35 Sensory Ways to Decorate for Fall

You can smell it in the air and feel it in your bones. These atmospheric shifts are our cues that a new season is on the horizon which invites new ways of living. In addition to adjusting our mindsets and wardrobe, we typically add décor that reflects the season. Perhaps one of the main reasons that people love the fall is its gentle invasive engagement of all our senses. If this is you, here are some creative ways to surround yourself with seasonal delights full of style, color and comfort based on sensory cues:

Sight

The change of colors can take our breath away. The range of yellows, oranges, burgundies, plums, purples, rose blush and reds sway in the shifting winds. Mix some of the darker traditional autumn colors with their updated lighter counterparts and add some jewel tone blues and greens to signal fall is here.

Art

You can infuse some or all these colors in your home through artwork and paint. For instance, exchange your canvas and frame art for woven tapestries that add color and textures that reflect some of fall’s biggest attributes.

Image © Weluyn Wall Hanging | Image © Natalie Miller

Paint

This same principle can apply to selecting a different paint color for entire rooms, ceilings and even niches. Watch this video for some inspiration:

Wallpaper

Today’s peel and stick wallpapers are fun and easy ways to add temporary or long-term décor expressions. Try some options in small spaces such as foyers, powder and utility rooms to get a taste of autumn.

Image © Decorators Best | Image © Fabricut

Image © Innovations

Metals + Stone

Decorative accents in metals such a brass, bronze, copper, pewter, black and stone are meant for fall. Pepper them throughout your space as lamps, candle holders, accessories, textiles and trims.

Images © Kathy Kuo

Image © Jamie Young | Image © Bailey Street Home

Image © Alain Ellouz | Image © Kelly Wearstler

Touch

Fall textures of crunchy leaves to silky velvet are so delicious to touch. Bring in a few of these options singularly or combine them for some interesting design dynamics. Consider this list of fall decor inclusions:

Comfy Furniture

Since autumn is that bridge of time that balances activity with relaxation, bring in some new, comfortable furniture. Chaise lounges are designed invitations for chat sessions, book reading, TV binging or to take a snooze. The luxury of supple leather, smooth suede, crushed velvet, mohair and sheepskin are ideal seasonal textiles that are foundations for these types of leisurely moments.

Some other trending considerations include oversized ottomans and swivel chairs. These types of furniture offer mobility and flexibility year-round to serve as footrests, extra seating and tables while adding texture, style and color to your space.

Area Rugs

If a piece of furniture is out of your range, then go for a new area rug. The tactile comfort of running your toes through a plush shag or warm wool area rug are little touches of sensory joy. If you don’t have area rugs over your hard surface floors, consider adding one this season. Try a solid or a multicolored option that can last throughout the seasons.

Bedding

Thankfully, hot and humid summers give way to cooler nights and shorter days. This combination is a recipe for pillowing hugging and hiding under the covers just a bit longer. Bring out your flannel and jersey sheets and heavier duvets or new comforters. Layer on the warmth along with style. While doing so, add a splash of color.

Blankets

Switch out the crisp cotton blankets and bring out the chunky knit ones. The oversized chunky knit blankets are both warm and stylish. Try a splash of a different colors that reflect new neutrals to standard autumn hues. Consider ranges such as blush to raspberry, apricot to orange and pale banana yellow to golden squash.

Pillows

Change from cotton to velvet, leather, suede or a combination of fabrics. Cable knit pillows, like sweaters, are timeless odes to fall style.

Feathers

Pheasant and turkey feathers always have a place in a vase for bookshelves and tables during the fall. The ones that are naturally shed are the best.

Wreaths + Garlands

A popular, visual signal marking a change in time begins on most people’s front door. Wreaths infused with abundant harvest themes in a variety of design styles bring texture, color and nature to your home.

Ceramics

Bulbous, handmade ceramics arranged in pairings or groupings, with or without faux or real foliage, are gorgeous statements to the textures of fall.

Baskets

Felt, wool, leather and sheepskin options give you an array of texture, shape and color to add storage in plain sight for your chunky knit blankets, favorite design and fashion magazines, fireplace wood and other items that you desire to have within reach.

Decorative Pumpkins

Layer in some more spice and a sense of whimsy with velvet, fabric or felt pumpkins, of a variety of sizes. Try adding a little bit of scent to these and/or placing them as centerpieces on your dining table or island.

Image © Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams | Image © Chairish

Image © Mezzo Collection

Image © Organic Looms

Image © Hallward

Image © Williams Sonoma Home | Image © Eastern Accents Bedding

Image © West Elm | Image © Basic Outline

Image © Chairish | Image © Inferno | Image © Sessille Collection

Image © Jeremy Briddlell | Image © Lawson Fenning

Smell

Candles + Candle Holders

Scents that remind us pumpkin pie, cinnamon and vanilla are seductively fall. Indulge in scented candles and fragrance sticks throughout your indoor and outdoor space. Consider combinations that include fig, spiced apple, sandalwood and allspice to round out autumn aromas.

Firewood

There is nothing like the smell and sight of real wood burning in a fireplace or firepit. If you really want to dig into some fall fragrances, burn sage, sweetgrass and cedar for the ultimate potpourri.

Taste

In tandem with smell, how about adding a punch of spice with homemade baked goods to your kitchen. Can’t you just taste some pumpkin or sweet potato pie? How about banana or pumpkin bread? Pumpkin and chocolate cookies? Figs, plums, pistachios and pears are also ingredients for tasty bites. The list is endless.Teas, ciders, coffee, wines, beers and liquors are all ways to bring in new flavors that usher in a new timeline.

Trays

Serve your goodies on a new decorative tray. Add visually and physically heavier décor like wood and marble.

Tablescapes

Although a decorated tablescape isn’t necessarily edible, but it can be with some creativity, we do eat with our eyes. Dress up your everyday table with new tablecloths, runners, plates, centerpieces and/o flatware. Try DIY centerpieces created from candles, velvet pumpkins, greenery, fruit and flowers. The myriad of ideas are endless, so go for it.

Sound

Along with the crackling of leaves and fire, bring in some new music to soothe your soul.

Conclusion

In conclusion, fall opens the door to a variety of creativity and spice to your space, you can play with a new idea nearly daily. Plus, the above ideas cover a range of purchase and DIY options that correlate to nearly any budget. Pepper your house with decorative details that remind you of the season’s sensory delights through color, tactile expressions, smells, sounds and tastes that will create a new catalogue of memories. If you need some natural inspiration, watch this video of the top 20 fall roadtrips across the country: