18 DIY Fall Decorating Ideas For Apartments You Have To Recreate

Looking for some simple fall decorating ideas for apartments? Whether you’re in a cozy studio or a spacious loft, bringing the warmth and charm of autumn into your space is easier than you might think. 

From simple DIY projects to clever use of seasonal colors, there are countless ways to create a cozy, fall-inspired vibe in your apartment without breaking the bank. 

Let’s dive into some fun and easy ideas that will make your home feel like an autumn retreat, perfect for those crisp, cool days!

This post is all about DIY fall decorating ideas for apartments. 

How do you decorate for fall on a budget?

• Sometimes less is more when it comes to home decor. Don’t feel pressured to make everything on this list for your apartment! 
• Upcycle items you already own to incorporate them into these projects
• Try to forage seasonal items like florals, branches etc. to incorporate them into your designs 
• Make the most of pumpkin patches and farmer’s markets to find seasonal produce. It makes great decor for a few days and yummy fall dishes like these. 

How To Make Your Apartment Feel Like Fall

1. DIY dried orange garland

Dried oranges are a holiday classic for a reason! They are so easy to make and their orange color ties perfectly with a classic fall color scheme.

Once you dehydrate your oranges, use some twine to string them up for a rustic look!

2. Large colorful leaves in large vases

Go for a nice fall walk and enjoy the cool air. While you’re out there keep an eye out for large leaves with long stems. 

Rinse them off and place them in a large vase for a simple yet seasonal centerpiece.

3. Locally grown fall flowers and foliage in a vase

Head to your local farmer’s market to check out the seasonal foliage for sale.

Make a beautiful bouquet to leave on your kitchen counters. You can let the florals take the spotlight or add a ribbon around the vase for extra charm.

4. Fabric garland with autumn leaves

Make this adorable garland by cutting up some old t-shirts, pillowcases, or fabric.

Make sure to choose fall colors and then string them up with some twine! 

5. Carved pumpkin for your apartment patio

A fall classic, the carved pumpkin! Get creative by choosing one of our easy pumpkin carving ideas for beginners!

Whether you want a classic Jack-O-Lantern face or something more unique like floral patterns, there are plenty of easy ways to create a cute pumpkin all your own.

Decorate your apartment patio with your cute new creation! 

6. Paint thrifted plates to celebrate the beauty of fall

Pick up some cheap white plates from the thrift store to display your beautiful artwork! You don’t have to be a pro artist. Choose a simple pattern (like mini pumpkins!) and let your creativity take over. 

If you are worried about your artistic skills, just use stencils!

You can then prop them up on a shelf or corner of your kitchen to display them. Some larger plates can also be used as the base of your fall kitchen centerpiece.

7. Fall themed poems on shelves 

Use an old picture frame or thrift one to hold your favorite fall poem! If you like calligraphy or want to learn it you can write your poem. Or you can print one off in your favorite font. 

Here are a few fall quotes to get you started: 

• “Fall is proof that change is beautiful.” — Unknown
• “Autumn shows us how beautiful it is to let things go.” — Unknown
• “Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall.” — F. Scott Fitzgerald
• “Autumn…the year’s last, loveliest smile.” — William Cullen Bryant

8. Fairy lights to brighten up a small space

Fairy lights can be so versatile when it comes to home decor. You can drape them across your mantle and weave them through piles of pumpkins or wrap them around mason jars filled with fall candy or pine cones.

There are truly so many ways to use these dainty lights!

9. DIY candle for cozy fall apartment vibes 

Make your own DIY candle with fall scents! It can be so easy to only think of visuals when it comes to decorating but to really tie your whole space together bring in the power of scent.

Pumpkin spice floating through the air creates that cozy autumnal feel.

10. Burlap for tablecloth

If you are making a scarecrow for your apartment patio or porch, save some of the burlap to create a tablecloth or table runner! 

You can fray the edges to further the rustic and worn-in look. 

If you really want to go the extra mile you can embroider fall leaves on it as well! 

11. Seasonal produce to get in the fall spirit 

This may be the easiest decor tip on the list! Head to your local pumpkin patch or if you’re lucky grab some produce from your garden. 

You can create your own little pumpkin patch in your entryway by bunching your goodies together.

Be sure to mix things up with different types of seasonal produce you pick out between the shapes and sizes. It may look a bit awkward if it is too uniform! 

12. Fall Foliage on your mantle

Combine a few different elements to create a cohesive look on your mantle.

Be sure to have a mix of fullness horizontally while also bringing the eye upwards with candlesticks and vases.

13. Felt pumpkins in warm colors

Pick up some orange fabric to make these super adorable pumpkin pillows! You can either use old fabric for the inside or newspaper. 

14. DIY leaf wreath for your front door

Copy this super cute fall wreath by collecting your favorite leaves! Then cover them in a layer of coconut wax to preserve them to last the whole fall season. 

15. Fall wall art for an easy way to decorate 

Grab a cute frame from the thrift store or use one you already have. Replace it with fall wall art. We have some fall digital wall art you can download here or you can make your own. 

Add cute sayings or graphics of fall-themed things! 

16. Dried foliage in an upcycled bottle

Don’t recycle your glass bottles quite yet! Rinse them out and paint them to hold dried flowers.

Cream and terracotta colored paint are great colors that tie into the earthy feel of fall and will act as a nice base for your arrangement. 

17. Paint pumpkins to fit your unique decor

If you don’t want the mess that comes with carving pumpkins, paint some!

You can keep it simple with neutrals like the ones above or get fancy with different colors and designs that fit your home decor. 

18. A basket of mini pumpkins for a simple living room centerpiece

Again, with more pumpkins! You can really never have too many pumpkins when it comes to fall decor. Find an unused wicker basket in your home and fill it with mini pumpkins. 

I hope these DIY home decor projects get your creative juices flowing as you try to find ways to decorate your apartment for fall! No matter your artistic skill there are plenty of simple ways to bring the essence of fall into your living space and to create a cozy atmosphere.

Have any other fall decorating ideas for apartments? Let us know in the comments below! I’m sure others in the community would love to learn from you as well.

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Stay well, 

Maggie

This post was all about budget-friendly fall decorating ideas for apartments.

Other posts you may like: 

7 Sustainable Fall Family Activities For New Fall Traditions

Recreate These Easy Pumpkin Carving Ideas for Beginners

14 Charming Farmhouse Kitchen Ideas on a Budget

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