Easy Ways to Make Your Apartment Feel Like Fall
August 18, 2021 4:56 pm Leave your thoughtsAs the last warm days of summer fade away, a new season brings cooler air, cozy vibes, and a chance to refresh your space. Fall is a season full of color, comfort, and calm, and your apartment can reflect all that with just a few thoughtful changes. Get cozy, grab your favorite warm drink, a soft blanket, and the smell of cinnamon in the air.
Even if you’re working with a smaller apartment or have rules about decorating because you’re renting, there are still so many fun and easy ways to bring fall into your home. You don’t need a big budget or a lot of room to make it feel like autumn. These small touches can help your apartment feel peaceful, welcoming, and ready for the season.
Fall is also a great time to reset your space, clean up from summer, and make things feel extra homey. Whether you love decorating or want a few new ideas, this guide will help you get inspired. Explore fun, affordable, and apartment-friendly ways to turn your home into a cozy fall retreat.
Start with a Deep Clean
Reset your apartment with a deep clean before bringing in pumpkins and plaid. It’s the perfect time to clear your space and bring in new energy. Wipe down surfaces, vacuum rugs, wash your windows, and organize any clutter built up over the summer. This makes a huge difference in how your space feels. Fall is all about comfort, and it’s much easier to relax in a space that’s fresh, tidy, and ready for the season ahead. If you’re short on storage, try sliding bins under your bed, using the tops of closets, or tucking items into decorative baskets or ottomans to keep off-season decor out of the way.
Don’t forget to clean some of the easy-to-miss spots:
- Ceiling fans and light fixtures – Dust and wipe them down so they’re not blowing dust around your freshly cleaned space.
- Under the bed or couch – Clear out forgotten clutter or dust bunnies hiding in storage areas.
- Baseboards and door frames – A quick wipe with a damp cloth can freshen the room more than expected.
- Window sills and blinds – Dust and clean to let in that autumn sunlight.
- Swap out summer bedding – Put away lightweight sheets and bring out thicker blankets or cozy flannel sheets for cooler nights.
- Clean out your fridge and pantry – Make room for fall favorites like apples, soups, and spices.
Use Your Space Wisely
Small apartment? No problem. You can still decorate for fall without taking up floor space or breaking lease rules. It’s all about working smarter with the space you have. Use the tips below to make the most of your space:
Go vertical.
Use your walls. Add floating shelves to display mini pumpkins, candles, or jars of acorns. Try tension rods or adhesive hooks for renter-safe storage.
Decorate doors and cabinets.
Hang fall wreaths or fabric signs on cabinet doors or entryways with removable hooks or over-the-door hangers. It adds seasonal charm without clutter.
Use baskets and a tray.
Keep blankets, slippers, or magazines in woven baskets for cozy storage. Create an easy fall centerpiece on a tray with pinecones, candles, or faux leaves.
Swap out everyday items.
Change small things, like storage bins, napkins, or pencil holders, to fall colors like deep red, mustard, or forest green for an easy seasonal refresh.
Fill the empty corners.
Corners are perfect for ladder shelves, tall vases, or baskets. Even a tall branch arrangement can bring in the fall feel without using much space.
Check your lease
Always double-check your rental rules before hanging or sticking anything up. Use renter-safe tools like Command Strips, removable decals, and adhesive liners to decorate without damage.
Decorating For Fall On A Budget
Decorating for fall doesn’t have to mean spending a ton of money. You can get an autumn vibe on a budget by getting creative with what you already have. Try using scarves or flannel shirts as makeshift pillow covers or table runners, or fill a glass jar with pinecones, branches, or dried leaves from outside. Thrift stores and dollar bins are goldmines for little seasonal touches like candles, mugs, or mini pumpkins. Swapping out a dish towel or tossing a blanket on the couch can make your space feel more fall-ready. It’s really about the feeling, not how much you spend.
Simple Ways to Bring Fall Into Every Corner of Your Apartment
Update Your Coffee Table
Your living room coffee table is the perfect spot for a touch of fall. Use a small tray to group cozy items like mini pumpkins, pinecones, a candle, and a few books with dark colored covers. Swap out your usual coasters for ones made of wood or cork, and you’ve got an easy, low-effort centerpiece.
Change Up Your Wall Art
Even your walls can reflect the season. Print fall-themed photos, frame scrapbook paper in warm patterns, or press leaves from a walk for simple DIY art. Use washi tape or removable hooks to hang everything without damaging your walls.
Bring in Fall Scents
Scents instantly set the mood. Try candles or diffusers with non-nammon, apple, clove, or vanilla. Notes A DIY simmer pot (with orange slices, cranberries, and spices) on the stove adds a cozy aroma without costing much. Flameless wax warmers are a safe, renter-friendly option too.
Switch Up Soaps and Towels
Small swaps can go a long way. Try fall-scented hand soaps like caramel apple or pumpkin spice. Update your kitchen and bathroom towels with seasonal colors, burnt orange, mustard yellow, or deep green.
Pull Out Your Fall Wardrobe
Swap out summer clothes for cozy layers like flannels, sweaters, and scarves. If your closet is visible, hang a favorite fall piece out front as part of your decor. Add a small basket by the door for gloves and hats, it looks good and keeps things organized.
Decorate with Nature
Use what’s outside, such as leaves, pinecones, twigs, and acorns, to create free, natural decor. Fill jars, bowls, or baskets and scatter them around your apartment.
Add a Wreath or Door Decor
Hang a fall wreath or wooden sign on your door with a removable hook. With a bit of autumn, even apartment doors in a hallway can get in on the seasonal spirit.
Warm Up the Floors
Swap out thin rugs for ones with texture and rich colors like rust, olive, or navy. You can even layer a smaller rug on a neutral one for a cozy, lived-in feel.
Create Soft Lighting
Harsh lights kill the vibe. Use warm bulbs in table lamps, string lights around windows or shelves, and candles or lanterns for a soft, golden glow. Dim the lights in the evening to make things feel extra cozy.
Try a DIY Project
Make fall decor that’s personal and budget-friendly. Paint mini pumpkins, wrap jars in twine, or glue pinecones into a wreath. It’s fun, creative, and makes your space feel uniquely yours.
Set a Fall Tablescape
Dress up your table or counter with a runner, fall-colored placemats, and cloth napkins in plaid or leaf prints. It doesn’t have to be fancy; even small touches make everyday meals feel more seasonal.
Cozy Up Your Balcony
If you have outdoor space, make it fall-ready. Add warm pillows, soft blankets, and planters with mums or fall flowers. It’s the perfect spot for a cup of tea and some fresh air.
Follow Apartment Rules
Before hanging anything, double-check your lease. To decorate without damage or stress, use renter-safe tools like Command strips, Velcro, and removable decals.
Join Local Fall Events
Bring the fall vibes beyond your apartment. Look for community markets, festivals, or pumpkin patches. It’s a fun way to get inspired, meet people, and maybe find new decor pieces for your space.
Fall Apartment Starter Pack
Here’s an easy-to-follow renter-friendly checklist you can screenshot, print, or stick on your fridge. No tools or landlord approval needed!
Scent
- Cinnamon candle
- Essential oil diffuser
- Simmer pot (apple, orange peel, cloves)
Lighting
- Warm LED lamp
- Battery-powered fairy lights
- Flameless candles
Texture
- Knit or fleece throw blanket.
- Flannel pillow covers
- Comfortable slippers or socks
Decor Accents
- Mini pumpkins (real or faux)
- Dried leaves or eucalyptus
- Removable fall-themed window clings or garlands
Vibe Boosters
- Your favorite fall playlist
- A hot drink station
- A reading nook setup
Make Your Apartment Fall-Ready Now!
Decorating your apartment for fall doesn’t have to be hard or cost a lot of money. You don’t need to make significant changes to enjoy the season. A few minor updates, like adding soft blankets, warm lights, fall smells, and natural touches like leaves, can make your home feel cozy and ready for autumn. These little changes can help your space feel more relaxing and welcoming. Whether having friends over, drinking something warm, or enjoying a quiet night, your apartment can feel like the perfect fall getaway.
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Categorised in: Apartment Living
This post was written by Isabella Housel
Isabella Housel is a passionate and versatile professional writer with a deep love for words and a commitment to crafting compelling content that engages, informs, and inspires. With many years of experience in the industry, she has honed her skills across various genres, from creative storytelling to informative articles and technical documentation.