Ah, autumn: the time of year when we all join the trees in changing our wardrobes, trading in for warm, woodsy hues and snuggling into sweaters and jackets. Don't forget your home's outerwear! Embrace the season with a focus on your outdoor fall decor.
Why Decorate for Fall?
Dressing up your outdoor spaces to celebrate the beauty of fall creates a warm, welcoming atmosphere for friends and family. For me, there's something special in the air besides the crisper breezes this time of year: the excitement of football game days, blazing leaves, apple cider slushies, bonfires, hayrides and pumpkin patch outings, to name a few.
A little fall decor keeps that excitement going all season, with visual reminders that another fun festival or get-together is just around the corner. Best of all, a little goes a long way, and fall displays are so easy to put together. I've pulled together seven creative ways to add a seasonal touch to your outdoor space, along with some maintenance tips so your decor lasts all season.
I personally skip the overt Halloween outdoor decor, but if you want a spooky splash, check out this post on Halloween decor!
Choosing the Right Fall Color Palette
Picking the right palette for your outdoor fall décor means looking at the season's main color groups in light of your home's primary materials and colors. You're not limited to orange pumpkins.
Like these DIY-painted pumpkins, you could use ALL of your favorite fall colors for a modern, artsy approach.
If you're like me and usually stick to one group of autumn colors and traditional fall decorations, I've gathered some ideas on which hues suit different home styles and materials. Don't overthink it, though! Keep it fun. Just as fall foliage boldly paints the landscape this time of year, these colors and combinations almost always pop on any home!
Oranges and Reds
These warm, vibrant colors pair well with homes that have earthy, natural materials like brick, stone or wood. For a traditional home with more neutral tones, use bold shades like rust, crimson and burnt orange as accents in your fall decor. If you have a modern home with a cool-toned exterior, such as white or gray, brighter tones like pumpkin orange and cherry red will create a striking contrast.
Plums and Purples
These jewel-toned hues work with many architectural styles and home colors. For a classic, elegant look, pair deep plum and purple with homes in muted, neutral shades like taupe or beige. If you have a more contemporary home with dark gray or black accents, try white planters or metallic shades like gold and silver alongside your plums and purples for a touch of luxury in your outdoor fall decor.
Yellows
Yellow's versatility makes it an excellent choice for almost any home style and color. It's the boldest pop against dark gray, black or navy homes. For a cottage or farmhouse-style home, choose soft, buttery yellows that create a cozy, inviting feel. If your home has a bold, vibrant exterior, like blue or green, go for more vivid shades of yellow, working in corn stalks, mums and pansies.
Once you've settled on the perfect colorway for this season's outdoor fall decor, you can take any or all of these approaches to create displays that celebrate the harvest season.
Incorporating Realistic Fake Pumpkins
One of my favorite discoveries about building fall displays is how much faux pumpkins add a festive touch without the mess and upkeep of real ones. Collect high-quality, realistic-looking pumpkins and gourds in a variety of sizes, shapes and colors, and create eye-catching displays around your patio, porch or garden year after year.
They cost more up front, but with proper care they pay for themselves over the years compared with buying fresh pumpkins every season. I cover that topic in my dedicated post, including when to make the most of local store prices.
Just like real pumpkins, you can stack them, arrange them on hay bales or use them as planters for fall flowers. Look for pumpkins with varied textures and finishes, such as metallic or glitter, that will best complement your outdoor space.
Welcoming Guests with Fall Doormats
A themed fall doormat is an easy way to add charm to your entryway. Choose one with a fun phrase or seasonal designs, like autumn leaves or pumpkins, to greet guests and set the mood right away.
I love the layered doormat look for extra warmth and texture. Just set the smaller mat on top of a larger, neutral or patterned rug. Be sure to pick a durable, weather-resistant mat that can handle the elements and heavy foot traffic.
Showcasing Mums and Seasonal Plants on the Front Porch
Mums and other seasonal plants, such as pansies and ornamental cabbages and kale, add beautiful bursts of fall color to your garden or planters. When choosing plants, think about their sun and shade needs so they can thrive in your outdoor space.
To help your plants last longer, water them regularly and remove any dead or damaged blooms. You can also add decorative grasses and leafy foliage for more texture and variety.
I use mums alongside my faux pumpkins, and I add some faux topiary balls to the planters by the door for extra color and texture. In spring I planted real flowers in them, but for fall I swapped them out for faux ones.
Creating Cozy Outdoor Seating Areas
Turn your patio or deck into a harvest retreat by arranging weather-resistant furniture around a firepit, Solo Stove or chiminea. Adirondack chairs, deep-seating sofas and lounge chairs all create comfortable spots for guests to relax and enjoy the warmth. We hung string lights during our fire pit makeover, which added instant magic. You can also build cozy vignettes around your seating with fall-inspired pillows, blankets and lanterns.
On our back screened-in porch, I simply swap the summer pillows for fall ones and add a pumpkin! I could add mums or more decor, but I like to keep things simple out here!
Enhancing Pathways and Walkways
Create a welcoming entrance by lining your walkways and pathways with lanterns, pumpkins or even hay bales. You could also add colorful fall plants like mums or ornamental cabbage in planters or garden beds along the path. Simple solar-powered or LED lights will add much-needed light and a lovely touch for guests arriving as night falls earlier each day.
Crafting DIY Fall Decorations
Get creative with DIY pieces like fall wreaths made from dried foliage, pinecones and berries. My all-time favorite is one I made with faux hydrangeas in fall colors. Use a grapevine or wire frame as the base, and attach the fall elements with hot glue or floral wire.
Pumpkin topiaries, made by stacking pumpkins of different sizes, are another fun way to add a unique, homemade touch. Secure the pumpkins together with wooden skewers or dowels, and add decorative leaves or berries for extra flair.
Adding Personal Touches with Accessories
Finish off your cozy outdoor space with accessories like candles, string lights and other fall accents. Group candles in varying heights and sizes for a cozy ambiance, and use battery-operated candles for safety. Other fall touches, such as plaid blankets, seasonal pillows and pretty serveware, create a warm, inviting atmosphere and make your outdoor space feel like an extension of your home.
Maintenance Tips for Long-Lasting Decor
Here are a few ways to keep your outdoor fall decor looking beautiful all season (and beyond!):
- Choose weather-resistant furniture: When selecting furniture for your outdoor space, look for weather-resistant materials like aluminum, resin or teak wood. These options often cost more up front, but they're built to last. They hold up to the elements better than most, resisting rust, mold and mildew. Invest in good furniture covers, and clean and store your furniture properly over winter to extend its life.
- Use outdoor-rated faux pumpkins: Real pumpkins are a classic fall staple, but they break down quickly and can make a mess. Outdoor-rated faux pumpkins are a durable alternative you can use year after year. Look for pumpkins made from heavy resin or plastic that can stand up to rain, wind and changing temperatures.
- Check sun and shade conditions for live plants: Seasonal plants like mums, ornamental kale and pansies have specific sunlight needs. As the days grow shorter and cooler, make sure your plants get the right amount of sun and shade to thrive. Mums prefer full sun, while pansies prefer partial shade. Keep an eye on your plants' health and move them if needed.
- Do regular cleaning and maintenance: To keep your outdoor decor looking its best, clean everything at least once a week and after rain or storms. Clear fallen leaves, dirt and debris from seating areas, walkways and planters. Check your string lights and lanterns for damage, and replace any burnt-out bulbs. Keep outdoor cushions and pillows clean and dry by storing them indoors or in a weatherproof bin during bad weather.
Final Thoughts
With these simple methods and tips, you'll be well on your way to having the best outdoor fall decor in the neighborhood! A few easy additions will create a warm welcome for friends and family on these chilly days and nights.
More Posts You Will Love:
