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As someone renting a New York City apartment, I am well-versed in the quirks and challenges of living in a small space. With limited storage and options for customizing your space, it takes some serious effort to transform a rental property into an environment that truly feels like home. In past years, I’ve abandoned the idea of decorating my apartment for holidays, primarily because I couldn’t justify spending loads of money on household items that would only be used for a couple months per year. But… it has always made me a little sad to walk past the beautiful brownstone buildings in my neighborhood adorned with twinkling lights and festive decorations for every holiday. Why can’t I also join in on the fun?
This year, I am determined to embrace the cozy vibes of the fall season wholeheartedly, so I present to you a comprehensive list of 20 fall decorating ideas for your apartment that are modern, timeless, and some of which will undoubtedly become a staple in your home year-round. With both DIY and retail options, fall decorations don’t need to cost a fortune, so keep reading to find cozy autumnal decor that (hopefully) tickles your fancy.
What’s more festive than a little bit of sparkle? With dopamine decor trending on TikTok, it’s no surprise that disco decorations are on everyone’s wish list. The iconic ’70s staple is a symbol of joy and freedom that makes it difficult not to feel like dancing. Whether purchased pre-made or crafted at home, disco pumpkins are a trendy twist on a fall classic that will make your space glitter and glow.
Turn your living room into a fall wonderland by swapping out fresh flowers with dried foliage, such as dried leaves, eucalyptus, or pampas grass. Dried foliage immediately transports me to a scene of the leaves changing colors on the trees in October, bringing the magic of the outdoors into the home. Additionally, as a dried plant, this decor piece is ultra low maintenance and long-lasting.
When working with a small space, finding unique alternatives to everyday items is a great way to add that extra bit of charm and personality. A whimsical candle holder also serves as an art piece and delivers spooky fall vibes while still looking totally classy. The best part? A fun candle holder is not limited to the fall season and will brighten up your space all year long.
The first word that comes to mind when I think about fall is “cozy.” When seeking to create a cozy environment in an apartment, there’s nothing better than a soft, luxurious blanket to cuddle up in. Achieve the ultimate fall ambiance by selecting a warm-toned colorful blanket, like this plaid blanket from Urban Outfitters, or opt for something more thematic like a ghost patterned blanket.
Jewel tones are bold, rich hues derived from the colors of gemstones such as sapphire, ruby, and emerald. Although these colors take their inspiration from gems, they double as an artful embodiment of the deep shades of autumn. Jewel toned glassware in amber or emerald hues will elevate your fall decor game and make your apartment feel oh-so-fancy.
I mean, how adorable is a twinkling twig tree? This glowing arbor is perfect for apartments as it doesn’t occupy too much space, and best of all, you can dress it up for any holiday, or keep it in your apartment year-round as a cozy decor piece. For the fall season, keep the branches barren for a spooky look. In the winter, dress up your glimmering tree with ornaments of your choice to evoke holiday cheer.
Cue evermore by Taylor Swift. Flannels are a staple fall piece for staying warm and cozy, so why not pull that inviting plaid pattern into your interior decor? Dress up your fall tablescape with plaid napkins, or drape your couch with a plush plaid blanket. Try a plaid table runner or plaid kitchen towels. The options are limitless for incorporating this simple yet festive print into your apartment design.
Ghost candles are an adorable DIY that illuminate your space with whimsical joy. To create these ghoulish pals at home, check out @jodie.thedesigntwins’ ghost candle tutorial on TikTok, which displays how to transform a taper candle into a haunted friend.
Sometimes, the easiest way to get into the fall spirit is by curating a festive aroma in your home. Candles are a great option for providing delicious scents and warm lighting, but you can also utilize essential oil diffusers or simmer pots to achieve a scrumptious smelling home. When choosing your signature fall scent, go for warm and spicy aromas like apple, pumpkin, cinnamon, caramel, and clove.
The color terracotta brings warmth and comfort into a home, gracefully exuding the peaceful energy of fall time. Its orange undertones are associated with optimism, energy, and joy, while its earthy brown undertones allow you to feel grounded and relaxed. I don’t know about you, but I want nothing more than to curl up in this terracotta bedding after a long day to decompress and cozy up.
In any rental home, lighting plays a key role in setting the mood for your space. Apartment lighting can be particularly harsh, so if you’re looking to warm up your space and curate an inviting energy, opt for soft ambient lighting. The warm glow of ambient lights like this Rice Paper Orb Pendant Light from Urban Outfitters gently illuminates the space, creating the perfect cozy fall vibe. When looking for warm ambient lighting, try to avoid bright white high wattage LEDs and instead go for a 7-10 watt soft white LED or a low wattage incandescent bulb.
If you’re decorating on a budget, dried orange garland is the decor piece for you. Add a festive pop of color to your home with this super easy do-it-yourself decoration, and bask in the comforting citrus scent. To create your own orange garland, thinly slice a few oranges and bake them in an oven at 200 degrees Fahrenheit for 6 to 7 hours. Once dehydrated, fasten the orange slices onto twine, and you have a gorgeous decorative garland that will last you for years to come.
Add visual interest without taking up any of your precious space with this gorgeous wall decor piece. McGee & Co.’s black eucalyptus wreath is understated, classy, and neutral, therefore serving as a versatile home decoration. With a plethora of unique wreath options on the market and the option to create your own at home, this decoration isn’t just for the Christmas season.
A pumpkin vase is a stunning centerpiece for your dining or coffee table that immediately sparks joy. Whether you opt for a real pumpkin or purchase a fake pumpkin from the craft store, this pumpkin vase is an eye-catching decoration that all of your house guests will rave about. Craft this decor piece at home by carving a hole at the top of your pumpkin, adding a mason jar into the pumpkin, and arranging flowers or fall foliage inside the mason jar.
TikTok has been all over Pottery Barn’s plush fall pillows that are simply adorable. Embrace your youthful cheer with a stylish pumpkin pillow or an adorable spider.
Hot take: Target is my retailer of choice for purchasing affordable holiday decor. These spooky (and super cheap) appetizer plates from Target are the perfect addition to your next dinner party, as they are fall-focused without being cheesy. Although Target’s spooky plate selection is currently sold out, Crate & Barrel’s Spiderweb Halloween Salad Plate is a perfectly elevated alternative to add to your fall shopping list.
If you are a lover of luxury, go for velvet accents this fall season. This gorgeous texture is guaranteed to add depth and vibrant color to any drab space. Select warm-toned velvet items, like this beautiful orange ribbed velvet pillow from Anthropologie, to liven up your space with autumnal cheer.
Do not underestimate the power of a festive table runner to beautify your at-home dining experience, no matter the size or shape of your table. Select a table runner with warm colors, fun patterns, or unique texture for a stunning autumnal tablescape.
Go neutral and natural this fall by using burlap fabric as home decor. This woven textile drapes beautifully on shelves, TV stands, tables, and windowsills, and it also serves as the perfect table runner for a fall dinner party.
Unleash your creativity with moody wall art this fall. If you’re particularly artsy, paint or draw your own scene of vibrant fall foliage, or opt for a pre-made art piece like this gorgeous vintage style floral art print from Amazon.
