Pumpkins are a cornerstone of festive fall decor, and an easy fallback for a last-minute design scheme. But they aren’t the only route to decorating success when the weather starts to turn. Though they’ll likely always be part of the season’s signature look, you don’t need to head to the pumpkin patch for a fall-worthy living room or front porch.
By seeking out more subtle seasonal motifs, using out-of-the-box fall decor ideas and welcoming fall color schemes, your home will be ready for hosting season without looking cliché or kitschy. If you’re not sure how to start decorating for fall, don’t fear – there are plenty of elevated, elegant accessories to choose from.
To get a better idea of the fall decor that tops pumpkins every time, we spoke with interior designer who love fall-themed schemes. This is how they decorate for autumn without using pumpkins, and how to bring the look home.
How to decorate for fall without pumpkins
Scary-good fall decor trends aren’t hard to come by, but dropping the pumpkins can make the process a bit more challenging. This is how the experts craft stylish, chic fall decor schemes without leaning on the familiar fall jack-o’-lanterns.
1. Opt for rich fabrics and tones
Counteract the lack of sun and chilly temperatures by introducing lush, cozy fabrics in warm colors and enticing textures to your living space. Whether you opt for seasonal throw pillows or a new piece of furniture in a luxe material, interior designer Jane Thompson suggests ‘incorporating fall’s warm color palette into your decor.’
‘Instead of pumpkins, opt for a range of deep oranges, rich burgundies, and earthy browns,’ she says.' These hues can be integrated into throw pillows, area rugs, and drapery. Consider layering different textures, such as wool, faux fur, and knits, to evoke a sense of warmth and comfort reminiscent of fall.'
Although this tip applies to every corner of your fall decor scheme, starting with small pieces is an easy and accessible way to refresh your space for the season. Find every opportunity to bring in cozy, fall-worthy textiles.
'One way to incorporate fall into your home is re-doing your throw pillow covers with a new color palette,' says interior designer Brooke Spreckman. 'If you have lighter tones, try swapping all of them out with a richer palette of fabrics.'
‘When decorating for fall without using pumpkins, it's all about incorporating rich, seasonal hues and cozy textures that evoke the warmth and comfort of the season,’ adds Lauren Coburn, founder and principal of her Chicago-based design firm.
‘Instead of relying on the typical pumpkin motif, consider updating your bedding and soft furnishings, which can dramatically transform a room with minimal effort. Changing your bedding can instantly refresh a space.’
2. Curate a fall display
While many fall displays are packed with pumpkin decor, there are gorgeous alternatives that can be used to create a stunning centerpiece or to style a coffee table for fall. A fall display is a low-cost and highly personalized way to decorate for fall.
One easy way to create a contained display is by using a tray. Use trays that channel the fall aesthetic, such as those in dark wood, and create a purposeful display with seasonal foliage and finds. This can even include scattering a few pine cone decorations and acorns around.
Candles and candle holders are great decorations that can be used as the focus of a fall centerpiece, or just as a smaller display item. You can even make a candelabra centerpiece by incorporating flowers, wheat and berries. This is also a great way to make your house smell like fall.
You can use natural elements to create a display by filling a vase with fall flowers or decorate with dried flowers. You can also fill decorative bowls with fall elements such as berries, pinecones or potpourri.
This selection of candlesticks is a fun way to display candles on your coffee table. Consider a range of colors, shapes and sizes to create some depth.
These wooden trays in different shapes and colors are the perfect choice for any coffee table, whether it serves as the base of a neatly organized fall display or a holder for your fall-themed mugs.
This beautiful harvest bouquet is an easy way to introduce fall colors to your coffee table display.
3. Display natural elements
Tess Twiehaus, interior designer at Tess Interiors recommends taking inspiration from the organic treasures found right outside your front door.
'My favorite thing about fall is watching the leaves change, bringing those rich shades of gold and auburn indoors by gathering branches from your very own neighborhood and putting them on display. Bonus points for a branch that's extra large and brings a sculptural element to your decor,’ she says.
Decide on a cohesive color scheme, and bring in natural elements that match the look, or opt for pops of contrasting colors that’ll elevate the entire house. Whether you choose the deep green hues of pine trees or the vibrant, lively shades of falling leaves, you can’t go wrong by having a look outside for ideas.
Heather Goerzen, director of design and content at Havenly, adds that the nature-inspired route makes for a beautiful fall tablescape as well, no matter which holiday you’re hosting. ‘We love the idea of using seasonal produce and botanicals to decorate a tablescape or even a buffet table. Instead of going the fake pumpkin route, go to the farmer’s market or your local grocery store and pick up corn stalks, squash, and the like and use them as decoration (and eat them, later!),’ she says.
‘We also love the idea of adding seasonal touches to place settings, like dried leaves, cranberries, twine, cinnamon sticks, apples, and more – it’s versatile, affordable, and nature-inspired,’ she continues.
4. Utilize rustic elements
One of the most understated ways to seamlessly incorporate fall motifs into your design scheme without pumpkins is by selecting rustic elements. These subtle touches will channel a farmhouse-inspired look that hasn’t faded from the trend cycle this season.
This can be done in any room in the house, and in so many different ways, from finding antique or distressed wood furniture, using rustic linen for bedding, finding natural materials like woven placemats for dining, to openly displaying copper pots, and more. This is an effective way to create a charming and cozy atmosphere.
Investing in a good set of napkins is a must for hosting dinner parties. We love the understated and natural feel of these ones, made from 100% linen and with elevated fringe detailing.
Crafted from ash wood, this stool features sculptural detailing which gives it a vintage look. A practical addition to the bathroom, this is the ideal furniture piece to upgrade your bathroom with this fall.
Made from a mix of aged bronze and mango wood, this practical and stylish serving set is an essential that is guaranteed to add elegance to the dining table this fall.
5. Create ambient mood lighting
'Nothing says fall like the warm glow of candles and lanterns.' says Jacky Chou, principal and director of Archute. 'They create a cozy and inviting atmosphere that is perfect for relaxing or entertaining. You can use candles and lanterns of different sizes, shapes, colors, and scents to suit your mood and style.'
Not only beautiful additions to a design scheme, candles, lanterns, and string lights also contribute to a warm, welcoming environment that guests won’t want to leave. They’re the perfect accessory for fall decorating, often taking on seasonal scents that fill the whole space.
'You can also use them to accentuate other decor elements like wreaths, garlands, or mantels,’ Jacky continues. ‘For example, you could place some pillar candles in a metal tray with some pine cones and nuts or hang some lanterns from your porch or balcony.'
Heather agrees, suggesting you have a walk through your home and swap out any taper candles or scented candles with ‘more fall-leaning colors and fragrances’ for a near-instant refresh.
‘Swap summer white tapers with rich sienna or ochre yellow, and stash away your summer scents for pumpkin spice, apple cinnamon, and the like,’ says Heather. ‘This small touch goes a long way when changing up the mood and overall atmosphere for fall.’
6. Decorate with comforting fall colors
‘There's so much more to fall than pumpkins!,’ says Kathy Kuo, interior designer and founder of homeware brand, Kathy Kuo Home. ‘If you're like me, and you don't love orange gourds dominating your decor, lean into the overall color palette and texture story that can be told during autumn.’
‘There is a whole range of colors that evoke the changing leaves – think sienna, russet, goldenrod, and even shades of dark green and mahogany brown,’ she continues. ‘You can also evoke fall feelings with rustic textures like oversized knits, reclaimed wood, and wovens like cane.’
Look to the great outdoors for inspiration, and bring in the cozy, comforting colors of fall. Jennifer Verruto, founder and CEO of Blythe Interiors, says the holiday season is all about being warm and cozy, so taking on a muted and heart-warming color palette will make your home’s atmosphere feel just right.
'Opt for a neutral palette with selective small pops of color and subtle textures – this allows your seasonal decor to easily blend in with your existing pieces, making your space feel more cohesive and thoughtfully curated.'
These pillows are the perfect addition to the bedroom to create a cozy space. Made from 100% cotton, they have a soft textural feel and this chocolate color is the ultimate fall-inspired neutral.
Opting for a textured quilt is a stylish way to add warmth to your bedding while also creating a layering effect. The soft floral print on this one adds elegance and character whilst its colors remain paired back.
Perfect for bringing a subtle nod to print into the bedroom, this pillow cover features a rust-colored plaid motif which adds interest to the room whilst remaining understated in true Studio McGee style.
7. Design with longevity in mind
Jennifer adds that it’s important to design with more than just fall front of mind. Your home will need a significant refresh come winter if you decorate with just one month for inspiration, so make decisions that’ll last for seasons (and years) to come.
‘Incorporate decor with longevity,’ she says. ‘You'll save time, space, and money by investing in decor that isn't just for a specific holiday, but rather that can last you from fall through winter and even into the new year!’
'For example, ditch that bright orange vase for a simple gold one instead,’ she continues. ‘Something neutral, yet festive like gold, can easily be updated to reflect a specific season or mood. For fall, throw in some gorgeous, dried florals and then swap them out for something more wintery like holly leaves when the time arrives.'
Interior designer Brooke Spreckman suggests a final way you can decorate your home for fall without using pumpkins.
'One way to prepare for the fall is to start collecting vases and larger accessories that add warmth to a space,' she says. 'A new large vase that you can style with fall florals can add a statement to any room! Rather than using the same simple glass vases used throughout the year, make it a point to shop for a few new pieces that have that fall warmth.'
