12 Ways to Decorate for Fall Without Spending a Dime

Decorating for fall can go far beyond pumpkins and plaid. It's the season of rich textures, warm colors, and nubby knits. It's when you can layer enthusiastically, embracing your inner cottage dweller while happily sipping on your pumpkin spice latte.

And, while you could go overboard buying decor items old and new to turn your home into a Gilmore Girls set, fall is also one of the easiest seasons to channel without spending a dime. You can repurpose items from around your home and in your yard to create that rich, warm look that ushers in autumn.

Ready to pull out your best cozy mysteries and grab a cup of spiced tea? Here are 12 ways to get your home ready for fall, without a single trip to the store for new throw pillows.

Bring Fall Colors Indoors

"Go outside and collect colorful leaves and pinecones to fill vases and surround candles," says interior designer Chantelle Malarkey. She suggests choosing the autumnal colors that will warm up a space, choosing vibrantly colored leaves that have fallen and cutting fall flowers from the yard. Look for yellows, purples, reds, and oranges.

Because it's fall, the leaves and flowers still look seasonal even after they've started to dry out, extending the life of your floral decor.

Use All the Candles

You probably have candles around the house somewhere, so bring them all into the same vignette this fall. Add more, and then add even more.

"Candles, always candles. I like to have mine immersed in large glass hurricane lamps or vases, partly for safety but I also love the look. I like having candles of different sizes in the same vessel," says Gillian Gillies, interior designer and founder of Gillian Gillies Interiors.

Layer Baskets

"Often underestimated, baskets serve as perfect rustic additions. Use them to hold seasonal fruits or as a centerpiece, and watch them come alive in a new space," says Artem Kropovinsky, interior designer and founder of Arsight.

These rich, warm textural pieces are often hiding in a bookcase or upper kitchen cabinet, just waiting for their moment to shine, and this is it.

Let Kitchen Items Do Double Duty

Shop your kitchen to find all of the natural, organic textures that feel like they came right out of a autumnal woodland cottage. "Wooden cutting boards or copper pots can be displayed in the living room or entryway. Their textures and finishes scream fall," Kropovinsky says.

"Try a juice or water pitcher, bowl or cake stand, or even your cutting boards. These all make for interesting repurposed decorative items for your table tops." James Stanley, interior designer, founder, and principal at James Stanley NY says. Add in a few gourds or other pinecones, and you have a magazine-worthy fall arrangement.

Add a Ribbon

"Go to your ribbon drawer and add fall color ribbon to your pre existing items like vases, candles, jars and pots," Malarkey says. Try a velvet rest colored ribbon around a hurricane vase or a deep forest green grosgrain to tie back your drapery.

Raid Your Closet

"Don’t forget your closet, as scarves or sweaters are perfect for decorative throws on your sofa, side chair, or bed," Stanley says.

You could try a thick, chunky oatmeal knit sweater draped gently on an accent chair just as you would a throw blanket, or you could get creative with a richly colored silk scarf. Try a plum, deep magenta, or rust orange for an elegant look.

Fill Up Your Wood Pile

Chopping wood might seem like a purely practical task to get your fireplace ready for cold winter nights, but it can also help add to the autumnal ambiance. "Collect wood and place by the fireplace for a warm cozy feel indoors," says Malarkey. It's even better when you have a vintage log holder to corral the wood.

Incorporate Crafts

"Group projects and arts and crafts become wonderful ways to spend time with family, and these craft projects are great decorations to cozy up the home during the fall," says Vy Truong, co-owner of interior design firm Very Handsome Studio.

You could even invite friends over to craft fall DIY decor by repurposing items you have around the house, and send everyone home with a cozy new project.

Move Around Your Lamps

Fall is the season for ambient lighting, so commit to avoiding the default to your overhead lights this year. Instead, move around your lamps to spread out the glow.

"Lamps from your bedroom or study might look entirely different and inviting in your living room during the shorter, cozier days of fall," Kropovinsky says.

Style Autumn Colored Books

"Use old books with autumn toned covers, stack them on your coffee table decor and serve up some literary realness," suggests Madison Popper, principal and founder of Chill Casa.

Not only do they add a bookish, fall look to your room styling, but they also give you an excuse to sit and relax for a while.

Create a Leaf Garland

"You can also string leaves above your fireplace for a nice fall garland," Malarkey says. Think about it as the precursor to your holiday decor. Plus, it's an excuse to traipse around in your yard, picking up leaves, and smelling those wonderfully nostalgic, crisp scents of early fall.

Mix Up Textures

"Mixing textures is the perfect way to switch it up during the seasons. You can swap out from room to room. Switch up the covers on your decor pillows or take a blanket from a bedroom to the arm on your sofa," Stanley says.

The more chunky, cozy knits the better. Add all the layers to your living room, bedroom, and anywhere else you want to encourage curling up as the days get shorter.