Looking for ideas to propel your home into a beautiful space for autumn? These 9 fall home essentials are just for you.
Fall is around the corner and you know what that means…*
It’s almost the holiday season! But before we get to holidays like Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas, we should dive deep into some essentials you can have in your home for fall.
*Also sweater weather, of course!
I know that there are so many people who love Fall, not only for the vibrant foliage, and the cooler air, but because of pumpkin spice everything and the bonfires. Autumn is one of the lushest seasons after all.
It gives us everything we hope for – beautiful weather, crisp air, turning leaves, and new seasonal flavors!
However, I think what makes Fall so special is that we really start to get into a special part of the year where we’re looking forward to spending time with our families. And for a lot of us that means entertaining at home, so, I came up with this fall home essentials list to help you have the house that is envied when all those friends and families come to stay.
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Table of Adventures
Extra Large Throw for Couch
Grab a lush and large throw blanket for your couch.
This can really elevate the fall season from the outside into your home.
The best way to search for one is to look for trends of the season (think knits and ski resort-style). Plaid is usually always a safe bet for autumn and they’re very easy to find.
If you’re looking for the basics, look for warm browns or creamy whites, and if you want the room to pop with color, you could go with a gorgeous burnt orange.
But if you’re looking for off-kilter and trendy, try to cross-examine clothing trends through fashion magazines like Harper’s Bazaar. This will be easy for the fashion-forward person who loves to think outside of the box. If you can transform a clothing trend into home decor, you’re going to have a living room that looks as chic and stylish as you do.
The throws can be thin ranging from knits to thick like wool. Do what is best for the climate in your area, since you’re going to want to be comfortable and snug, not freezing or suffocating.
Just remember that looks are important, but the weight of the blanket and how much heat it traps are more important in the long run. You probably don’t want to buy a blanket you’re never going to use.
Autumn Smells
OK, this is where it can get fun.
You’ve got so many options to get those heavenly fall scents wafting through your home. You can use tried and true candles or you could try something different in the form of wax warmers.
Of course, there are also essential oils, oil warmers, and even potpourri.
For those who aren’t aware, essential oils are a pretty popular alternative option to using candles in homes. They don’t give off any smoke and the scents tend to be a little less in-your-face.
Some people also have allergies, and certain diffused essential oils are thought to help with them, as well as other ailments. Some are thought to be relaxing, some boost immunity, and others even help relax you so you can sleep better.
Essential oils can be a great alternative for the person who really wants to have a fresh-smelling autumn home with added benefits. The easy way to get these scents is to buy them in premade sets, but if you’re willing to do a little research and you want to start building your own collection, you can easily DIY yourself a set of scents.
That gives you the freedom to find what you like and to not waste money buying oils you won’t feel like using.
As for potpourri, it is easy to do with things you usually have on hand at home. But if you’re not into DIY, you can find prepared bags at places like The Christmas Tree Shop and the like.
You’ve got options ranging from berries, oranges, and other fruits you can dry, to leaves and spices. You can leave them out in a bowl to sit passively and release their scent, or you can simmer them in a pot to release the scents all at once, sort of like a humidifier or a diffuser. It’s almost like a home palate cleanser. 😂
If you’re going the simmer route and need an ultra-simple recipe to start with: grab a pot, fill it with water and throw in some sliced oranges, cinnamon sticks, and whole cloves. Bring the water to a simmer and just let it sit; it’ll fill up your home with the scents of citrus, fall, and pure goodness.
The only downside to simmering your potpourri is that it is very short-lived compared to the other options, but it can be great if you need a break from a candle or you’re having friends over.
P.S. Even though it’ll smell super delicious, if you add essential oils to the pot, please do not drink it!
Fall Scented Potpourri // Homemade Thanksgiving Potpourri
Now, it should be known – I’m a big wax warmer fan. I love that you can buy warmers and use them across multiple seasons, and that scents last for a fairly long time. I have bought all manner of wax scents for all the seasons. I’ve bought from Scentsy, Walmart, and from Target just to name a few.
But my favorite scents are mainly in the apple, pumpkin, and marshmallow families.
The nice thing about a wax warmer is that you just plug it in and it works; you can leave it on for 24 hours a day if you want. It isn’t like a candle, it can’t burn your house down. And eventually, when the wax is all liquified and scentless, you just change it out.
I think Walmart and Target have some great waxes, and they are pretty inexpensive, but they do tend to lose their scent faster than the ones from Scentsy. Now, Scentsy is more expensive, so that’s a con, but I really love the smells they have, and they tend to last a lot longer and they stay strong throughout.
If you’re buying a chocolate wax, for example, you don’t want your house to smell like chocolate heaven on day 1 and fondly remembering a candy bar on day 3. You want that scent to stay strong!
I haven’t tried Amazon waxes, so I don’t want to say anything bad about them. I’ve just never bought waxes online. I’m not saying I wouldn’t, but it is harder if you can’t smell them. My suggestion, which I will take myself sooner or later, is to try out a familiar scent and see how the quality compares.
Fresh Seasonal Flowers
There’s something to be said when it comes to fresh seasonal flowers. They liven up any room they are in, and even if you normally associate flowers with spring and summer, there are some beautiful Fall flowers available.
Some popular choices for Autumn are Chrysanthemums and Lavender.
If you want to blend the seasons, you can also get away with certain summer flowers like Sunflowers, Roses, and Spider Mums as they are still fairly easy to find and come in a variety of colors that can suit your space better.
Grab a large vase and showcase them in your living room to brighten up the space. If you’re a Plant Mom/Dad, you can also position them among your green plants to spruce up the area even more. You can even do a double wall vase arrangement.
That’s when you place your flowers into a thinner vase, then put it into a much larger vase, and fill in the empty space with oranges, berries, etc. submerged in water. That in itself can really speak for itself that you went the extra mile to beautify your home.
When in doubt, minimal and simple is always a safe bet, but if you have the inclination to go big and fancy, you can absolutely do it!
Comforting Books
You know when you’re sitting on the couch, mug in hand, and you’re ready to relax, and then you realize that you’ve seen everything on Netflix and don’t know what you want to do with your brain as you unwind?
Yeah, I have those moments, too.
Having a stack of books readily available can help with that. Leaving 2 or 3 at the ready on your coffee table is a great fit for the season, or you can build yourself a little collection that you cycle in and out through the seasons.
Throw in a few autumnal picture books if you live in a warm area, so you at least get to look at the pretty leaves and imagine life in one of those Hallmark movies. And without the hassle of raking, either!
The nice thing about a good coffee table book isn’t just the effortless conversation starter, it’s the fact that you can use it again, year after year when the season rolls around.
The reality is that you can place any books into your space that make your home feel like home. So, if it’s Harry Potter, or Curious George, or whatever your quirky interest, put it on your coffee table. You should be happy.
Good Coffee + Teas
Your eyes look up to the bright blue sky, birds flying in v-formation overhead and the brook beside you is bubbling by. You’re sitting in your rocking chair, breathing deeply, watching leaves fall around you. A blanket is strewn across your lap and you feel totally at peace. And in your hands is a hot cup of tea.
Fall really lets you have all of that in such a special way. Not only are you feeling the breeze and smell of that crisp fall air, but you’re seeing nature start to relax in real-time, as the whole world gets ready for winter. From the trees to the birds, to the rabbits and squirrels collecting food, everything is… calming down.
And a nice cup of your favorite tea or some seasonal coffee can really make the moment so much more special.
Of course, you could just go with a Pumpkin Spice Latte like everyone else, but if you’re anything like me and think variety is the pumpkin spice of life, then check out these delicious DIY recipes.
You can also take the time out to take it slowly and create your own coffee-inspired treats; Starbucks doesn’t need all your money this season, babe.
Maple Cinnamon Latte // Maple Sage Latte // S’mores Latte
If you’re looking for something special for the Fall, you can try scouring this list of Fall Flavored Coffees.
Lush Pillows and Cushions
There’s something so gorgeous when your living room is filled with squishy pillows and cushions to lie against.
When I say lush, it doesn’t have to be the look of them necessarily, but more like the feeling you get from them when you cuddle up with them. Large, soft, pillows that feel like clouds on a couch are a sure-fire bet for falling asleep soundly beside your fireplace with that plaid throw wrapped around like you the burrito you aspire to be.
The kicker? Decorative pillows can get expensive pretty quickly, and space can be a concern if you’re buying multiple of them and live in an apartment. So if you’ve already got comfy pillows and cushions at home, you can opt to find fall-inspired decorative covers to zip over them. That way the same pillow just needs a wash and a costume change in-between seasons.
Pick up some for Halloween and Thanksgiving pillowcases while you’re at it!
Mugs
I feel like mugs are a quintessential fall home essential that people tend to forget to have. Sure, you have your regular mugs for every day, but those fall mugs can really make that cup of joe or hot cocoa feel like a million bucks.
Then again, I love mugs, and I will find any excuse to add to my collection. Usually, I pick out one mug per season that will be my flagship… this is the one I prefer my hot cocoa with whipped cream and marshmallows in.
Obviously, you need a few backups for those days when your ceramic bestie is being washed.
Even if you are unable to get those fancy throw blankets or lush pillows, mugs are fairly inexpensive and you and your family can each have your own. Target always has amazing collections that come out with the new seasons, so why not try to pick up a few that you like?
And again, holidays are totally at play here. A mug for Halloween? Heck yeah!
If you can’t find something you like in stores, there are DIY mug projects too. If you’re creative and want to add that personal touch, then you’re guaranteed to get something that’s going to match your unique, wonderful aesthetic.
Comfy Sleepwear
What’s the point of having all of these comforting things around you – throw blanket, mug, books, coffee – when you yourself are not comfortable, too?
Girl, grab yourself a pair of comfortable pajamas! Fall styles, of course.
Plus, it’s a great excuse to buy yourself a new clothing item, amiright? I’m right.
Having a pair of pajamas that are not only fashionable, but that complement your personality is important. So don’t just buy a pair because someone on the internet gave you the advice to do it. You can create your own pair with a simple T-shirt and shorts or sweatpants that you also decorate yourself (like the mugs!).
The point is: make yourself an outfit for unwinding in. Or better yet, for being unwound. It can be whatever you want, but ditch the tired, worn-out pair of sweats you’ve been wearing and upgrade your comfort life!
Throw in a robe or a sweater that you only wear at home, and you’re all set. So be creative and let your fall flag shine through your wardrobe.
Decorate with Autumn’s Foliage
So this title might be a bit enigmatic, but I’ll explain: here are some ways to use fall itself to make your home into an even more festive, home-y space.
For example: a wreath! I really like wreaths, and I have a few for different seasons as well, but they are traditionally very much a ‘Christmas’ thing. Even if you don’t want to meet me at my love for Easter wreaths though, Autumn wreaths are totally a thing. Some branches woven with vibrantly colored leaves, maybe little pumpkins or berries to accent the look as well.
Pottery Barn or your local Christmas tree farm will pretty much have you set if you want to go that route, but this is a super easy DIY project that you can have a blast doing.
DIY Thanksgiving Wreaths // 19 Fall DIY Wreaths
It can even work if you have little ones. If you have them pick out the pieces and you’re in charge of the hot glue gun, you and your kiddos can make your home a decorative focal point that’s a true labor of love.
Wreaths can get used year after year, and that’s good, because the vibrantly decorated, premade ones (from Pottery Barn, for example), can get a bit expensive. If you take good care of them, they can last a while though, so they’re totally worth the price.
I would just say get yourself a wreath bag to help keep them in good condition during the months they sit in your basement, at least if they’re somewhat fragile.
You can also put out pumpkins (in varying sizes) and squash; the plastic ones are better if you have a lot of squirrels and chipmunks in your area because they will absolutely devour a fresh gourd that you leave outside. The nice thing is, you take them inside, rinse them off, and use them for decorations come Thanksgiving. Pinecones are also great, and you can cover your interior spaces with them if any of your places feel a little empty.
P.S. You can use the plastic gourds indoors, too. 😉
I like a good fall seasonal welcome mat to really announce that you are entering a festive home, so expect festivities. In your kitchen and guest bathrooms, you can add some color and vibrancy by changing out those hand towels for ones with a little more seasonal flair.
Another idea, depending on the hand soap you use, is to change it out with more seasonally-scented soaps or air fresheners, although you can easily achieve this effect with candles, wax warmers, etc. as well, which we talked about before.
Two smells that I think get overlooked a lot and that is great for fall are apple and pear.
Another idea, particularly if you have some extra space for wall art, is to get a piece of art that’s seasonal and replace it every season. Now, you’re not going to necessarily want to buy a ‘Van Gogh’s Starry Night’ for every month of the year, but you can get a simple, inexpensive print that you frame that reminds you of Autumn.
Maybe your hometown during the Fall, maybe a picture of your college or whatever. As the seasons roll around and you’re able to, you can add pictures for other times of the year, and part of your seasonal ritual can be swapping out the framed pictures to help bring the room up to the season.
Since you’re planning this ahead, just make sure the prints are the same size and that the frames all match the rest of your furniture, then you’ll be all set!
Or, if you want to go that extra mile for not that much money? Buy a fairly inexpensive wicker basket, and fill it with plastic berries from the Christmas Tree Shop or somewhere else that sells decorative curios. Really simple, really cheap.
You can add a little extra by setting it on a plaid decorative hand towel or twisting fall foliage fake leaves around the basket’s handle; the effect will be supreme ‘Autumn,’ and you can make it happen for about $20, if not less.
Conclusion to Fall Home Essentials
The point here is that you can create a warm, welcoming space in your home, full of Autumn warmth and seasonal sparkle, and you can do it big for not really all that much money. Obviously, spending more money lets you do more things, but there are so many great ways to beautify your home.
Whether you’re entertaining for friends or family, or it’s just by yourself, making your home into a cozier sanctuary for Fall is a great way to mentally and emotionally prep yourself for the season. From your comfy pajamas to the great book you read, curled up in your favorite chair with a mug of cocoa, I hope this list of fall essentials gives you the inspiration you need to help embrace Autumn inside your home.
Related Fall Articles:
18 Interesting New Hobbies to Start This Fall
Autumn Home Essentials
