87 Easy Ways to Transition Your Home Decor From Summer To Fall

Summer might be winding down, but that just means it’s just about time to break out the pumpkins, cozy textures, and a whole lot of fall charm. If you’re wondering how to transition your home decor from summer to fall without going full Halloween in August, I’ve got you covered.

Whether you’re still sipping iced tea on the porch or already eyeing the flannel throws, the in-between season is the perfect time to slowly bring a little autumn magic indoors and start refreshing your living space.

Around here, that means packing away the seashells and beach glass and welcoming in branches, apples, and anything that smells like pumpkin spice.

Fall is all about warmth, coziness, and making your home feel like a big seasonal hug—and it doesn’t have to be complicated (or expensive).

fall centerpiece on table in kitchen

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cottage style fall living room

The transition from summer to fall is a delicate balancing act between embracing the last warm days and welcoming the cozier vibes of autumn.

When is it time to start decorating for fall? Short answer…whenever it feels right to you.

I don’t have a set day marked on the calendar every year. Sometimes I ease into fall decor in August, and sometimes, like this year when we’re out on the boat for several weeks, I wait until mid-September and come home ready to decorate all the things. It all depends on what life looks like at the moment.

If you’re someone who loves to hang on to summer as long as possible (hi, same), you can gradually transition your space with a few cozy touches here and there. Swap a pillow cover, light a fall-scented candle, or bring in some dried hydrangeas from the garden. Think of it as fall lite.

87 Simple Ways to Start the Summer-to-Fall Transition

Transition Your Home Decor From Summer To Fall: cottage style kitchen decorated for fall

Decorating for fall doesn’t have to mean hauling out the entire bin of pumpkins on day one. Here are some easy ideas to get you started—no stress, no glitter overload, just simple seasonal shifts.

Before we dive headfirst into mums and maple leaves, let’s clear the decks a little.

Clearing out the accumulated clutter during the summer months and making space for those autumn accents can transform our living spaces.

1. Step-By-Step Sorting

Begin by tackling one room at a time. Take a systematic approach, sorting items into three categories: keep, donate/sell, and discard.

As you go through your belongings, ask yourself if you’ve used an item in the past year and if you’ll use it this year with your other fall decor. This way, you’ll only hold onto items that truly serve a purpose.

2. Seasonal Storage Switch

Gather up your beachy accessories, like starfish, shell garlands, and all things turquoise, and tuck them into a labeled bin for next year. It’ll be so much easier to find everything when summer rolls around again.

3. Deep Cleaning

living room cleared out for the seasonal decor change

Fall decor looks even better on a clean surface. Wipe down shelves, dust off the mantels, and maybe even vacuum under that one chair you always ignore. You’ll thank yourself later.

4. Decorate With Intention

Transition Your Home Decor From Summer To Fall: fall living room

Pick Your Fall Color Palette (Without Stressing Over It)

rose and cream colored hydrangeas harvested for drying

When it comes to decorating for fall, there’s no rule that says your home has to look like a pumpkin patch exploded inside it (unless that’s your thing—then go for it!).

The trick is finding a color palette that feels cozy, complements your existing decor, and makes you happy. You don’t need to buy all new things. You just need a few warm tones to shift the mood.

5. Find Inspiration from Nature

drying hydrangeas in wicker basket

If you’re ever stuck, just look outside.

Think golden leaves, cozy fires, apple orchards, and (of course) pumpkins. Deep orange, burgundy, mustard, and earthy greens are always safe bets.

I usually start with my dried hydrangeas. They turn the prettiest shades of cream, dusty rose, and soft green this time of year.

6. Work With What You Already Have

dog on couch and fall decor on coffee table

No need to reinvent the wheel, or your entire living room. If you’ve got neutral furniture and finishes, it’s easy to layer in fall colors through accessories.

Already have a lot of color? Pick one or two fall tones that complement it, not compete with it.

7. Embrace Warm Neutrals

Transition Your Home Decor From Summer To Fall: god laying on white chair with gray and cream throw and pillow

Creamy whites, warm grays, and soft beiges are the perfect backdrop for fall layers. They make your deeper, cozier colors pop without overwhelming the space.

8. Play with Accents to Add Fall Flavor

black and white dogs on leather couch with fall pillows

Swap out pillow covers, throws, and even art prints for something in your fall color palette. It’s a simple, budget-friendly way to welcome the season without a full redesign.

Cozy Up Your Home With Fall Fabric and Textiles

cream and brown fall pillows and knit throw being sat on by cream dog

As the weather cools down (well, eventually…), it’s the perfect time to trade breezy summer fabrics for warm, layered textures that make your home feel extra inviting.

9. Layer Throw Blankets Like a Pro

This is peak cozy season, so bring out the chunky knits, faux fur, velvet, and all things soft. Drape throws over your couch, your favorite chair, even the end of your bed. Not only do they look great, they’re functional when the temps drop.

10. Swap Out the Bedding

burgundy quilt and pillow shams and brown and white checked shams on bed for fall

Time to trade your lightweight summer sheets for something a little toastier. Flannel, sateen, or percale sheets in warm tones can totally transform your bedroom.

Bonus points for a cozy quilt or duvet cover in a fall pattern or solid autumn hue.

11. Don’t Forget the Rugs

Summer rugs are fun and light, but fall calls for texture underfoot.

Wool or plush area rugs in deeper colors or layered jute/woven looks add instant warmth to your space

12. Update Table Linens

orange mums and white and green pumpkins on table for fall decor

Swap your summery placemats and napkins for something richer.

Choose plaids, soft stripes, or rustic patterns in earthy tones. Even a simple linen runner in a deep mustard or burnt orange can make your dining area feel like fall.

13. Refresh Soft Furnishings

Have an ottoman, bench, or accent chair you’ve been meaning to re-cover? Fall is a great excuse. If not, add texture through cushions. How about velvet, tweed, corduroy, or even a cozy flannel pillow cover?

Welcome in Warm Textures

Transition Your Home Decor From Summer To Fall: kitchen open shelving with fall décor and flowers in vase

If there’s one thing that instantly makes a home feel fall-ready, it’s texture. Think of it like layering a cozy outfit, only for your house.

14. Add Woven Baskets (and Actually Use Them)


Woven baskets aren’t just cute, they’re practical, too.

Use them to corral throw blankets, magazines, or even shoes by the door. Look for natural materials like seagrass, jute, or rattan to warm up your space.,

15. Bring in Natural Wood

wooden tic tac and toe board game on coffee table

There’s something about wood that just screams fall. Add a rustic crate, an old wooden stool, or even just a few chunky wood candle holders to bring a little outdoor charm inside.

16. Try a Textured Vase or Two

Transition Your Home Decor From Summer To Fall: dried hydrangeas in cement and white ceramic vase

Look for vases with character such as ceramic with raised patterns, aged finishes, or rough stone textures. Fill them with dried hydrangeas, branches, or wheat stalks for a seasonal look that doesn’t feel overdone.

17. Layer Woven Placemats or Chargers

fall tablescape with galvanized bucket of red and fuchsia dahlias and apples and pears for centerpiece

Even a simple dinner feels cozier when the table looks dressed for the season. Woven placemats or wood chargers are a perfect base layer for your fall table setup. Just add a few mini pumpkins and you’re golden.

18. Swap in Tactile Decorative Pillows

brown, cream, and gray plaid pillows with solid tan pillows on couch for fall

Velvet, burlap, tweed, cable knit—fall is the season of texture. Add decorative pillows in rich fabrics and fall tones for instant comfort (and serious “I just want to curl up here” vibes).

Pro tip: Instead of buying new pillows every season, grab pillow covers. They’re easier to store and usually way more budget-friendly.

19. Embrace Earthy and Natural Textures

Mix wood bowls, ceramic vases, metal trays, and even handmade pieces for a cozy, collected feel. Textured pumpkins made of fabric, twine, or dried apple slices? Yes, please.

20. Bring on the Cozy Knit Throws and Blankets

This is your permission slip to have throws in every room. Draped over the back of the couch, layered at the foot of the bed, or tossed on a porch bench—blankets make everything feel just a little more fall.

Try chunky knits, soft chenille, or faux fur in warm, inviting colors.

Mix Fall Patterns Like a Pro

dried hydrangeas on coffee table and living room decorated for fall

Mixing patterns sounds intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be! Think of it like getting dressed: plaid shirt, patterned scarf, maybe some cute boots. You can do the same thing in your home without going overboard.

21. Start With a Fall Color Palette

Stick to a few cozy colors like warm rust, mustard, olive, and cream. Even if the patterns are different, the similar color tones will pull everything together.

22. Play With Size

dog on gray and white blanket on white chair

Mix patterns of different scales to avoid overwhelming the space. Pair a large-scale pattern, like a bold plaid, with a smaller, more elaborate one, such as a delicate floral. This contrast in pattern size creates visual interest without causing chaos.

23. Choose a Dominant Pattern

Choose one “lead” pattern—something you love and want to highlight. Maybe it’s your new plaid pillow or that cozy throw. Let that be the largest and boldest pattern, and build around it with supporting ones.

fall living room decor

24. Use Neutral Patterns as a Buffer

Not everything has to be patterned. Use solids or subtle textures to break things up so your space doesn’t feel too busy. A soft linen pillow or neutral throw helps keep things balanced.


Shop for Fall Home Decor

Are you looking for candles, throws, pillows, and all things fall decor? Take a look at my favorites!


Decorate With Fall Home Decor (Without Overdoing It)

If you’ve ever opened your fall bin and felt personally attacked by how much decor you somehow collected over the years… you’re not alone.

The good news? You don’t need to use it all. Pick your favorites, mix in a few new touches, and let the cozy vibes do the rest.

25. Follow the 60-30-10 Rule

This is an easy way to mix and match without things feeling chaotic:

  • 60% main color (like a cozy neutral or warm earthy tone)
  • 30% secondary color (a fall color you love—like rust, mustard, or deep green)
  • 10% accent color (metallics, black, or even something unexpected)

26. Let White Pumpkins Steal the Show

Transition Your Home Decor From Summer To Fall: woven cream pumpkin

I love orange pumpkins as much as the next person, but white ones feel so fresh and versatile. Stack them on a tray or group a few on the mantel. Mix in fall leaves or branches for texture and you’re good to go.

27. Use Glass Cloches for Tiny Fall Vignettes

fall decor with dried hydrangeas and glass cloche with pumpkin underneath

Have a cloche sitting around? Pop a few mini pumpkins, pinecones, or leaves underneath and suddenly you’ve got a fancy little fall moment with zero effort.

These could be my very favorite home decor accessory ever made!

28. Style a Centerpiece with Wheat & Amber Bottles

clear and amber colored glass bottles with dried flowers and wicker picnic baskets

Line up a few amber glass bottles (or reuse those sparkling water bottles you love) and fill them with dried wheat or fall grasses. It’s rustic, pretty, and works everywhere from your dining table to a shelf.

29. Don’t Forget the Candlelit Ambiance with Candlesticks

living room decorated for fall with brass candlesticks and vintage trunks

Candlesticks are the secret weapon of fall decorating.

Line them up on the mantel, style them in a centerpiece, or scatter them across your sideboard. Go for gold, wood, or even black iron for a little moody charm.

Create A Fall Focal Point

Transition Your Home Decor From Summer To Fall: fall centerpiece with flowers, green apples, and olive branches

Every room needs a little “ta-da!” moment. Fall’s the perfect time to create one, whether it’s on your mantel, your coffee table, or even your entryway.

30. Go Big With One Bold Piece

Oversized art, a big mirror, or a dramatic fall branch arrangement can anchor the space. It doesn’t have to be fancy, just something that makes you stop and smile.

31. Use Color for Impact

If your space has neutral tones, try for warm and vibrant fall shades like deep oranges, rich browns, and golden yellows to create a visual contrast.

32. Layer Like You Mean It

Transition Your Home Decor From Summer To Fall: light brown leather couch with doughball of green apples, candlesticks and tother fall decor
fall flower arrangement with dahlias
pumpkins and mums on table centerpiece

Mix in different heights and textures—pumpkins stacked with books, a chunky candlestick next to a tall vase, or layered frames behind a wreath.

It creates depth and makes your space feel thoughtfully styled (even if you threw it together in 10 minutes).

Dry Your Cut Flowers for Early Fall Decor

Transition Your Home Decor From Summer To Fall: drying flowers in the pantry

Here’s one of my favorite tricks: you don’t need to buy all new fall flowers. Just dry what you already have! A few stems from your summer garden can carry you right into autumn with that soft, vintage look we all love.

33. Use Blooms in Season

Some flowers just dry better than others. My go-tos? Hydrangeas, strawflowers, eucalyptus, wheat stalks, and ornamental grasses. You get that perfect fall vibe without spending a dime.

34. Create Casual Arrangements

green and rust colored hydrangeas drying in a white pot

Tuck your dried flowers into pitchers, mason jars, or vases you already have. I like to mix heights and textures—strawflowers with grasses, maybe a little eucalyptus or a bare branch here and there.

Don’t overthink it. Imperfect = charming.

35. Add Rustic Details

Wrap twine or raffia around the vase, or set the arrangement in a basket or vintage crate. A little texture goes a long way when you’re going for that cozy, collected look.

36. Try a Wreath Anywhere

Transition Your Home Decor From Summer To Fall: magnolia leaves and dried orange wreath

Yes, they look great on the front door, but don’t stop there. I hang fall wreaths above the fireplace, in the kitchen, even on interior doors. Try one over a mirror or propped on a shelf for an unexpected little moment.

olive branch wreath
cream decorative fall wreath

A wreath is like a warm welcome—even if you’re just walking through your own hallway with a cup of coffee.

Create Nature-Inspired Centerpieces

Transition Your Home Decor From Summer To Fall: nature-inspired fall decor in metal bowl

One of the easiest (and most affordable) ways to bring fall into your home?

Step outside. Grab some branches, pinecones, maybe a handful of leaves, and build yourself a centerpiece that feels like fall, minus the trip to the store.

37. Gather Natural Elements

Walk your yard, the park, or even your grocery store’s produce section. Look for things like branches, dried leaves, pinecones, twigs, acorns, gourds, apples, and mini pumpkins.

Cinnamon-scented pinecones? Yes, please.

38. Mix Textures and Fall Colors

The trick to a great fall arrangement is all about contrast. Pair rough pinecones and branches with soft dried flowers or eucalyptus. Use deep reds, warm browns, mustard yellows, and maybe a splash of rusty orange to keep things cozy.

39. Choose a Focal Point

rustic pumpkin with greenery underneath

Whether it’s a big pumpkin, a wooden bowl, or a pretty vase—let one item be the star. Then build around it with smaller accents so it feels layered, not cluttered.

40. Use the Right Container

rustic pumpkin and dried hydrangeas in a wooden dough bowl and candles on coffee table for fall decor

Rustic wood boxes, baskets, or a ceramic vase work great. Even a vintage casserole dish or an old tray can work if you get creative. If it holds stuff, it counts.

Fill Up Your Dough Bowls With Autumn Home Decor

dusty rose, cream, and green dried hydrangeas in dough bowl

If you’ve got a dough bowl lying around, or even a wooden tray,you’ve got a built-in way to decorate for fall in five minutes flat.

41. Start With Natural Layers

Lay down a base of leaves, pinecones, moss, or even burlap scraps. This gives your bowl texture and a nice foundation for everything else you’re about to add.

42. Vary the Heights

Tuck in taller items like wheat stalks or dried florals toward the center. Then taper down with pumpkins, apples, or gourds around the edges. It’ll look like you spent way more time on it than you did.

43. Add Seasonal Fruit or Veggies

green apples in a rustic dough bowl
red faux apples in a rustic dough bowl
mini white pumpkins, olive branches and pinecones in a dough bowl

Real or faux, it doesn’t matter—apples, mini pumpkins, pears, and little squashes all look beautiful in a bowl. They’re colorful, seasonal, and kind of charmingly imperfect.

44. Layer in a Little Fabric

Add a scrap of plaid flannel, a chunk of linen, or some ribbon to cozy things up. You can weave it through or just let it peek out from under your pumpkins.

45. Personalize with Unique Items

This is where you can have fun—add a vintage book, an old copper cookie cutter, or a flickering LED candle. A few meaningful pieces tucked in make your decor feel personal instead of “just off the shelf.”

If summer is all about natural light and sunshine, fall is where the magic of cozy lighting takes center stage.

Mood lighting totally transforms your space, and it’s one of the easiest ways to make your home feel ready for sweater weather.

46. Light All the Candles

fall living room home decor

I don’t know about you, but the second I feel a crisp breeze, I’m lighting a candle.

Pumpkin spice, apple cider, vanilla clove… yes to all of it. Cluster them on the mantel, sprinkle them throughout your shelves, or line a few along your windowsill for an instant autumn glow.

47. Go Faux (If You Want To)

LED candles have come a long way. If you’ve got pets, kids, or just don’t love open flames, battery-operated candles give you that cozy flicker without the worry. Bonus: many have timers, so your home feels welcoming every evening like clockwork.

48. Hang String or Fairy Lights

These aren’t just for holidays or patios. Drape a string of fairy lights over your headboard, around a mirror, or along the top of your bookshelves. Just a little twinkle goes a long way toward that fall magic.

49. Use Lanterns Indoors

Lanterns instantly add a rustic fall touch. Tuck one on the hearth, pop one on your porch, or even cluster a few with candles inside on a shelf. Metallic or wood—either one works.

50. Add Dimmer Switches (Total Game Changer)

This one might require a quick DIY moment or a smart bulb, but it’s worth it. Being able to dim the lights is like giving your room a cozy sweater.

Add Fall Flowers and Greens

Transition Your Home Decor From Summer To Fall: fall harvested hydrangeas in farm sink

Fresh or dried, real or faux—flowers and greenery can pull your fall look together in the prettiest way. And if you’re like me, you’re probably already eyeing those garden blooms with decorating in mind.

51. Choose Fall-Friendly Blooms

yellow sunflower and other fall flowers in wicker pitcher

Sunflowers, dahlias, chrysanthemums, strawflowers, and zinnias are some of my favorites for this time of year. Their deep, rich colors make a beautiful bridge between summer and fall.

Just cut a few from the garden or pick some up at the market.

52. Mix in Dried Elements

dried flowers hanging upside down on pan rack with copper pans

Add in eucalyptus, wheat, dried hydrangeas, or even cattails. Dried flowers add texture, last forever, and feel like a little nod to the changing season.

53. Create Simple Centerpieces

planter of orange mums and white mini pumpkin
green and pink zinnias and pink hydrangeas
open shelves and flowers in fall kitchen

You don’t need anything fancy—just a vase or pitcher and a few blooms. Cluster them on your dining table, place one on the nightstand, or add a small bouquet by the sink to make washing dishes a little less boring.

54. Add a Few Branches or Twigs

Sometimes just a couple of branches is all you need to say “fall.” Clip a few from the yard or use faux ones. Either way, they’re tall, textural, and a great zero-effort option.

55. Play With Color and Contrast

green and burgundy flowers and greens in vintage galvanized bucket

This is the season to lean into warm, moody tones. Rust, burgundy, mustard, and plum all look gorgeous mixed with greenery or dried whites and creams.

Create a Fall Mantel Display

Transition Your Home Decor From Summer To Fall: mantel fall decor

If you have a mantel, you know, it’s prime real estate for seasonal decorating. And if you don’t? A shelf, a console table, or even the top of a piano works just as well. The goal here is to layer on the cozy with a few thoughtful fall touches.

56. Start with a Focal Point

Pick something that anchors the whole look—a mirror, framed art, vintage window, or fall-themed sign. It gives the whole space a sense of structure (so you can decorate around it without going overboard).

57. Layer with Greenery

Add some faux eucalyptus, dried leaves, olive branches, or a fall garland. Drape it loosely for a more relaxed vibe, or tuck in pinecones, pumpkins, or fairy lights for extra texture and glow.

58. Add Height and Layers

Create interest by mixing tall candlesticks, medium-sized vases, and smaller items like mini pumpkins or vintage finds. Stack some old books for a little extra lift when needed.

59. Mix Up Your Textures

Bring wood, metal, ceramic, and fabric all together. It’s the contrast that makes your mantel feel collected and cozy, rather than matchy-matchy.

60. Keep It Symmetrical… or Don’t

Symmetry looks classic and polished; asymmetry feels casual and creative. Do what fits your style (or your mood). Honestly, I just go with whatever feels good that day.

Set a Fall Table (Even If It’s Just for Tuesday Dinner)

Transition Your Home Decor From Summer To Fall : orange mums and white small pumpkins for a table centerpiece

You don’t need a dinner party as an excuse to decorate your table for fall. Even a simple setup for weeknight takeout feels a little more special when there’s a pumpkin or two involved.

61. Pick a Color Palette or Theme

You don’t have to get super specific, but choosing a loose color story—like rust and cream, or mustard and green—makes it easier to pull everything together. Bonus points if it ties into the rest of your space.

62. Layer Your Linens

fall tablescape

Start with a table runner or cloth, then add placemats or chargers for texture. Top it with napkins in a coordinating color or pattern. Even mixing in one plaid napkin with solids gives it a festive little boost.

63. Bring in Natural Touches

hydrangeas, zinnias, and sage used for fall tablescape

Tuck in pinecones, acorns, mini pumpkins, or sprigs of herbs. These small touches go a long way in making your table feel thoughtful and welcoming.

64. Light a Few Candles

red apples and green pears with candle light as a centerpiece for fall table

Mix and match pillar candles, tapers, or tea lights for that perfect warm glow. I always love using different heights and holders—it makes everything feel cozy without being too formal.

65. Add a Little Personality

orange mums with pumpkins

Tie some twine around your napkins, use a mini pumpkin as a place card, or mix in vintage dishes or glassware. It doesn’t have to be perfect—just personal.

Transition Your Home Decor From Summer To Fall: fall kitchen and living room view with red apples on the table

Use Fresh and Faux Seasonal Fruit

Fruit isn’t just for eating—fall produce doubles as some of the prettiest decor. Plus, nothing says “I’m ready for autumn” quite like a bowl of shiny apples or a few tiny pumpkins scattered across the table.

66. Incorporate Dried Elements

Corn husks, dried corn cobs, and wheat bundles add a rustic, earthy feel. They pair beautifully with fresh produce, making everything look intentional and pulled together.

67. Add Greenery or Branches

A little greenery or a few fall leaves tucked in around your apples or gourds will make the whole display look like something out of a cozy farmhouse kitchen.

68. Choose What’s in Season

fall table

Think apples, pears, pumpkins, gourds, and squash. Their rich colors and shapes bring that harvest vibe indoors. Bonus? You can snack on them later. (Well, maybe not the mini pumpkins.)

69. Mix Fresh With Faux

faux green artichokes on dishes in kitchen

Real fruit looks great, but doesn’t last forever. I like to mix in a few faux pieces for longevity—especially on mantels or dough bowls where I don’t want to be swapping them out constantly.

Switch to Early Fall Wall Decor

Transition Your Home Decor From Summer To Fall: living room fall focal point

Changing your wall art or accents is such a simple way to shift from summer’s airy vibe to fall’s cozy feel.

70. Swap Artwork and Prints

Replace beachy prints or summer landscapes with autumn scenes—think colorful leaves, rustic barns, or moody nature photos. You don’t have to spend much; even printable art from Etsy can do the trick.

Mix a few fall-inspired prints with what you already have. Add some texture, like a hanging basket or a framed piece of pressed leaves, for instant autumn interest.

72. Hang Seasonal Mirrors

Swap out your mirrors for those with fall-inspired frames. Frames featuring warm wood tones, rustic finishes, or intricate autumn motifs can add a touch of seasonal charm while reflecting light and creating an illusion of space.

Fill the House With Fall Scents

faux sunflowers in a vintage green container

If fall had a smell, it would be something like spiced apple pie baking in the oven, with a little hint of clove and a warm candle glow in the background. You know what I mean.

Scent is one of the easiest ways to set the mood for the season—no pumpkins required.

73. Light a Fall Candle (Or Five)

Pumpkin spice, apple cider, vanilla, autumn woods… I’m not picky. I love a good seasonal candle. Scatter a few throughout the house and enjoy that “cozy cottage” vibe every time you walk through the room.

74. Try Essential Oils

If candles aren’t your thing, essential oils are a great alternative. Diffuse a blend of cinnamon, clove, orange, or nutmeg to give your space that warm autumn scent—without open flames.

75. Simmer Potpourri on the Stove

Simmer pots are my go-to when I want the house to smell like fall magic. Just toss some orange slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and apple peels in a pot with water and let it gently bubble away.

76. Bake Something Delicious

Let’s be honest: nothing beats the smell of something baking. Even a quick batch of cookies or banana bread can turn your whole house into a cozy fall haven. And there are snacks at the end. Win-win.

77. DIY Scented Potpourri

Make your own fall potpourri with dried orange slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and a few drops of essential oil. Toss it in a bowl on your entry table or coffee table—it’s cute and it smells amazing.

Warm Up Your Vignettes With Vintage Pieces

Transition Your Home Decor From Summer To Fall: white ironstone dishes and fall textures on open shelving

If there’s one thing I love more than pumpkins in the fall, it’s a good vintage find. Mixing in a few antique or thrifted pieces adds so much character—and it makes your fall decor feel unique and personal.

78. Repurpose Your Favorite Finds

fall pillows on window seat, wicker picnic baskets and vintage galvanized bucket with fall flower arrangement

Stack a few old books and top them with a tiny pumpkin or candle. Use a vintage crate as a tray. An old copper pot? Fill it with apples, pinecones, or dried flowers. You get the idea—fall is the perfect time to show off those beloved treasures.

79. Switch Out Seasonal Collections

In summer, I lean toward things like jadeite and soft coastal touches.

But come fall? I bring out the copper. A vintage teapot, some old kitchen tools, or even a rusty lantern warms everything up and blends beautifully with the season.

80. Use Vintage Textiles

Layer in a quilt, a crocheted table runner, or a lace doily under your fall vignettes. The texture and history in these pieces bring such a cozy, lived-in feel to your home.

greenhouse with corn husks and scarecrow decorated for fall

Your front porch is the first glimpse of fall your guests (or mail carrier) will see, so why not make it extra cozy? You don’t need a full-blown hay bale setup (unless that’s your thing)—just a few thoughtful swaps go a long way.

81. Swap Out the Summer Stuff

Time to pack away the beachy pillows and bright lanterns. Replace them with cushions in warm colors like rust, burgundy, or olive, and maybe toss a plaid throw blanket over a bench or chair. Instant fall charm.

82. Bring Out the Fall Containers

fall containers and pumpkins on the garden patio

Your summer blooms may be fading, but that doesn’t mean your porch has to lose its charm. Transition your container gardens to feature hardy fall plants like mums, ornamental kale, and pansies. Mix in grasses or trailing vines for added texture and height.

Remember to add pumpkins or squash to your container displays. These elements will keep your porch vibrant and full of life into the fall season.

83. Hang a Fall Wreath (or Two)

fall wreath with dried flowers and rust ribbon

Whether it’s dried florals, faux leaves, or a eucalyptus base with a little pop of pumpkin, fall wreaths are always a good idea. Hang one on the front door and maybe another above a bench or tucked into your porch vignette.

84. Stack a Few Pumpkins and Call It a Day

white vintage metal chair with stacked pumpkins around it in the fall garden

One of the easiest ways to decorate? A few pumpkins in different shapes and sizes stacked next to a vintage crate or lantern. I’ve even used a bundle of kindling and a copper pot for extra rustic charm.

greenhouse and garden pathway decorated for fall

Just because you’re not lounging in the garden every day doesn’t mean it can’t still be part of your fall decor! In fact, it might be the most beautiful time to enjoy it.

85. Let Your Garden Do the Decorating

fuchsia and red zinnias in raised beds during fall season

Fading sunflowers, tall ornamental grasses, and the last of the zinnias all add natural color and texture. I like to think of the late-season garden as an extension of my indoor fall decor.

86. Create a Cozy Viewing Spot

fall container and wicker chair with green plaid throw for fall

If you’ve got a bench or a couple of chairs tucked into the garden, add a plaid throw and a pumpkin or two nearby. Suddenly, it’s not just a yard—it’s an outdoor retreat.

87. Add Fall Touches to Your Pathways

greenhouse pathway with flowers bordering the path

Line a walkway with lanterns, place pumpkins at the base of garden beds, or fill a rustic crate with gourds, pinecones, and dried hydrangeas. Simple touches can make your garden feel magical this time of year.

vintage ironstone and copper on kitchen open shelving for fall

The best part of transitioning your home from summer to fall? You don’t have to do it all at once.

Start small, maybe with a cozy throw or a scented candle, and let the rest come together as the days get cooler and the leaves start to turn. It doesn’t need to be perfect to feel intentional or inviting. It just needs to feel like you.

Whether you’re updating your front porch, layering up your living room, or drying flowers from your garden, every little touch helps create a warm and welcoming space to enjoy the season ahead.

If you have a favorite way to transition from summer to fall, or a fall decorating tradition, I’d love to hear it! Drop it in the comments, and don’t forget to share this post with a friend who’s ready to swap out flip-flops for fuzzy socks and call it fall. 🍂

Until next time,

Happy Fall Decorating!

Simple ways to transition from summer to fall

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23 Comments

    1. This is such a wonderful collection of ideas for fall!! Thank you for your creativity and the time you spent putting this together!

  1. Kim, I really love how you incorporated touches of pink and green and flowers. Everything looked fresh and alive while still feeling like fall.

  2. Kim ~ You’re so talented, my friend! Thank you for sharing all of this amazing fall inspiration! I especially love the dough bowls and dimmer switches ideas!

  3. I also love getting a sneak peek inside your beautiful home, Kim. These are all great ideas. I definitely need to clean and purge before I do anything else…and get all my summer stuff packed away!

    Happy to be hopping with you this week!

  4. Kim, you have such great transition ideas. Love all of the textures and colors in your home. Loving the aqua coffee table. Such a great piece!

  5. Wow, so many great tips and ideas. You home is filled with so much inspiration. I usually spend tons of time when I click onto your blog. So much to see and I always find something to get my creative juices going.

    1. What a wonderful compliment Marty. Thank you. I love that we get so much inspiration from each other during these blog hops.

  6. Kim, thank you for all the wonderful tip and ideas on how to transition your home from summer to fall! I love them all!

  7. Kim, your home is stunning! You are always so inspiring and have given me so many great ideas to transition my home. So nice to tour with YOU!

  8. These are all amazing ideas! Transitions can be tricky, and you’ve found so many great ways to do it! I loved doing this fall tour with you!

  9. I would like to share a drink on your back patio!
    I could.spend a day asking you questions.
    Every post is great, BUT this one is my favorite. So complete.
    The flowers tied and hanging to dry, are they hanging in your bedroom?
    I follow you and know your home well, I thought but it took me a minute to decide you went upstairs.
    Kim, take a moment and enjoy the season. Here is to you.
    Thanks!

    1. Hi my friend,
      First of all, thank you so much for following along. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate it. I’m so glad you liked this post. The hanging flowers are actually in my pantry. Thanks again for reaching out.

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