Crisp air, pumpkin spice everything, and the cozy embrace of a chunky knit sweater—fall is officially on its way. But let’s be real: transforming your home into an autumnal haven can get expensive fast. Those perfectly curated displays at high-end stores have price tags that can make your wallet weep.
What if I told you that you could get that same warm, inviting vibe without breaking the bank? You can. The secret to stunning fall home décor on a budget isn’t about spending more; it’s about getting creative. This guide will walk you through 20 brilliant and affordable ideas—all under $20—using simple DIY projects, clever Dollar Tree finds, and budget-friendly Amazon gems.
Creative & Cheap DIY Fall Home Décor Ideas
There’s nothing more satisfying than creating something beautiful with your own hands. These DIY projects are simple, fun, and incredibly light on the wallet.
1. Painted Dollar Tree Pumpkins: Grab a few of those bright orange foam pumpkins from Dollar Tree. Instead of leaving them as is, give them a high-end makeover with chalk paint in muted tones like sage green, creamy white, or slate gray. A light dusting of cinnamon before the paint dries can add a rustic texture.
2. Rustic Mason Jar Candle Holders:
- Step 1: Gather a few empty mason jars (or buy them cheap at a craft store).
- Step 2: Wrap the middle of the jar with twine or burlap ribbon.
- Step 3: Tuck a small sprig of faux eucalyptus or a cinnamon stick into the twine.
- Step 4: Place a battery-operated tea light inside for a safe, warm glow on your mantle or coffee table.
3. Foraged Leaf & Twig Garland: This one is completely free! Take a walk and collect beautiful fallen leaves and interesting twigs. Once home, simply use your twine to tie the stems of the leaves and the twigs along its length, creating a natural, beautiful garland to drape over a mirror or doorway.
4. No-Sew Fabric Pumpkins: Have an old flannel shirt, a cozy sweater, or some scrap fabric? You can make adorable pumpkins.
- Step 1: Cut a circle of fabric.
- Step 2: Fill the center with rice, beans, or pillow stuffing.
- Step 3: Cinch the fabric together at the top and secure it with a rubber band.
- Step 4: Hot glue a small twig or a cinnamon stick in the center for a stem.
Your Guide to High-End Dollar Tree Fall Décor
Dollar Tree is a goldmine for cheap fall décor ideas if you know what to look for. The trick is to find items that can stand alone or be easily customized to look more expensive.
5. Faux Pumpkins & Gourds: Skip the foam ones for this and look for the plastic pumpkins and gourds in neutral colors. Group them in a wooden bowl or a basket for an instant centerpiece.
6. Autumnal Faux Florals: Look for faux eucalyptus, wheat stalks, or maple leaf stems. Placed in a simple vase you already own, they add a touch of nature without the need for water.
7. Festive Table Runners: Dollar Tree often has simple burlap or plaid table runners that can instantly add a layer of texture and color to your dining room table or entryway console.
8. Themed Wall Art & Wooden Signs: While some signs can look a bit generic, you can often find simple ones with words like “Grateful” or “Welcome.” You can even paint over them to create a custom piece of art.
9. Craft Supplies for DIYs: This is a no-brainer. Stock up on wreath forms, twine, burlap ribbon, and floral wire to make the DIY projects mentioned above even cheaper.
Must-Have Amazon Fall Décor Finds Under $20
When you need something specific, Amazon is the perfect place to find Amazon fall décor under $20. Here are a few curated finds that deliver maximum coziness for minimal cost.
10. Velvet or Corduroy Pillow Covers: Instead of buying new pillows, just buy new covers! A set of two velvet or corduroy covers in rust, olive green, or mustard yellow can completely transform your sofa for under $20.
11. Warm White Battery-Operated Fairy Lights: These are a game-changer. Weave them through a centerpiece, put them in a clear vase with some mini pumpkins, or drape them over your headboard to create an instant warm and magical ambiance.
12. Scented Fall Candles: Nothing says “fall” like the scent of pumpkin spice or apple cider. You can easily find high-quality, long-lasting scented candles on Amazon for under $15 that will make your whole home smell incredible.
13. Small Faux Plant Stems: For those small, empty spots on a bookshelf or end table, a few faux eucalyptus or maple leaf stems in a tiny bud vase adds the perfect finishing touch.
14. A Cozy Plaid Throw Blanket: While many are over $20, you can often find smaller, lightweight plaid fleece or flannel throws on Amazon that are perfect for draping over an armchair or the foot of a bed.
One of the best investments for creating that perfect autumn mood is a set of flickering flameless LED candles. You can find multi-packs on Amazon for well under $20, and they are the ultimate “set it and forget it” décor. Place them on your mantle among some faux leaves, inside lanterns on your porch, or clustered on your dining table without any worry about an open flame. Many even come with a remote and timer function, so your home can automatically feel cozy and welcoming as soon as the sun sets. They provide all the ambiance with none of the hazard.
Cozying Up Your Living Room & Porch on a Dime
Now, let’s put it all together. Here’s how to use your budget finds to style the most-used spaces in and outside your home.
15. The “Cozy Corner” Living Room Hack: Designate one corner of your living room as the “cozy corner.” Place an armchair there, add one of your new Amazon pillow covers, drape a throw blanket over the side, and place a small table next to it with a candle and a book. It’s an intentional and inviting living room fall décor statement.
16. Layer, Layer, Layer: The key to a cozy look is texture. Lay a Dollar Tree table runner on your coffee table, place a tray on top, and fill it with your DIY painted pumpkins and a candle.
17. A Welcoming Front Porch: For amazing fall décor ideas outdoor, you don’t need much. A pot of mums (often under $10 at a grocery or hardware store), a few real pumpkins, and a simple wreath on the door is all it takes to create a warm welcome.
18. The Easiest DIY Outdoor Wreath: Buy a grapevine wreath form from Dollar Tree. Then, simply use floral wire to attach a few of your foraged twigs and faux floral stems. It’s a rustic, chic look you can create in 15 minutes.
The Secret to a Designer Look: Mix, Match & Shop Your Home
The final step is to make everything look cohesive and intentional.
19. The High/Low Mix: The best-kept secret of interior designers is the “high/low” mix. Combine your DIY fall décor and Dollar Tree finds with one or two slightly nicer pieces you already own. For example, place your cheap faux pumpkins on a beautiful wooden serving tray you love. For more inspiration on mixing styles, check out this guide from a trusted source like HGTV.
20. “Shop Your Home” First: Before you buy anything, look around your house. Do you have a wicker basket? Fill it with blankets or pumpkins. Do you have books with orange or brown spines? Stack them on a table. Using items you already own is the ultimate budget hack for fall decorations for the home.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I decorate my home for fall on a budget? The best way is to combine DIY projects using natural or cheap craft-store elements, scout for hidden gems at Dollar Tree, and supplement with affordable basics like pillow covers and candles from Amazon.
How can I make fall decorations at home? Making your own fall decorations is easy! Try painting cheap craft store pumpkins, creating garlands from foraged leaves, or making no-sew fabric pumpkins from old shirts or scrap fabric.
What is the cheapest way to decorate for fall? The absolute cheapest way is to use elements from nature. Go for a walk and collect beautiful leaves, acorns, and pinecones. These can be used to fill vases, create centerpieces, or make garlands for free.
Conclusion
Creating a home that feels like a warm hug on a cool autumn day doesn’t require a hefty budget—just a little creativity and a smart strategy. By mixing handmade items with savvy store-bought finds, you can curate beautiful and cozy fall home decorations that look far more expensive than they are. Being smart with your decorating budget can build great habits for your overall financial health. If you’re looking to apply that same savvy mindset to bigger goals, it helps to understand different strategies, like those explored in this guide on the 3 Key Differences: Debt Snowball vs. Debt Avalanche Methods for Paying Off Debt.
Now you have 20 ideas to get you started. Which one is your favorite? Do you have any other budget-friendly fall décor tips? Share them in the comments below—I’d love to hear them!
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