market, set a few out in a large wooden bowl on your dining table. It's a natural centerpiece that doubles as decorative storage, as seen in this kitchen by designer Shavonda Gardner.

While wicker can easily lend itself to a dreamy coastal summer aesthetic, it can also add texture and warmth to interiors for fall. Consider bringing small touches of the natural material into your home, like these wicker pendant lights seen in this bedroom designed by Lauren Nelson.

Craft your way to a seasonal space with a DIY wreath—or a beautiful store-bought version. Designer Elizabeth Pash upgraded this ready-made wreath with a coral bow to make the cheerful blue door feel more fall-ready.

If you plan on entertaining a lot this fall, start setting the tone for the season's festivities in the entryway. Here, designer Kylee Shintaffer blanketed the entire space in wood for a rustic feel, then added red blooms and a matching throw pillow on the bench.

To enjoy your alfresco escape for as long as possible, you may need to make a few fall-inspired changes. Swap out your outdoor throw pillows for ones in fall-friendly colors—as seen here in this Emily Henderson-designed retreat—or add a toasty outdoor fire pit so you can hang outside into the cooler months.