A cozy living room features a roaring fireplace and an inviting couch with throw pillows and blankets.

Pumpkin spice is finally back!

Which means that fall is here, too. The days will get longer, and the air will get cooler, and there’s nothing better than coming home from a long, cold day to a cozy fall retreat.

Seasonal decorating doesn’t have to be a huge project. The best decor is in the details, so you don’t have to make major changes to bring fall into your space. Switching out some of your usual home decor for a few seasonal pieces is an easy way to make your place look festive and sophisticated.

Lighting

Mood lighting is a major part of creating an autumnal ambiance in your apartment. Replace overhead lighting with lamps and open blinds. Dimmable lamps with soft white light bulbs are my favorite because they give off a warm glow at varying intensity, so you can choose how moody you want your lighting.

Throw Pillows and Blankets

A close-up shot shows a couch autumnal throw pillows and a knit blanket.

Throw pillows and blankets are an easy place to start when refreshing your apartment for the season because they’re fun to look for and easy to find in stores. Opt for warm colors to match the falling leaves outside and soft fabrics to set a cozy mood.

Novelty pillows in the shape of pumpkins or leaves can add a fun element to a living room. Pair one with a solid-color throw pillow and a knit blanket draped over the back of your sofa, and you have the perfect spot to watch your favorite Halloween movies!

Linens

Seasonal table runners, tablecloths, and hand towels are another easy change that can make your apartment an autumnal heaven.

Tablecloths or runners in shades of cream, brown, orange, and red set the mood in your dining area. Plaids and autumn florals are timeless patterns that will make your dining table a statement piece. If you prefer something more understated, solid colors with embroidery, tassels, or scalloped edges can add intrigue to your table without demanding attention.

Continue the theme in the kitchen and bathrooms with seasonal hand towels. Go for classic and elegant with solids or opt for fun and festive with novelty patterns. Regardless of the pattern you choose, your guests are sure to notice the small details that make all the difference.

Tabletop Decor

A decorative vase, gold-painted pumpkin, and candles sit on a coffee table with a couch in the background.

Tabletop decor is a great way to show off your personal style. Find trinkets that match your unique style and display them around your apartment. To fill in the gaps, add focal points around your apartment with centerpieces.

How you create a fall centerpiece depends on your style. Candlesticks will add a more vintage feel to your space. Find three of a kind for a polished look, or mix and match with thrifted candlesticks for a more eclectic effect. For a modern look, use a brown glass or ceramic vase to display a fall floral arrangement with sunflowers, hydrangeas, and foliage.

When all else fails, display some mini pumpkins! Cluster three of different shapes and colors or paint them to match your other décor.

Seasonal Scents

Creating an ambiance is one of the most important parts of decorating any space. Filling your place with fall fragrances can help establish a cozy feel.

If you have an air freshener that plugs into the wall, switch out your summer or year-round scents for fall flavors like pumpkin spice, apple cinnamon, or cedarwood. If an essential oil diffuser is more your speed, use oils like clove, cardamom, or bergamot.

Regardless of your preferred air freshener, candles are a must. They check two boxes by filling your home with fall smells while acting as a source of mood lighting. Don’t like the look of the candle’s container? Put it in a votive or candle sleeve that matches your style.

Get Crafty

Autumn leaves sit on top of craft paper for a fall-themed craft.

Autumn is the perfect season for DIYs because nature provides the best supplies! Make potpourri for a decorative bowl by gathering pinecones and painting them to match your style. Make autumnal wall art by pressing leaves and adhering them to a canvas with Mod Podge. Make a fall wreath for your front door by attaching leaves, pinecones, and acorns to a wire ring. Of course, clean off any craft supplies you find outside—you don’t want too much Mother Nature inside your home.

Decorating for the turn of the season can be a fun way to make your home feel brand new. By switching out your normal decor for fall-themed items or creating your own DIY fall decor, you can welcome the new season into your home and make your apartment the perfect place to curl up with a pumpkin spice latte.

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Chloe Savan

Hi! I'm Chloe, a content writer for Apartments.com. I've lived in three apartments in the past four years, so I know the ropes of renting. When I'm not at my desk writing, I can be found curled up on my couch with a craft in my hands or catching up with my friends over tacos!

Chloe Savan smiling in graduation pictures.
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