Fall Farmhouse Style on a Budget

Sitting area with white chair, fall decor and dried hydrangeas for fall farmhouse style

Photograph by David Sparks; home of Corine Mapes

Written by Tony Gilbert

Fall brings cooler weather and changing leaves, but it also means it’s time to start thinking about decorating for the season. Fortunately, rustic-chic fall farmhouse style goes perfectly with autumn’s warm, earthy hues and welcoming aesthetics.

You don’t need to spend a fortune on seasonal decorations that will end up in storage after Thanksgiving. By sourcing local materials and channeling your inner-DIY expert, you can blend beautiful, budget-friendly fall looks with your existing style.

curated house living room — Darling fall farmhouse style at homeowner Wendy Zock’s house. Photograph by Dave Bryce.

Sourcing Your Materials: Get More For Less

Here’s a fun fall challenge: Collect all the materials you need without buying anything new. Big box stores are convenient, but their prices can quickly add up, especially when you’re stocking up for fall farmhouse style.

Whether you prefer a sleek modern farmhouse or a timeless Colonial with a farmhouse twist, upcycle pre-loved items and gather inspiration from nature to be at the heart of your fall farmhouse style. This year, try hitting some garage sales, thrift stores, and even your own backyard to find everything you need to give your farmhouse a fall makeover.

fall front steps with pumpkins — Homeowner Jessica Sigmon was immediately drawn to the porch and steps of her home. “When I first saw it, I fell in love with the front porch. I did know it would need some revamping, but I saw so much potential for days spent outside in rocking chairs and decorating the steps,” she says. Photograph by Dustin Peck.

Fall Farmhouse Style at Garage Sales & Thrift Shops

One of the great things about shopping at garage sales and thrift shops is that you can find unique items for your home at a fraction of the price you would pay at a retail store. Who knows what hidden gems await!

An antique bowl set can be used to bring fall flair to your home-cooked meals, plaid quilts offer a stylish base for Thanksgiving tablescapes, and vintage vases are perfect for autumnal floral arrangements. With a bit of imagination, you can transform ordinary household items into spectacular fall decorations for your fall farmhouse style.

fall "cupcakery" display — This “cupcakery” station houses many of homeowner Ambyr Domonell’s cutting boards, cake plates and rolling pins––both vintage and modern. The display is dressed for the season with a Pumpkin Patch sign and a sprinkling of mint-green, orange and white pumpkins. Photograph by Rikki Snyder.

Fall Decorations in Nature

Fall colors are always inspiring, so take a nature walk and look for natural materials you think would go perfectly with your fall farmhouse style. Pinecones, acorns, and dried leaves are perfect for crafting DIY wreaths and garlands. Gourds and pumpkins can be used to create beautiful centerpieces. The wood from twigs and branches can be fashioned into rustic picture frames, photo holders, or even furniture.

Build a fireplace to create an inviting and cozy living room — DIY built-in fireplace by Astra Spanbauer.

DIY Fall Decor: Cheap, Easy & Fun!

Now that you’ve gathered all the material for your fall decor, it’s time to start crafting! If you’re not the DIY type, don’t worry. There are plenty of simple farmhouse-style projects that even the most novice crafter can handle.

Leading up to the fall she shed, carefully placed pumpkins mark the way to Holly's favorite fall getaway: her she shed! — Pretty pumpkins of all sizes mark the way to Holly Blain‘s sweet fall she shed in the woods. Photograph by Sondra LaRay Photography.

Idea 1: Build Your Own Fall Wreath

One of the easiest ways to add fall flair to your home is with a wreath. You can hang it on your front door, above your fireplace, or even on a bare wall as part of a gallery display. The great thing about DIY wreaths is that you can make them as simple or as elaborate as you want.

To start, you need a round base. You can make your own by shaping floral wire into a circle. More advanced crafters can fashion a circular base out of greenery, but it’s usually more time-consuming. If you’re short on time, you can purchase a wreath base from your local craft store.

Once you have your base, you can adorn it with any fall materials you like. Try adding pinecones, acorns, dried leaves, and berries. You can also incorporate fall-themed ribbon, fabric scraps, or burlap for a more rustic look.

Nina's mudroom uses everyday items to create a chic upcycled fall look. She has a flannel hanging by a hook above rain boots-turned planters and a woven basket. — When it comes to designing her mudroom, homeowner Nina Hendrick picks items that are stylish but realistic. From the flannel hanging on the hook to the rain boots serving as planters, they’re items you’d commonly find in a mudroom but arranged so they add to the design instead of distracting from it. Photograph by Nina Hendrick.

Idea 2: Decorate With Fall Leaves

Money might not grow on trees, but fall decor does! Raking the leaves might not be your favorite chore, but you can liven up the task by using it as a chance to source cost-free fall farmhouse style.

To preserve fall colors for year-round use, try coating a few leaves with transparent craft glue or clear acrylic sealer gloss. The final product will be glossy, colorful, and perfectly preserved. Place them in mason jars, work them into your wreath, or hang them on your fireplace mantel.

Pressing fall leaves is another classic craft that doesn’t cost a dime. Start by selecting fresh, unblemished leaves. Gently rinse the leaves and pat them dry with a soft cloth. Lay the leaves between two sheets of absorbent paper and cover them with a pile of books for a week or two. Once the leaves are dry and flat, you can use them to decorate cards and scrapbooks, or frame them for artwork.

no carve pumpkins DIY — Photograph by Jickie Torres.

Get Creative With Pumpkins

Fall would never be complete without a trip to the local pumpkin patch! Without spending a fortune, you can find a few pumpkins of all shapes and sizes, then get creative. Everyone loves Jack-o-Lanterns at Halloween, but no-carve pumpkin decorations can be used all season long.

Customized, Cozy Farmhouse Sofa

Smaller pumpkins can be subtly placed on bookshelves, coffee tables, and countertops to bring a pop of color to every corner. On the front porch, try making your own picture-worthy display by arranging larger pumpkins and gourds. To make a festive entrance for farmhouse Halloween parties, try working in hay bales, scarecrows, and a hand-painted sign made from reclaimed wood.

vase of flowers on countertop — If you’re scouring your yard and the surrounding area for flowers for your home, they don’t have to be traditional “fall” species—just go with colors that work with the season! Photograph by Amy Mings.

Bring Fall Flavors & Smells to the Kitchen

Pumpkin spice and everything nice! There’s nothing quite like the smell of fresh-baked cookies or a warm bowl of soup to get you in the fall spirit.

Fall decor looks great in the kitchen. Try swapping out a few favorite recipes for tasty alternatives made with seasonal ingredients. Fall ingredients are a cost-effective way to use the season’s colors.

For example, a bowl of apples can make be more than healthy snacks and flavorful ingredients; it also makes for a perfect fall centerpiece on your kitchen island! Try to get a mix of green and red to emulate the hues of the changing leaves.

Mason jars filled with cinnamon sticks, nutmeg, and allspice can also double as decor and potent fall aromatherapies. Place them on the countertop or group them together to make a unique vignette on your kitchen windowsill.

Painted white coffee table with cute fall styling on top — DIY yourself a cute coffee table to put your fall decor on! Project and photo by Jessica Sigmon.

Your Farmhouse Fall Can Be Fun & Budget-Friendly

Fall is a great time to refresh your farmhouse decor, and there are many fun ways to do so on a budget. By looking for specific items at garage sales and thrift shops, as well as taking advantage of the natural beauty of autumn, you can create a cozy farmhouse style that will make you feel right at home this season. With just a little effort, you can have the perfect fall look in your home without breaking the bank.

Want to see some fun furniture makeovers? Check it out here! And of course, don’t forget to follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest to get your daily dose of farmhouse inspiration!