7 Beautiful Ways to Decorate for Fall Without Spending a Dime

The allure of purchasing new fall décor is real; you can easily drop hundreds of dollars on cozy, seasonal design elements. However, it doesn't have to be this way—in fact, there are many beautiful decorations that cost no money at all.

This season, we challenge you to think outside of the retail aisles—enticing though they may be—and use what you already have on hand. To help you get started, we spoke to design experts about their favorite ways to decorate for fall—all without spending a single penny.

Forage Front Door Décor

Step outside and gather what nature offers for free: tall sticks, branches, dried grasses, wildflowers, pine cones, seed pods, or even palm fronds if you’re near the coast.

“Tie them together into a rustic, oversized bundle and lean it right against your front door for instant charm,” says DIY expert Mackenzie Biehl. Alternatively, weave them into a rustic wreath.

You can also simply store them in an empty pot, basket, or planter. Biehl suggests mixing and matching textures and heights—or even try making two bundles to frame the door. You can tie them with rope, twine, or an old scarf. 

Create Autumn Leaf Strands

You know those popcorn strands that you drape around the Christmas tree or across the fireplace mantle? This is the same idea, only with autumn leaves.

Maggie McGaugh, a lifestyle content creator, says to collect leaves of every size and color—bright red, burnt orange, or even brown—and connect them with embroidery thread, fishline, or whatever you have on hand. Drape across the entryway, fireplace mantel, or windowsill. 

Showcase Evergreen Sprigs

Clip evergreen sprigs or homegrown rosemary or lavender, and then place them in bud vases around the house.

These fragrant, free accents add some texture and earthiness to your space. Cluster a few together on a mantel or scatter them in unexpected places, like a bathroom vanity or a bedside table.

Fill Vases With Branches

Another idea that pulls from nature’s bounty is to collect fallen branches and place them in a vase for a rustic centerpiece, according to expert DIY-er Siobhan Alvarez-Borland. If you have string or fairy lines on hand, you can intertwine them. 

Repurpose Cozy Textiles

Look around your home for scarves, throws, or even old flannel shirts—these pieces can double as décor.

“Drape a plaid scarf over a side table, layer a chunky knit blanket at the foot of the bed, or even use a shawl as a runner down your dining table,” says hosting expert Rachel Leonard Kennedy.

Want to give your sofa an instant refresh? “Button a flannel shirt over a throw pillow, tuck the shirt tails in, then wrap the arms around the front and tie with a knot," she says.

She recommends sticking to one color story and then layering in textures for a more intentional look.

Incorporate Existing Decorative Details

Similarly, consider what small design details you already have, and get creative about layering them into your fall décor.

“An old basket can easily become a fall centerpiece when filled with apples or squash,” says Alvarez-Borland. “Empty jars or mismatched mugs can double as mini vases for foraged greenery.” 

Stick to a color palette of warm oranges, deep reds, and cozy neutrals so that even mismatched items look intentional. 

DIY Citrus Candle Accents

You can even repurpose hollowed-out citrus and use them as makeshift candleholders.

“Simply carve a shallow hole to fit a tea light and group several together on a tray for a warm, cozy glow,” says Kennedy. “Cluster them in odd numbers and varying sizes—three or five works best—for a natural but styled look. Place them on a reflective tray or mirror to amplify the flicker of the candlelight.”