20 Frugal Tips for Cozy Autumn Home Décor

Autumn is for many their favorite season. Cozy blankets, cute autumn décor, candles, warm colors and time to cozy up at home. But that’s not an excuse for spending recklessly. That’s why I share with you 20 frugal tips for cozy home décor that cost little to nothing. With a little creativity you can use what you already have, mix in natural treasures from outside, and try a few easy DIY projects to make your space feel inviting.

Here are 20 frugal, practical tips to help you create a warm and cozy autumn atmosphere without straining your budget.

One of the easiest (and free!) ways to bring fall indoors is to collect natural items while on a walk. Colorful leaves, acorns, and pinecones can be placed in bowls, glass vases, or rustic baskets. For a centerpiece, scatter them across a dining table runner or mantel. To make the leaves last longer, soak them for two days in glycerin water bath with two parts of water and one part of glycerin.

Branches, whether bare or still leafy, make striking décor. Trim a few from your yard or gather fallen ones. Place them in a tall vase, pitcher, or even a wine bottle. They add vertical height to a room and bring an organic, sculptural feel. For extra charm, hang paper or felt leaves from the branches with string.

Oranges, apples, and lemons can be sliced thin, dried in the oven or food dehydrator, and turned into beautiful, natural decorations. String them into garlands, tuck them into wreaths, or display them in a bowl with cinnamon sticks. They give off a light, seasonal scent and add a touch of rustic color.

Available at farmers’ markets or sometimes even for free at farms, corn husks and wheat stalks bring a warm harvest feel indoors. Tie them with twine or raffia and arrange them in a vase, or use them as accents in wreaths. They look especially charming in entryways, on tabletops, or displayed on a mantel.

If you have old jars, they can quickly become cozy lanterns. Place tealights or LED candles inside, then decorate the outside with burlap, lace, or twine. For extra seasonal charm, tuck in a few acorns or tiny pinecones around the candle. These are perfect on windowsills, mantels, or porches.

Apart from the holiday season, simple string lights work beautifully in autumn as well. Drape them across a mantel, weave them through a bookshelf, or place them inside a glass jar or lantern for a soft glow. The gentle light instantly makes a room feel warm and inviting on crisp fall evenings.

For a creative twist, check out my step-by-step tutorial on making origami string light lanterns. These are easy to make and add a warm, handcrafted glow to your space.

Plaid patterns are synonymous with fall. Instead of buying new, repurpose what you already have. Drape a plaid scarf over a chair back or fold a cozy blanket across the end of a bed or sofa. These small touches instantly make a room feel layered and inviting.

If you have an old sweater you no longer wear, don’t toss it. Cut the sleeve and slide it over a glass jar or tin can to create a textured vase. These look wonderful holding branches, flowers, or even kitchen utensils. It’s an easy way to add softness and warmth to everyday objects.

Think beyond traditional vases. Pitchers, teapots, and sturdy mugs can double as vases for flowers or branches. A white pitcher with bright orange leaves looks fresh and rustic at the same time. This is a great way to decorate with things you already own, without buying new.

Homemade garlands are simple and practically free. Use brown paper bags, newspapers, or scrap paper to cut out leaf, pumpkin, or acorn shapes. String them with twine and hang them across a mantel, along shelves, or in a doorway. Kids can help with this project, making it a fun family activity.

No need to spend €30 or more on a store-bought wreath. Start with a sturdy base, such as a cardboard circle, a grapevine wreath form, or a pool noodle cut to size and secured into a ring. Then attach leaves, pinecones, dried flowers, or fabric scraps with hot glue. It doesn’t have to be perfect! Rustic and handmade often looks more charming.

Real pumpkins can get expensive if you buy a lot, but you can create the look with substitutes. Paint rocks or tin cans in orange, cream, or deep green, then add felt or twine leaves for a playful pumpkin effect. They’re long-lasting an inexpensive.

If open flames aren’t an option, LED tealights are a safe and affordable substitute. Place them inside glass jars, vases, or lanterns for a soft glow. The effect is just as cozy, and you can leave them on without worry.

A simple bowl of seasonal fruit doubles as decoration and a snack. Apples, pears, and mandarins are affordable, colorful, and edible. Place them in a wooden bowl or wire basket on the kitchen counter or dining table for a practical centerpiece.

Thrift stores often have hidden gems like wicker baskets, vintage trays, plaid fabrics, or inexpensive frames. These small pieces can instantly give your home more seasonal character without a big investment. Look for items in natural materials like wood, wool, and metal for a timeless autumn feel.

Want even more money saving inspiration? Read more about fall frugal habits that save money and simplify your life.

You don’t need to buy seasonal wall art. Many websites offer free autumn printables with quotes, leaf motifs, or pumpkin designs. If the design is a simple black and white line drawing or a quote, you can easily print those at home. For colorful prints, it’s better to have them done at a local copy shop on a laser printer for crisp, vibrant results.

Press leaves, flowers, or even ferns between the pages of a heavy book. Once dry, frame them for instant seasonal artwork. It’s free, minimal, and adds a natural element to your walls.

Scrap fabric can transform plain jars or bottles. Wrap them in burlap, plaid, or even pieces of an old pillowcase, then tie with twine. It’s an easy way to make everyday containers feel warm and seasonal.

Trays are a great base for seasonal displays. Add candles, pinecones, fruit, and small decorative items to create a simple centerpiece for your dining or coffee table. Changing out just a few elements lets you refresh the look throughout the season.

One of the easiest ways to make everything feel seasonal is to stick to warm colors. Shades of burnt orange, mustard yellow, cream, brown, and deep green make even simple items look intentional. Whether it’s a blanket, a candle, or a bowl of fruit, choosing the right palette ties it all together.

With these 20 frugal décor tips creating a cozy autumn home is easy and doesn’t have to be expensive. By combining natural finds, repurposed items, and a few DIY projects, you can achieve a warm, inviting atmosphere on a budget. Focus on textures, layers, and seasonal colors to make your space feel welcoming. With these tips, your home will reflect the best parts of autumn without straining your wallet.

Which of these tips is your favorite? Share your thoughts in the comments! And if you have your own frugal fall decorating ideas, I’d love to hear them! Drop them below and let’s inspire each other.