Every year, the debate rages on over when the appropriate time is to decorate for fall. Some say it’s best to wait until September hits, while die-hard fall-lovers say anything goes once the Fourth of July has passed. That leaves August in somewhat of a no-man’s land. It’s still solidly summer according to the calendar, but once pumpkin-scented candles and Halloween decor start lining shelves at every store, it can be hard to resist the pull. My solution? I like to transition my decor from summer to fall in subtle ways over time, rather than diving headfirst into all things autumn on a certain date.
If you’re itching to start decorating for fall but aren’t ready to fully commit yet, there are plenty of simple ways to cozy up your home without going full-on pumpkin spice. Below are 10 simple ways to transition your decor from summer to fall when it’s not quite socially acceptable to haul out the pumpkins and mums yet.
1. Add cozy lighting
As much as I love fall, I don’t love the fact that the days start getting increasingly shorter. As the evenings get darker earlier, cozy lighting is a must, and it’s an easy way to start transitioning your home into fall mode now. Add a new table lamp to a spot that could use some extra light—I personally love a lamp in unexpected places like bookshelves or the kitchen counter. You could also rearrange any lamps you already own to maximize light where you need it most, like next to your favorite reading chair or in a corner of your bedroom that’s starting to feel a little dark and gloomy in the evenings.
2. Incorporate more natural materials
Bringing in natural materials—like wood, stone, and woven textures—is a subtle way to hint at fall and a simple switch you can start anytime. Set out some wood cutting boards on the kitchen counter, bring in a woven basket to store blankets in the living room, or add a stone tray to corral remotes and everyday items on the coffee table. These small additions help create a warm, grounded look without reading as specifically seasonal. Once you’re ready to unpack the pumpkins and other seasonal decor, it’ll all look beautifully cohesive together.
3. Switch out your summer flowers
If you’re anything like me, you’ve been stocking up on Trader Joe’s flowers and farmers market bouquets all summer long. As the weather turns cooler, consider switching out your fresh florals for branches, dried flowers, or pampas grass. In addition to being seasonally appropriate, these options can be extra budget-friendly, given that they’ll last for months on end.
4. Add a fruit bowl with seasonal produce
Late summer is the best time to visit the farmers market—so many gorgeous fruits and veggies hit their peak in August. Instead of unloading your produce haul straight into the fridge when you get home, consider arranging your finds in a fruit bowl that can double as decor. A wooden bowl filled with fresh produce will instantly give your kitchen a harvest-inspired feel without screaming “fall.”
5. Swap in landscape prints
Landscape prints are so classic and contain so many beautiful hues that make perfect fall home decor. I love scouring local flea markets and vintage stores in search of moody landscape paintings, but you can also find inexpensive options at many retailers, as well as downloadable options you can print yourself. Pick out a few and place them into ornate gold frames, which you can lean atop your mantel, bookshelf, or nightstand.
6. Set out some throws
If you’re someone who’s perpetually cold, you might keep throw blankets nearby year-round. But if you haven’t thought about curling up on the sofa with a fuzzy blanket in quite some time, then consider this your reminder to pick up a knit throw that will keep you nice and snug all season long. Be sure to choose one that complements your living room decor so you can oh-so-casually drape it over the back of your sofa when it’s not in use.
7. Introduce fall scents
Your home can still feel like fall, even if it doesn’t look like it yet, and candles are the perfect way to subtly set the tone. Pumpkin-scented candles are easily one of the best parts of the season, and now’s the time to stock up (they’ve been lining the shelves at most stores for weeks now already). Pick out a handful of scents that will bring you joy during the coming months, scatter them throughout your home, and place any unfinished summer candles in a storage bin. See ya next year, peach and lemon! Helloooo, vanilla and pumpkin spice.
8. Change up your throw pillow covers
Affordable pillow covers make it so easy for me to change up my living room decorating scheme whenever I feel like it. For early fall, I love introducing cozy neutrals and earth tones like chocolate brown and moss green—classic fall colors like orange and burgundy can come later in the season. If you purchase throw pillow covers separately (without the fluffy insert), they’re small enough to fold up into a linen closet or an under-bed bin and tuck out of sight! Perfect for switching things up multiple times throughout the year with minimal hassle or expense.
9. Cozy up your bedding
Bye-bye, lightweight cooling sheets—it’s officially cozy bedding season. You most likely don’t need to think about busting out those flannel sheets just yet, but it’s smart to prepare for chilly nights in the coming weeks. I’m partial to soft cotton for sheets, but you can also simply toss a quilt or blanket over your bed for instant coziness. Switching out solid or floral-patterned sheets for a classic pattern like gingham or stripes is another easy way to ease into the season.
10. Grab those candlesticks
Candlesticks are a must for fall home decor. They provide the perfect soft lighting for fall dinner parties or cozy evenings at home, and even if you don’t light them, they serve as elegant decor that you can really display anywhere. They’ll look charming on the kitchen table, bookshelves, a coffee table—a good pair of candlesticks can do no wrong. To finish off the look, grab some taper candles in a pretty fall hue, such as a soft orange or rich burgundy.
Sarah Lyon, Contributing Beauty & Lifestyle Writer
Sarah Lyon is a freelance writer and interior design enthusiast who currently lives in New York City. Her work focuses primarily on design and lifestyle topics ranging from decorating tips to beauty advice to travel guides.
Jessica Friedhoff, Senior Lifestyle Editor
Jessica Friedhoff is the Senior Lifestyle Editor at The Everygirl, where she oversees the Home & Living category of the site. She writes and edits stories across a broad range of topics including decorating, food, entertaining, travel, and more. With a pulse on the latest trends, she uses her eye for detail and design to create timely, inspiring content for our readers.
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