Fall officially started on September 22 this year on the autumnal equinox, making this the perfect time to start transitioning your home from summer to fall. Depending on where you live, the days might already be cold and crisp, or you might still be wishing for the temperatures to drop. So how can you transition your home when it’s not quite summer and it’s not quite fall? Here are nine ideas for getting your home ready for the changing of the seasons.
Prioritize warm colors.
One of our favorite things about fall is the show of colors that nature puts on, so it only makes sense to incorporate those hues into your home. When it comes to transitioning your home to fall, you can’t go wrong with incorporating shades of red, orange, yellow and brown into your decor to mimic the changing leaves of the trees. Keep the colors more on the muted side to keep things looking sophisticated yet seasonal. We also love to see fall-inspired patterns and prints — specifically plaid — in pillows, bedding and other decor.
Use seasonal decor elements.
Another thing we love about fall is the many natural elements that make for elegant home decor. Tasteful arrangements of pumpkins, gourds, vines, leaves, branches, pine cones and other natural items will bring the outside inside this fall. You can buy these items fresh at hardware and gardening stores, or get evergreen replicas at decor stores if you want something you can use year after year (or if you’re allergic to the live plants).
Swap out your pillows and curtains.
Pillows and curtains are usually two of the easiest items to switch out in bedrooms and living rooms — not to mention, it’s way more cost-effective to swap out your pillows than to reupholster your couch. To that end, we like to update the pillows and curtains in each room with the turning of each season. For fall, we choose pillows and curtains featuring warm colors and fall-inspired motifs to bring the seasons inside. Make sure the pillows and curtains coordinate with each other so they will pull the look of the entire room together.
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Switch out your bedding.
As the days begin to cool off, you’ll want to slowly transition to warmer bedding. Depending on the climate where you live, this might be as simple as keeping an extra blanket on hand for the rare cold night, or you might need to switch your bedding set over to warm flannel sheets and a fluffy comforter. Just like with the pillows and curtains, you should choose bedding in warm colors with fall patterns if you want to maximize the seasonal aesthetic in your bedroom.
Update your table linens and decor.
While the living room and bedrooms understandably get a lot of the redecorating attention, it’s important not to forget the dining room, especially if you frequently entertain guests over a meal. For the dining room, we love to see tablecloths, runners and mats in fall colors paired with tasteful dish sets in neutral hues. A centerpiece of fall branches in a metal pitcher or some gourds in a pottery dish will draw the eye and create a seasonal focal point in the middle of the table.
Decorate the outside of your house.
Don’t forget about decorating the outside of your house or apartment! We’re big fans of hanging a traditional fall wreath on the front door, but there are many other options besides just a wreath. Putting out a fall-themed doormat is always a fun touch. If you have a doorstep or entryway, take advantage of the extra space and pile up some pumpkins or other outdoor decor. If you have a patio or some other outdoor entertaining area, get it ready for colder weather with pillows, seat cushions, outdoor blankets and another weather-resistant decor.
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Add cozy touches.
Whether it’s a throw blanket, essential oil diffuser, or fall-themed Spotify playlist, adding some cozy elements to your home is the perfect way to welcome the new season. Fall is all about being warm and snug, so comfort is key. Nothing say “fall feels” than sitting on the couch under a warm blanket with some fuzzy socks on!
Add in extra lighting.
Shorter fall days mean less daylight, so now is a good time to bring out all those lamps you put away during the summer. To create a cozy ambiance, we like to use light bulbs that emit a soft yellow light (instead of harsh white) and also to set them on a dimmer switch when possible. Fall is also the perfect season to bring out all your candles and light them whenever possible. Just be sure never to leave an open flame burning unattended.
Get your fireplace cleaned.
If you’re lucky enough to own an actual fireplace, and it’s been a while since you’ve gotten it inspected and cleaned, you’ll want to go ahead and take care of that before the temperatures drop further and you’re ready to light a fire every night of the week. This is because creosote, an oily substance that builds up inside your chimney, presents a fire hazard and needs to be periodically removed. You should also take steps to keep your fireplace clean during fall and winter, such as making sure the damper is open before you light the fire.
What are your favorite ways to prepare your home for the changing seasons? Have you already begun transitioning your decor from summer to fall? If you’re starting to make some seasonal swaps in your home, consider these helpful tips!