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Fall is a great time to refresh your wardrobe with cozy sweaters, swap out your hand soaps for ones that smell so good you could eat them (but really shouldn’t), and decorate your porch in autumn style. But as you’ve come to find out, decorating can be expensive! I’m thankful that we recently moved into our (almost completed) home build, but let me tell you, when you just get done spending a lot of money on a house, whether that be through a build, a renovation, or buying, the last thing you want to do is go drop a bunch more money on decorations.
But don’t worry – you don’t have to let the fall season pass you by with a bare house. To help you out (and myself), I put together some fall front porch decorating ideas on a budget. These ideas, tips, and simple tricks will help you create an inviting, cozy atmosphere that won’t break the bank. With a few simple and affordable touches, you can easily turn your front porch into the perfect spot to enjoy the beauty of the season!
1. Assess Your Space to Know What You Need
When it comes to decorating your front porch for the fall season, it’s important to first assess your space so you know what you need. Whatever budget you have, you want it to go far! Take a good look at your front porch and think about how you want it to look and feel.
Consider the size of your outdoor space, whether it’s a small front porch or a larger area, and determine what will work best for your wants. Do you want it to be simple, minimalistic, and chic? Or do you want to embrace the maximalist style and fill every concrete surface with orange pumpkins?
2. Set a Budget
Decorating can quickly become expensive if you’re not careful. And I don’t know about you, but the thrill of my favorite season has me feeling a little loose with my wallet at times. To combat reckless spending, setting a budget is important.
And the first step in setting a budget is determining what you actually need for your front porch. Make a list of the essential items that will help you achieve your desired look. Maybe you need some hay bales to create a rustic feel, or perhaps you want to invest in a cozy outdoor seating area.
Whatever it may be, prioritize your favorite things. It’s also helpful to prioritize the most expensive items, such as a porch swing or rocking chair, to ensure you get those, and then you can get cute “filler” pieces with whatever money you have left.
3. Visit the Thrift Store
Once you have your list, it’s time to think about cost-effective ways to obtain these items, if needed. Thrift stores and online marketplaces are great places to find unique and affordable pieces.
And if you’re willing to start early and do a little digging, you’ll be surprised at the treasures you can find for a fraction of the price! When you start your thrifting adventure, be on the lookout for things like throw pillows that could use a new inexpensive cover or mini pumpkins that you could group together to create a beautiful collection.
4. Choose a Color Palette and Theme
I talk about the amazing transformation a color palette can do for your wardrobe all the time, and if choosing the right colors can convey a certain message for the clothes you wear, why shouldn’t it work for your home decor as well? Plus, who doesn’t love a good theme? It just ties it all together!
To make your budget look like a million bucks, start by choosing a color scheme that speaks to you and reflects the fall season. A classic fall color scheme like orange, yellow, and brown is always a safe bet, but don’t be afraid to do whatever it is that you like.
You could go for a more muted and earthy color palette with shades of green, brown, and rust. Or maybe you want to go for a more modern look with black and white accents. This year, I chose a soft and warm color palette of red, sage green, and brown. Whatever you choose, try to stick to up to 3 colors, and make sure the colors you use complement each other and create a cohesive feel.
Once you have your color scheme in mind, think about how you can incorporate different textures to add depth and visual interest. For example, you could layer different materials like burlap, plaid, and faux fur to create a cozy and rustic look. For a sophisticated yet natural touch, choose jute. Mixing textures not only adds visual appeal but also creates a tactile experience that can make your front porch feel more inviting.
Another simple way to create a cohesive look is by using repetition. Choose a few key elements, like lanterns or pumpkins, and use them in different areas of your front porch. This repetition creates a sense of unity and ties the whole space together.
5. Focus on a Specific Area
Not enough in the budget to add a fall touch to every surface? No worries. Instead of trying to decorate everything, pick 1-2 areas that you really want to focus on. This is a great way to save on costs.
Maybe you want to create a cozy seating area near your front door for a warm welcome, or perhaps you want to showcase a collection of pumpkins on your steps. Understanding how you want to use your space and how you want it to look will help you prioritize your decor and ensure that you’re making the most of your front porch.
6. Repurpose What You Have
One of the best ways to decorate on a budget is not to buy anything new and to use what you have. Take a look in storage and walk around your house to see what can be repurposed for your front porch decor to create a cozy fall atmosphere.
For example, if you have a wicker basket lying around, fill it with pinecones, acorns, or small gourds to add a natural element to your outdoor space. You can also repurpose an old ladder by leaning it against the wall and placing potted plants or small pumpkins on each rung.
If you have any old lanterns or vases, fill them with fall leaves, twigs, or even fairy lights for a warm and inviting touch. That old wooden crate in your garage? It could be the perfect display for your collection of white pumpkins. This time of year is all about embracing rustic and natural, so anything goes.
Related: Charming European Fall Decor Ideas to Cozy Up Your Home
7. Buy Now to Save Later
Okay, on the flip side, there are some purchases you could make now that will save you money in the long run. While repurposing items you already have is a budget-friendly option, sometimes you may want to invest in a few key pieces that will last for years to come. These items can be reused season after season, making them a cost-effective choice in the long term.
One example of fall decor that has an upfront cost but saves money long-term is a set of durable outdoor lanterns. Lanterns can create a warm and cozy ambiance on your front porch, and they can be used not only during the fall season but also during other occasions throughout the year. Consider investing in lanterns made of weather-resistant materials like high-quality metal or plastic. This way, they will withstand the elements and remain in good condition for years to come.
Another option to consider is a set of faux pumpkins. While real pumpkins are a staple of fall decor, they only last for a short period of time before they start to decay. Investing in quality faux pumpkins allows you to reuse them year after year without worrying about them rotting or losing their shape.
You can find faux pumpkins in various colors, shapes, and sizes online or at your local craft store, including classic orange pumpkins or trendy white pumpkins. They are an easy DIY project too, as you can paint or customize them to match your front porch ideas.
8. Forage the Woods
Natural elements really do make for the best fall front porch decor! Don’t forget to take advantage of nature’s free decor and fall foliage, because foraging the woods is a great way to add natural elements to your porch decor without spending a dime. Take a stroll through a nearby wooded area and keep an eye out for tall grasses, branches, acorns, leaves, and pinecones that have fallen to the ground.
Branches can be used to create rustic and charming arrangements. Bundle them together and tie them with twine to make a beautiful natural wreath. You can also place them in a tall vase or bucket for a striking centerpiece.
Leaves are another fantastic free resource. Gather a variety of colorful leaves and use them to fill empty lanterns or vases. You can also scatter them across your front porch steps or use them to create a leafy border around potted plants.
Pinecones can add a touch of whimsy and texture to your fall porch. Display them in a decorative bowl or use them to create a unique garland by stringing them together with twine. You can also paint them in fall colors.
9. Get Crafty
One of the best ways to add personal touches to your fall front porch decor is by incorporating DIY projects. Not only are they a budget-friendly option, but they also allow you to showcase your creativity and add unique elements to your space, giving your fall decorating a personal feel. It doesn’t matter your skill level, there’s an easy diy project for everyone.
One of the best ways to instantly add charm to your front porch is with a fall-themed wreath. You can create a wreath using materials such as faux leaves, pinecones, and berries. Simply attach these items to a grapevine or foam wreath base using hot glue or floral wire. Hang it on your front door or display it on a wall or window for a festive touch.
Another fun DIY project is creating your own outdoor sign. You can paint a wooden plank with fall-themed phrases or quotes using stencils or freehand. You can also repurpose an old chalkboard or a vintage window frame and write a seasonal greeting or message on it using chalk or paint pens.
If you’re feeling crafty, you can also make your own fall-themed centerpiece. Fill a glass jar or a lantern with pinecones, acorns, and cinnamon sticks. You can also add some orange pumpkins or gourds for a pop of color. Place it on your porch table or near your seating area for a cozy and inviting feel.
10. Don’t Forget About the Dollar Store
Now, let’s talk about one of my favorite places to find budget-friendly fall decor: Dollar Tree! Don’t underestimate the treasures you can find at your local dollar store when it comes to decorating your front porch for the fall season. These places can be a goldmine for affordable decor that you can use to fill in the gaps.
From faux pumpkins and leaves to moss and twinkly lights, you can find everything you need to create a festive front porch without breaking the bank.
Not only does the dollar store offer affordable options, but they also often have a good selection of craft supplies. This means you can get creative and personalize your fall decor even more. Grab some paint, ribbon, or glitter and transform plain items into unique and eye-catching pieces.
11. Check Out Your Grocery Store
A garden center or nursery can be pricey at times if you’re looking to get some fall flowers. Have you thought about checking out your grocery store? Places like Aldi offer affordable flower arrangements and beautiful white mums that will go a long way toward sprucing up your fall decorations.
12. Add Final Touches
Now that you’ve assessed your space, set a budget, and added personal touches to your fall front porch decor, it’s time to add the final touches that will really make your space shine.
If you don’t already have them, plants are a great way to bring life and color to your front porch. Consider adding potted mums, which come in a variety of vibrant fall colors, such as deep reds, oranges, and yellows. These flowers are hardy and can withstand cooler temperatures, making them the perfect addition to your fall porch. You can place them in decorative pots and arrange them near your front door or along your steps.
In addition to mums, you can also add some greenery and texture with ornamental grasses. These tall and wispy plants add height and movement to your front porch. You can find ornamental grasses in various shades of green and brown, which will complement your fall color scheme. Place them in pots or planters and position them strategically around your front porch for added visual interest.
In addition to plants and classic decor items like pumpkins, consider adding other elements like lanterns, wreaths, and cozy blankets. Lanterns with candles or fairy lights create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Hang a fall-themed wreath on your front door or display it on a wall or window. And don’t forget to have some cozy blankets nearby for chilly autumn evenings!
Fall front porch decorating ideas on a budget don’t mean sacrificing style. It just means getting a little creative and prioritizing what you really need. Now that you’ve got these front porch ideas, grab a pumpkin spice latte, put on an autumn jazz playlist to set the mood, and start transforming your front porch into a cozy haven!
Want more fall decor ideas? Spooky Chic Halloween Decor Ideas: Tips to Create a Ghoulishly Glamorous Atmosphere
