15 Must-Try Fall Living Room Decor for a Seasonal Refresh

As the crisp autumn air sweeps in and leaves begin to turn, it’s the perfect time to give your living room a cozy seasonal makeover. Whether you’re embracing farmhouse charm or modern minimalism, these must-try fall living room decor ideas will help you create a space that feels warm, inviting, and effortlessly festive. Ideal for U.S. households, each idea includes clear steps and expert tips for creating stunning visuals using pumpkins, textures, warm tones, and more.

🍁 1. Layered Throw Blankets in Fall Tones

Mix and match chunky knits, plaid patterns, and burnt orange or mustard yellow throws over sofas and chairs.

Steps:

• Choose 2–3 cozy throws in fall hues (e.g., rust, burgundy, ochre).
• Layer them across your sofa back, armrests, and accent chairs.
• Let fringes or textures drape naturally for a relaxed feel.

Tip: Go for materials like wool, fleece, or flannel to add warmth and depth.

🍂 2. Pumpkin-Filled Coffee Table Tray

Create a centerpiece tray with small pumpkins, acorns, pinecones, and a candle.

Steps:

• Use a wooden or galvanized tray.
• Arrange a mix of mini pumpkins, faux leaves, and rustic candles.
• Add pinecones or cinnamon sticks for texture and scent.

Tip: Mix real and faux elements to extend your decor through the whole season.

🌾 3. Mums & Seasonal Blooms on the Mantel

Place vases of mums, sunflowers, and dried florals across your fireplace mantel.

Steps:

• Select vases in amber or matte white for a fall look.
• Fill with fresh or faux seasonal blooms.
• Layer with small pumpkins or wood bead garlands.

Tip: Use varying vase heights to create dimension.

🎃 4. Lantern Display with Faux Candles

Add rustic lanterns filled with faux candles and autumn accents around your living room.

Steps:

• Choose black, bronze, or wood lanterns in different sizes.
• Insert LED flameless candles.
• Fill the base with mini pumpkins, dried leaves, or berries.

Tip: Place lanterns in corners or near windows for cozy evening glow.

🧡 5. Fall Pillow Swap

Replace your regular pillows with covers in plaid, velvet, or leaf patterns.

Steps:

• Choose pillow covers in fall shades—olive, cranberry, taupe.
• Incorporate fall-themed patterns like leaves or pumpkins.
• Mix textures for added visual interest.

Tip: Use inserts you already own and just switch out the covers for budget-friendly updating.

🪵 6. Autumn-Inspired Wall Art

Swap summer prints for fall-themed wall art with seasonal quotes or nature imagery.

Steps:

• Download or print fall wall art from Etsy or Pinterest.
• Choose frames in wood or brass finishes.
• Replace existing art or create a seasonal gallery wall.

Tip: Print seasonal quotes like “Hello Fall” or “Grateful, Thankful, Blessed.”

🍎 7. Warm Scented Candles & Wax Melts

Introduce cozy scents like apple cinnamon, pumpkin spice, or sandalwood.

Steps:

• Use jars or pillar candles in amber glass or ceramic holders.
• Place candles on shelves, tables, or windowsills.
• Try wax warmers with fall-scented melts for flame-free ambiance.

Tip: Stick to one scent family per room for a balanced aroma.

🌰 8. Rustic Wood Accents

Use reclaimed wood elements like crates, shelves, or wall signs to warm up your space.

Steps:

• Add a small crate or wooden riser to hold decor items.
• Hang a “Welcome Fall” or “Harvest Blessings” wooden sign.
• Use wood coasters or trays for small details.

Tip: Look for real or faux barn wood for authentic texture.

🧺 9. Wicker Baskets with Cozy Textiles

Tuck extra blankets, pillows, or pinecones into woven baskets for storage and style.

Steps:

• Use wicker or rope baskets in corners or beside sofas.
• Fold and display a fall throw or pillow inside.
• Accent with faux gourds or foliage.

Tip: Use this as functional decor to keep clutter at bay during cooler months.

🍂 10. Autumn Garland Draped Over Shelves

String faux maple leaf or eucalyptus garlands across bookshelves or TV stands.

Steps:

• Choose a garland with warm-toned leaves or berries.
• Drape loosely across shelves or frame around a mirror.
• Secure with small command hooks or string.

Tip: Add string lights to your garland for evening ambiance.

🎨 11. DIY Painted Pumpkins as Decor Accents

Customize faux or real pumpkins in neutral or pastel tones to suit your decor style.

Steps:

• Pick up small craft pumpkins.
• Paint with acrylic in white, sage, or dusty rose.
• Add metallic touches with gold or copper.

Tip: Display in odd numbers for a balanced visual effect.

🍁 12. Buffalo Check Accents

Incorporate this iconic pattern with rugs, pillows, or throws.

Steps:

• Choose black & white or orange & cream buffalo check.
• Use in one or two accent pieces to avoid overwhelming the room.
• Layer with solid or textured items.

Tip: Buffalo check works great in farmhouse, rustic, and modern styles alike.

🍃 13. Faux Leaf Branches in Oversized Vases

Add dramatic height and color with faux maple or oak branches in a statement vase.

Steps:

• Choose a tall vase in ceramic, glass, or metal.
• Arrange 3–5 tall faux leaf stems inside.
• Place the vase on the floor, console table, or mantel.

Tip: Combine with smaller florals for layered impact.

🍂 14. Fall Books & Cozy Reading Nook

Style your coffee table or side table with fall-themed books, candles, and a soft throw.

Steps:

• Stack 2–3 hardcover books with autumnal covers.
• Add a mini pumpkin and candle on top.
• Place a cozy chair with a throw nearby.

Tip: Choose coffee table books with fall photography, recipes, or home ideas.

🍁 15. Seasonal Swap on the TV Console

Transform your entertainment area with small fall touches.

Steps:

• Replace summer decor with pumpkins, garlands, or lanterns.
• Add a fall sign or printable artwork behind your screen.
• Tuck small faux leaves under media decor items.

Tip: Use removable adhesive hooks or strips to protect furniture finish.

Final Thoughts 🍂

Refreshing your living room for fall doesn’t require a total overhaul. With these 15 easy, stylish, and cozy ideas, you’ll enjoy a warm and festive space perfect for entertaining or simply relaxing during the fall months. Most importantly, embrace the textures, colors, and scents of the season—and have fun with it!