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Inexpensive DIY fall decor doesn’t have to mean orange pumpkins everywhere or hay bales crowding your space. With these quick and easy sustainable ideas, you can add timeless touches that feel stylish, cozy, and far from overdone.
Whether you’re searching for fall decorating ideas for apartments, exploring easy fall decorating on a budget, or trying DIY fall home decor projects you’ll want to keep out well past Thanksgiving, this guide has you covered.
And if you’re starting fresh in a new city or making a rental feel like home, these ideas prove that seasonal style can make even temporary spaces warm, welcoming, and uniquely yours.
Fall decorating ideas for apartments are about more than pumpkins — they’re about creating comfort, even if you’re between leases, adjusting to temporary housing, or just starting out in a new city.
Think compact centerpieces, clever storage solutions, and cozy accents that don’t overwhelm. These projects prove that small apartment fall decorating can be stylish, renter-friendly, and budget-conscious.
Swap traditional chargers for mini cutting boards at each seat. Add a folded napkin and a sprig of greenery on top, and suddenly you’ve got a dining table setup that feels both seasonal and personal without taking up space.
Fill a shadowbox with pressed leaves, pinecones, or acorns to create a rotating seasonal art piece. It’s lightweight, renter-friendly, and the perfect way to showcase fall without committing to permanent or expensive decor – and it slots in right next to any style of wall art.
Tuck a woven basket by your entry filled with plaid throws, mini gourds, or pinecones. It’s a small touch that makes an apartment entryway instantly feel warm and inviting.
The mantel is often the centerpiece of a living room, which makes it the perfect spot to showcase DIY fall decor if you’re lucky enough to have one. Whether you prefer simple styling or layered displays, a mantel can handle everything from candles to gourds.
These ideas lean into fall decorating inspiration while staying renter-friendly and affordable, so you can get that seasonal look without major investment.
Don’t have a mantle? Try these out on your entry table, a console behind the couch, or your dining room buffet table.
Create a seasonal gallery by framing pressed leaves in simple wood or thrifted frames. Just press a few colorful leaves between books until they’re flat and dry, then mount them on cardstock and slip them into your frames. Cluster several together or lean them casually against the wall for an organic look. For extra charm, edge the leaves with a bit of gold paint for a soft glow.
Stack a few neutral hardcovers and top them with brass candlesticks, adding small pumpkins for texture. This simple arrangement instantly brings height and warmth to your mantel (or an end table) without feeling cluttered.
Hang a decorative mirror on your mantel and surround it with gourds and fall florals. This budget-friendly idea bounces light around the room and makes the whole display feel layered and intentional.
Pro tip: If your lease doesn’t allow nails, lean framed leaves or mirrors instead of hanging them. It’s an easy way to get a styled focal point without risking your deposit.
The dining table sets the tone for cozy gatherings, so fall decorating should always include a nod to tablescapes. A harvest centerpiece instantly makes a room feel seasonal, while a fall table runner adds texture and warmth. These projects highlight affordable fall decor that doubles as conversation starters—perfect for weeknight dinners, dinner parties, or holiday hosting.
Set the mood with a wide glass bowl filled halfway with water, then float tealights across the top. For a natural touch, tuck in eucalyptus sprigs, acorns, or dried citrus.
As the candles flicker, the light bounces off the water, creating an elegant yet effortless centerpiece.
Want to show off at Friendsgiving? Thread dried citrus slices onto twine and weave the strand down the center of your fall table runner. Mix in fresh rosemary or eucalyptus sprigs for scent and texture. The garland lies beautifully across the table while adding a handmade, seasonal accent.
Wrap leftover fabric around a bundle of stuffing or even a small bag of rice to transform it into a soft pumpkin. Tie the top with twine to shape it, then tuck in a cinnamon stick for a stem. Arrange several together as a harvest centerpiece for a cozy, budget-friendly touch.
First impressions matter, and nothing sets the tone for a fall aesthetic quite like your front door or entryway.
From lanterns filled with gourds to stacked pumpkins in planters, front porch fall decor is about creating a welcoming vibe before guests even step inside.
These ideas combine cozy fall decor tips with easy styling tricks you can refresh year after year.
Layer pumpkins in different colors and sizes inside a tall planter for a classic display. White pumpkins mixed with traditional orange make the arrangement look modern, and twinkle lights can add a magical glow at night.
Instead of candles, fill lanterns with small gourds, pinecones, or acorns. This is an inexpensive way to create affordable fall decor that looks upscale but can be switched out with the seasons.
Nothing says fall like pots of chrysanthemums paired with ornamental kale. The mix of texture and color handles cooler weather beautifully and instantly boosts curb appeal.
Sometimes the smallest details make the biggest impact. These easy DIY fall home decor projects are perfect for quick weekend crafts that instantly bring the season indoors. From painted acorns to faux-stone vases, these projects add personality and warmth while keeping affordable fall decor front and center.
Collect a handful of acorns and paint them in warm fall tones like copper, plum, or mustard. Pile them in a rustic bowl for a display that feels seasonal but subtle.
Roll and shape air-dry clay into candleholders, then let them harden. Their imperfect, handmade look feels custom and cozy, perfect for mixing into a fall mantel or dining table.
With textured spray paint, you can give an old vase a stone-like finish. The end result looks high-end and pairs well with natural fall finds like branches or dried grasses.
Hot-glue round cork trivets together into pumpkin shapes, then paint them in muted fall shades. They make quirky, affordable decorations that double as conversation starters.
Seasonal style starts with a solid foundation, but so does every new chapter. Whether you’ve just moved to a new city, are settling into temporary housing, or simply want a fresh look for fall, CORT makes it easy to feel at home.
Rent the essentials you need, then layer in your favorite DIY fall decor for a space that’s adaptable, stylish, and uniquely yours. With flexible terms, quick delivery, and professional setup, CORT helps you embrace any season of life—and any season of the year.
Visit your local CORT Furniture Rental showroom or start online today.
