19 Cheap Easy Fall Home Decor Ideas for Beginner DIYers

Fall decorating doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive, especially if you’re just starting out with DIY or you’re renting and want easy, non-permanent updates. You don’t have to spend a fortune to get your space looking autumnal and inviting.

In fact, there are tons of cheap and easy DIY projects that even beginner crafters can tackle. You could be a renter looking to add some festive flair or a homeowner wanting to switch up your decor on a budget.

Either way, these affordable fall decorating ideas have you covered. From Dollar Tree DIYs to thrift store flips and printable wall art, you can transform your space without breaking the bank.

These projects are designed to make your space feel cozy and seasonal without costing much or requiring special skills.

No-Carve Pumpkin Ideas for Renters

Carving pumpkins is fun, but if you’re renting or just don’t want a mess, there are loads of no-carve pumpkin ideas that look just as festive – and last way longer. Try these:

Washi Tape Stripes: Use colorful washi tape to add stripes, zigzags, or even spell out words like “Harvest” or “Fall.”
Temporary Tattoos: Yep, the kind you get for kids! Stick them on pumpkins for instant, detailed designs without any paint.
Fabric Wraps: Cut squares of plaid or burlap fabric and wrap them around small pumpkins. Tie with twine for a farmhouse look.
Decoupage: Use Mod Podge and paper napkins with fall patterns to cover a pumpkin. It’s easier than it sounds, and you can’t really mess it up.

These ideas work on both real and faux pumpkins, so you can reuse them year after year if you use plastic ones.

Easy Fall Wreaths on a Budget

A wreath on your door makes your home feel inviting right away. You don’t need fancy supplies or a glue gun to make one. Here’s how to DIY a fall wreath for under $10:

Grab a foam or wire wreath form from the dollar store or a craft store.
Use faux leaves, mini pumpkins, pinecones, or even strips of flannel shirt from the thrift store.
Secure everything with floral wire, twist ties, or hot glue (if you have it).
For a super easy version, just wrap the wreath form with a wide ribbon in plaid or burlap and tie a bow.

Hang your finished wreath on your front door or above your mantel. It instantly adds a pop of fall – even if you’re in an apartment.

Swap Out Your Pillows and Throws

One of the fastest ways to change up your space for fall is with soft stuff: pillows and blankets. Here’s how to do it on the cheap:

Pillow Covers: Instead of buying new pillows, grab pillow covers in orange, gold, or plaid. Amazon and Shein have super affordable options that fit over your existing pillows.
No-Sew Throw Blankets: Buy a yard or two of fleece in fall colors and just snip the edges into fringe – no sewing required. Drape over your couch or armchair.
DIY Sweater Pillow: Thrift an old sweater in a fall color, cut it to size, and slip it over a pillow insert. Tie or safety pin the ends shut for a cozy look.

This makes your whole living room feel warmer and more seasonal for just a few bucks.

Fresh Fall Finds from Nature

Nature’s basically giving you free decor this time of year – so take advantage! Here’s what to look for on your next walk:

Leaves: Collect colorful leaves and press them between books. Use them in garlands, frame them as art, or scatter them on your table runner.
Acorns and Pinecones: Fill bowls and jars with these for instant autumn texture.
Branches: Bare branches look great in tall vases. Add fairy lights for extra glow.
Dried Grass and Wheat: If you see lots of tall grass or wheat stalks, snip a few (where allowed) for natural arrangements.

Just remember to check for bugs and let everything dry out before bringing it inside.

Switch Up Your Scents

Scent is a big part of making your home feel cozy. You don’t have to buy fancy candles – try these easy ideas:

DIY Stovetop Potpourri: Simmer apple slices, cinnamon sticks, and cloves in water on your stove.
Cinnamon Stick Bundles: Tie cinnamon sticks together with twine and place them around your home.
Orange Peel Sachets: Dry orange peels and mix with cloves in small fabric bags (or even socks) to tuck into drawers.

If you do buy candles, look for scents like pumpkin spice, apple cider, or vanilla at discount stores.

Quick Kitchen Updates for Fall

The kitchen is often the heart of the home – make it feel festive with these simple swaps:

Tea Towels: Pick up fall-themed towels at Dollar Tree or Target’s dollar section.
Fake Mini Pumpkins: Group them in a bowl on your counter or windowsill.
Printable Recipe Cards: Find free printable cards online with pumpkin bread or apple pie recipes and display them on the fridge.
Chalkboard Sign: Use a mini chalkboard (just a buck at craft stores) to write a daily fall quote or dinner menu.

It doesn’t take much to make your kitchen feel ready for cozy baking days.

Simple Bathroom Touches

Don’t forget the bathroom! A few small changes go a long way:

Swap out your hand towels for warm colors like orange, red, or brown.
Add a mini pumpkin or vase of faux leaves to the sink area.
Change your soap dispenser to one with fall colors (or spray paint an old one).

Guests notice these little touches more than you’d think!

Front Porch Decorating for Less

Even if you just have a stoop or small patio, you can add curb appeal without spending much:

Stack hay bales (available at garden centers) with pumpkins and mums.
Hang a DIY leaf garland or wreath on the door.
Use lanterns or Mason jar luminaries from earlier ideas to light up steps at night.
Arrange thrifted baskets filled with pinecones and leaves by the door.

Everything’s temporary and easy to move if you’re renting.

Involve the Kids (or Your Roommates!)

Decorating is more fun when everyone gets involved. Try these family-friendly projects:

Paint Pinecones Together: Let everyone pick their favorite metallic color.
Leaf Rubbings: Put a leaf under paper and rub over it with crayons – frame the results!
Pumpkin Decorating Night: Skip carving and use markers, stickers, or googly eyes.

You’ll make memories and end up with decorations you actually want to keep.

Dollar Tree Pumpkin Vase Centerpiece

Grab a few plain glass vases or jars from Dollar Tree – these often come in sets of three or four for just a few dollars. Spray paint them in fall colors like matte orange, white, or gold. Once dry, fill them with faux fall florals (also available at Dollar Tree), like orange berries, sunflowers, or wheat stalks.

For an extra touch, glue on some faux leaves or wrap twine around the neck of each vase for a rustic look. Arrange the vases on your dining table or mantel for an instant fall centerpiece.

Thrift Store Frame Pumpkin Art

Head to a thrift store and pick up a large wooden picture frame without the glass (or remove it yourself). Paint the frame in a warm color like burnt orange or deep red.

Next, print out a simple pumpkin illustration or quote about fall – lots of free printable options are available online. Mount the print inside the frame, and you have a charming, personalized piece of fall wall art for just a few dollars.

Bonus: You can reuse this frame for other seasons by swapping out the artwork.

DIY Fall Leaf Luminaries from Paper Bags

This one is super easy and perfect for renters since it’s temporary. Pick up some plain brown paper lunch bags from Dollar Tree.

Use a hole punch or craft knife to cut out leaf shapes on the front of each bag (or draw leaves with markers). Place battery-operated tea lights inside the bags to create soft glowing luminaries that look beautiful on your porch or windowsill after dark.

These take less than 20 minutes to make and add a cozy glow without candles or flames.

Painted Thrift Store Pumpkins

Not all thrift store pumpkins are pretty – but that’s where paint comes in! Buy some inexpensive plastic or foam pumpkins from thrift shops or craft stores.

Give them a fresh coat of paint in trendy fall colors like white, metallic gold, or even black for a modern twist. Add some glitter or hand-paint simple patterns like stripes or polka dots.

Arrange your painted pumpkins in groups on shelves, tables, or stairs for an easy seasonal update that looks way more expensive than it is.

Printable Fall Quote Wall Art

If you’re short on time or crafting skills, printable art is your best friend. Websites like Etsy offer tons of affordable fall-themed printables with cozy quotes, leaf patterns, or pumpkin drawings.

Buy a few digital files for under $5 total, print them at home on cardstock or photo paper, and frame them in inexpensive frames from dollar stores or thrift shops.

Hang them in groups on any blank wall for an instant seasonal vibe. Plus, you can swap them out when winter rolls around – no fuss, no mess!

Rustic Wooden Crate Display

Pick up an old wooden crate from a thrift store or flea market (often under $10). Give it a light sanding and stain or paint it in warm brown tones.

Use it as a base for a fall vignette by filling it with mini pumpkins, pinecones, dried leaves, and candles. This crate can sit on your coffee table, entryway table, or even be wall-mounted as rustic shelving.

It’s a simple way to bring texture and warmth into your space without spending much.

Dollar Tree Candle Holder Makeover

Buy plain glass candle holders or jars at Dollar Tree. Spray paint them with a crackle finish spray paint to give them an aged, antique look.

Fill them with small pinecones, acorns, or cinnamon sticks before placing a candle inside. The combination of natural elements and candlelight will add cozy fall vibes throughout your home.

Simple DIY Leaf Garland

Cut leaf shapes out of orange, yellow, red, and brown cardstock (you can find free leaf templates online). Punch holes at the top of each leaf and string them together with twine to make a garland.

Hang this across your mantel, above doorways, or along stair railings for an instant pop of fall color. This project is beginner-friendly and fun to do with kids!

Pumpkin Mason Jar Lanterns

Pick up Mason jars from Dollar Tree or thrift stores. Paint the outside with orange glass paint or spray paint.

Once dry, use a black marker to draw jack-o’-lantern faces on the jars. Put battery-operated tea lights inside and line them up on your porch steps or window ledge for an easy festive display.

If you want to skip painting, you can glue on cut-out pumpkin face shapes from black paper instead.

Thrift Store Candle Stand Flip

Find an old candlestick holder at your local thrift store (usually $1-$3). Clean it up and spray paint it in copper or gold for a shiny new look.

Top it with a small plate or tray (also from thrift stores) using strong glue to create a tiered stand perfect for displaying mini pumpkins, fall-scented candles, or small potted plants.

Where to Find Printable Art?

If you want quick access to great printable wall art without spending much:

Etsy has tons of affordable seasonal prints starting at $1-$3 each.
Creative Market offers bundles of fall prints for low prices.
Pinterest has many free printables available if you search “free printable fall wall art.
Unsplash offers beautiful free photos you can print yourself.

Tips for Keeping It All Budget-Friendly

Here’s how to save money while still making your place feel amazing:

Shop at dollar stores first – they often have seasonal stock that sells out fast.
Hit thrift shops regularly; inventory changes weekly.
Download free printables instead of buying new art.
Reuse what you have – paint old vases, repurpose baskets, or swap decor between rooms.
Focus on high-impact areas: front door, living room, kitchen table.

Remember: It doesn’t have to be perfect – it just has to feel like fall to you!