21 Cozy Ways for Decorating Your Outdoor Spaces for Fall
Decorating your outdoor spaces for fall is an easy way to make your porch, patio, or backyard feel cozy and welcoming. Here are 21 simple ideas to bring autumn charm outside this season.
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Dining Al Fresco
Living in Southern California means we can enjoy the outdoors almost all year long, but there’s something extra special about fall. The mornings feel crisp, the evenings are cooler, and it’s the perfect time to slow down and spend more time outside. I love carrying that cozy fall feeling into our outdoor spaces and making them places where we actually want to linger.
Decorating your outdoor spaces for fall doesn’t need to be complicated; it’s really about adding simple touches that make everything feel warm and welcoming.
Around our home I like to decorate the front porch, the back porch, my little she shed, and our side-yard dining area. Each space has its own look, but together they create a cozy spot to enjoy the season.
With a few pumpkins, some fall plants, comfy textures, and a little creativity, it’s easy to give your outdoor spaces a fresh fall look that feels inviting whether you’re sipping coffee in the morning or having dinner outside with friends in the evening.
Decorating for Fall Outdoors
Today I’m sharing 21 cozy ways for decorating your outdoor spaces for fall. Decorating your outdoor spaces for fall is an easy way to make your porch, patio, or backyard feel cozy and welcoming. Here are 21 simple ideas to bring autumn charm outside this season.
On my blog WM Design House, I may sometimes use affiliate links, which means a small commission is earned if you purchase via the link. The price will be the same whether you use the affiliate link or go directly to the vendor’s website using a non-affiliate link. Read my full disclosure policy here.
21 Ways for Decorating Your Outdoor Spaces for Fall
Here you’ll find some of my favorite fall outdoor decorating ideas that are simple, budget-friendly, and fun to try.
1. Cozy Up Your Front Porch
The front porch is always the first thing you see when you walk up to our home, so I love giving it a warm and welcoming look for fall. To make it cozy, think about adding seating if you have the space. On my porch, I have two areas: a swing on one side with fall pillows and a plaid blanket, and a bench on the other that I made from an old bed frame. Even just one small chair with a pillow or throw can make your porch feel inviting and set the tone for your outdoor autumn decor.
To bring in the fall look, I like to layer in natural elements. Corn stalks, lanterns, and plenty of pumpkins instantly add that seasonal charm. I even made a little DIY fall tree for some height and interest. Do not be afraid to mix real and faux pumpkins if you want variety without the upkeep.
And of course, I always add a wreath to the door. Wreaths instantly say “welcome.” I dressed up a wagon wheel wreath with a few corn stalks and even cut up a burlap sack to make a rustic bow. You can do the same with whatever you have on hand, and often the simplest DIY touches make the biggest impact.
2. Style Your Back Porch
Just outside our kitchen doors is what we like to call our outdoor living room. It is one of our favorite spots to relax and spend time together, so I always make sure it feels extra cozy in the fall.
If you have a back porch or patio, think of it as an extension of your living room. Small touches like some simple fall patio decor can instantly transform your space.Add comfortable seating, a few pillows, and maybe even a throw blanket so it feels just as inviting as your indoor spaces.
For fall, I also like to incorporate a few handmade touches to make it extra special. Some of my DIY stained gourds add warm color and texture, and I tucked in a sweet little cinnamon bucket topiary that gives the porch so much charm. Small seasonal accents like these can make a big difference, and you can easily swap in things you already have.
3. Add Autumn Accents to Your Shed
My she shed is truly my creative sanctuary, a place where I love to bring my crafting and gardening ideas to life. Because it is such a special spot for me, I always have fun dressing it up for the season.
If you have a shed, greenhouse, or even just a little corner in the yard, think of it as another space you can decorate and enjoy in the fall.
I hung a simple DIY rope wreath on the door to greet you as you walk in. Then, to tie the look together with the rest of the yard, I carried over the corn stalk theme from the front porch and added plenty of fresh mums.
Buckets filled with gourds and pumpkins finish the look and make the outside of the shed feel festive and full of fall charm. You can do the same with any mix of seasonal plants, natural elements, or even a few thrifted containers that add character.
4. Create a Festive Fall Tablescape
Our side yard is one of my favorite spots because it holds both my potting garden and our big farmhouse dining table. It feels like a mix of a working space a gathering place, and an outdoor dining room, which makes it so much fun to decorate for the season.
If you have an outdoor dining area, even a small table, it can be the perfect spot to dress up with a little fall style and create a festive fall tablescape.
I love that this space works as both a place to host friends and family and as a backdrop for creating seasonal tablescapes. To keep it feeling natural, I started with things I already had on hand. I gathered autumn leaves right from the yard and spread them across the table, then added a few of my stained gourds for color and texture. Simple fall decor like this is an easy way to bring the season to life outdoors.
More Cozy Ways for Decorating Your Outdoor Spaces for Fall
5. Decorate with Throw Pillows
Outdoor throw pillows are a must for cozy fall decor.
- Fall Colors and Patterns: Opt for warm, earthy tones, plaid, paisley, and leaf patterns.
- Weather-Resistant Pillows: Choose weather-resistant outdoor pillows to endure rain and sun.
- Layering and Texture: Mix textures like burlap and knits to add interest and depth to your decor. Or create your own DIY painted pillow for a fraction of the cost of an expensive store-bought one.
- Sizing and Proportion: Vary sizes for visual appeal; larger ones to anchor, smaller ones to accent.
6. Layer with Throw Blankets
Consider factors such as warmth, durability, material, and style.
- Wool Blankets: Naturally insulating and can keep you warm even in cool weather.
- Fleece Blankets: Soft, lightweight, provides good insulation, and easy to clean.
- Acrylic Blankets: Mimics the warmth and feel of wool while being more affordable like my chunky knit DIY blanket.
- Outdoor-Specific Blankets: Look for blankets made from water-resistant materials.
- Plaid or Checkered Blankets: Add a touch of classic fall aesthetic to your outdoor space.
7. Set the Mood with Candlelight
Harness the magic of candlelight to infuse your outdoor spaces with warmth and charm this fall season.
- Long Tapered Candles: Add a touch of elegance and romance to your outdoor dining table with tapered candles placed in some DIY wine bottle candle holders or a DIY birch log candle holder.
- Seasonal-Scented Candles: Elevate the sensory experience by selecting fall-scented candles.
- Floating Illumination: Fill a large bowl or trough with water and float candles in it.
- Lantern Ensemble: Place candles inside decorative lanterns or hurricane lamps.
8. Add a Cozy Glow with Outdoor Lanterns
Outdoor lanterns can be a versatile and charming addition to your fall home decor.
- Entryway or Front Porch: Place lanterns on either side of your front door or along the steps leading to your entryway.
- Patio or Deck: Arrange lanterns on tables or hang them from hooks on your patio or deck.
- Garden Pathways: Line your garden pathways with lanterns to guide the way and create a magical atmosphere.
- Dining Table Centerpiece: Use lanterns as a centerpiece for your outdoor dining table.
- Tree Branches: Hang lanterns from tree branches using sturdy hooks or twine.
9. Light the Night with Outdoor Pendants
If you are up for a fun DIY project, consider making these outdoor pendant lights to hang in your outdoor space.
- They work well in all the different seasons and are a great way to bring a rustic ambiance to your outdoor entertaining area.
- Learn how I made this basket pendant light here: Repurposed Garden Baskets Make Beautiful Outdoor Hanging Lights.
10. Create Fall Centerpieces
Centerpieces are one of the easiest fall decorations ideas for outdoors because they can be created with natural elements right from your yard and instantly infuse warmth and charm into your space.
- Autumnal Foliage: Gather a bunch of vibrant fall leaves, branches, acorns, or pinecones in a vase or pitcher. Or Forage for flowers to create a natural dried arrangement.
- Pumpkin Vase: Hollow out a medium-sized pumpkin and use it as a vase for fall flowers, foliage, or create a pumpkin arrangement with succulents.
- Harvest Basket: Fill a basket or DIY cornucopia with colorful gourds, mini pumpkins, and dried corn husks.
- Simple DIY Centerpiece: Magnolia Fall Centerpiece in a Pumpkin Frame
11. Make an Outdoor Firepit
An outdoor firepit not only adds practicality but also elevates the overall coziness and charm of your outdoor living space.
- Warmth and Comfort: Provides a natural source of warmth, making your outdoor space comfortable and inviting.
- Gathering Point: Friends and family can gather around the fire, fostering conversation, laughter, and a sense of togetherness.
- Ambiance: The flickering flames create a mesmerizing ambiance that adds to the cozy and intimate atmosphere.
- Decorative Element: Fire pits come in various designs and materials, allowing you to choose one that complements your style.
- Cozy Seating: Surround the firepit with comfortable seating options like cozy chairs and cushions.
12. Pot Fresh Mums
Fresh mums are classic autumn decorations that instantly brighten porches, steps, and patios.
- Front Porch Pots: Plant colorful mums in decorative pots or planters and place them on your front porch or steps.
- Window Boxes: Line your outdoor window boxes with mums.
- Table Centerpiece: Place a potted mum in the center of your outdoor dining table.
- Mum-Lined Pathway: Line your garden pathway or walkway with potted mums.
- Mum-Filled Crates: Stack wooden crates and fill them with potted mums.
13. Layer Fall Doormats
A cute doormat can be a fantastic addition to your fall porch decor.
- Fall-Theme: Choose fall-themed welcome mats with warm colors and patterns.
- Use Layers: Consider layering a doormat with natural textures like jute or sisal for added depth.
- Size Matters: Ensure that the size of your doormat is appropriate for your front door’s entrance area.
- Frame It: If you have space, consider placing fall plants or other seasonal decor on either side of the mat. It’s one of the simplest ways to add fall decorations to your entry and create a framed look.
14. Decorate with Gourds
Gourds can be an easy way to add charm to your outdoor decor for the fall season. Here are some tips on how to use them:
- Arranging gourds in baskets or crates makes beautiful fall arrangements for outdoors that last all season.
- Mix and match different types to add variety in size, shape, and color.
- Display them on your outdoor dining table, porch steps, or side tables for an inviting fall touch.
15. Hang Outdoor String Lights
Here are a few creative ways to hang string lights to add ambiance to your yard during your favorite time of year.
- Drape Over Furniture: String lights can be elegantly draped over outdoor furniture to create a warm and inviting seating area.
- Twinkling Canopy: Hang twinkle lights overhead to form a canopy, providing an enchanting ambiance for your outdoor space.
- Woven Through Foliage: Intertwine fairy lights within bushes, trees, or vines to add a magical, whimsical touch.
- Cozy Fire Pit Area: Enhance the ambiance of your outdoor fire pit by surrounding it with string lights.
16. Decorate with Pumpkins
Creating a pumpkin display is a simple way to infuse a cozy vibe into your outdoor fall decor.
- Choose a Variety: Arrange fall pumpkins of different sizes and colors. A mix of traditional orange pumpkins, white pumpkins, and heirloom varieties works well.
- Mix and Match: Combine with other fall elements like gourds, cornstalks, hay bales, and mums to create a rich and layered display.
- Layer with Natural Elements: Use straw or hay as a base to add texture and warmth to your decor.
17. Dress up Your Garden with Whimsical Art and Decor
Adding a playful touch is one of my favorite fall outdoor decor ideas for gardens and patios.
- DIY Lighted Garden Spheres: Follow this tutorial to create stunning lighted garden spheres from hula hoops.
- Whimsical Wind Chimes: Hang whimsical wind chimes with autumn-themed charms, such as leaves, acorns, or tiny pumpkins.
- Repurposed Wheelbarrow Planter: Turn an old wheelbarrow into a whimsical planter by filling it with fall flowers, gourds, and mini scarecrows.
18. Make a DIY Fall Tree
If you are looking for the most unique fall decor idea to make a big statement, how about a gorgeous fall tree?
- This isn’t like any fake tree you might find in the store; it actually looks real!
- Check out the tutorial here to learn more and make your own: How to Make a Stunning DIY Faux Fall Tree That Looks Real.
- Place your tree in a prominent location to enjoy the beautiful views throughout the autumn months!
19. Hang a Wreath on Your Front Door
Adding a festive wreath to your front door is one of the easiest ways to give your visitors a warm welcome. If you are looking for fall inspiration, consider these outdoor decorating ideas for fall wreaths:
- Fall Rope Wreath
- Foraged Fall Wreath
- Wagon Wheel Wreath
- Dried Hydrangea Wreath
- Fall Foliage Wreath
- Burlap and Plaid Wreath
20. Use Corn Stalks
Corn stalks are a versatile and charming element for outdoor fall decor.
- Natural Elegance: Place bundles of corn stalks in decorative containers or use them to frame your front door or porch.
- Vertical Interest: Use corn stalks to flank your entrance or outdoor seating areas or tie them with twine to your porch columns or posts.
- Beautiful Backdrop: Position corn stalks behind seating arrangements, creating a stunning and seasonal background.
21. Create Harvest-Inspired Table Settings
- Earth-Toned Tablecloths or Placemats: Evoke the colors of autumn and provide a warm backdrop for your fall table decor.
- Pumpkins, Leaves, and Seasonal Flowers: Create a visually appealing, inviting centerpiece that exudes warmth and charm.
- Rustic Tableware: Rustic or earth-toned dinnerware, gold or copper flatware, and glassware with a textured or vintage design enhance overall warmth and charm of fall tablescapes.
- Cozy Textiles: Soft and cozy blankets and plush decorative pillows invite guests to relax, stay warm, and enjoy the outdoor dining experience for longer.
Enjoy the Simple Pleasures of Fall
Fall is such a cozy season and I love finding little ways to bring that feeling outside. Simple things like pumpkins by the front door, a few pots of mums, or string lights over the patio can make your spaces feel warm and welcoming without much effort. Decorating your outdoor spaces for fall is really about creating places where you want to sit, relax, and enjoy the season.
The best part is that your spaces don’t have to look perfect, they just need to feel like you. Add your favorite colors, bring in pieces that hold meaning, and create cozy corners that invite you to slow down and savor autumn.
If you’re looking for even more fall decorating ideas and inspiration, you’re in luck. Along with my ideas, there are 30 other talented bloggers sharing their own fall home tours. You’ll find so many different styles and creative touches, from simple farmhouse charm to modern and colorful ways of celebrating the season. It’s such a fun way to gather new ideas and see how others bring the beauty of fall into their homes and gardens. Be sure to check out the full fall home tour linked below, you won’t want to miss it.
Wishing you a happy fall filled with cozy moments and plenty of time to enjoy the beauty of outside fall living.
you can use to make your porch, patio, or backyard feel warm and welcoming all season long.
Bloggers’ Best Fall Home Tours
This week I am joining some of my blogging friends for the Bloggers’ Best Fall Home Tours. Thirty talented and creative women will be opening their homes up for you to tour all week long. You can visit each Fall home tour by clicking the links below.
Monday’s Tours
The Tattered Pew // StoneGable // My Wee Abode
Cottage On Bunker Hill // Bricks n’ Blooms // My Thrift Store Addiction
Tuesday’s Tours
She Gave It A Go // Midwest Life and Style // Open Doors Open Hearts
Wednesday’s Tours
White Lilac Farmhouse // Shiplap and Shells // The Ponds Farmhouse
WM Design House // DIY Beautify // This Is Simplicite
Thursday’s Tours
Eleanor Rose Home // Robyn’s French Nest // Worthing Court
Southern Home and Hospitality // Amy Sadler Designs // Our Crafty Mom
Friday’s Tours
Great tips and ideas! I love the table setting!!!
Your Fall outdoor space is DEVINE!
Thank you so much Libbie!
Girl, you had me hooked from the first photo. Love your ideas, your tips, and all of your decor! The rich colors look amazing. Might actually try my hand at the faux tree. Seriously, a fantastic tour. Always love touring with you. Pinned
Thank you so much Cindy! It is my favorite time of the year to tour with you talented ladies.
So many lovely outside spaces, Wendy… LOVE that sideyard eating area… my mouth actually dropped open when I saw it! Thank you for all the wonderful tips for decorating for fall, too! Great way for formatting the post, too! Pinned!
Thank you Julie
So many cozy ideas for fall! Your outdoor spaces sure are pretty!
Wendy your outdoor spaces are just stunning! There is always so much for le to look at in every lovely picture. Fall looks good on your spaces. Thankful for you joining me this week!
The pumpkin metal buckets are still my favorite!!
Thank you, Jennifer!
Fabulous ideas for outdoor fall decorating Wendy! I love your long table with the wire basket lights! Such a fun spot for entertaining!
Your outdoor spaces look spectacular Wendy! If only you could come and design my backyard 😉 it is less than desirable… but also on the last part of my list to complete. I keep saying maybe next year, and next comes and goes, and I still do not have it looking the way I want. I love the hanging lights over the table. Did you use adapters to plug into the string lights? I would love to have lights over the table we recently finished, but I am not quite sure how to get the look I am after. I am kind of stuck using solar lights in the yard. You always amaze me with your ideas. Have a wonderful week!
I will be there, my friend! Yards are a work of art and take time to develop. But if it is not your passion, then don’t be so hard on yourself.
Yards and the work that comes with it is not for everyone. We have lived in our home for over 30 years, so we have done a little bit at a time.
We bought adapters on Amazon and the light string at Ikea for the lights. I wrote a post on it some time ago ( that needs an update) here in the link for you to see.
https://wmdesignhouse.com/repurposed-garden-baskets-make-beautiful-outdoor-hanging-lights/
Wow stunning!
Wendy!! Thanks for sharing all these ideas for cozy fall decor this year!! Your she-shed looks stunning girl!!’
Thank you so much, Aliya! I appreciate your sweet comment.
Wendy,
Your outdoor spaces look amazing year round but fall is always so fun. Love all you do.
Thank you so much RAchel! Happy Fall.
Decorating my outdoor spaces for fall is most favorite thing to do for the season. Love all your great ideas and inspiration, Wendy. Happy Fall!
Thank you Kim. Happy Fall to you too.
Wendy, I adore your outdoor spaces. Everything is just stunning! I love your She-Shed and your tablescape is like something straight out of a magazine.
Happy fall, friend!
Thank you, Jen, you are so sweet! I enjoy these tours so much. I love seeing what everyone does for the fall.
Wendy, so many amazing ideas for decorating outdoor spaces! I love your wagon wheel wreath, and your she-shed set my heart to pitter-patter! Simply gorgeous my friend! Happy Fall!!
Thank you so much, Cindy! Fall is truly my favorite time of the year. I am looking forward to some cooler days ahead.
Wendy, your outdoor spaces are beautiful and I love the way you’ve styled corn stalks! Blessings, Cecilia @ My Thrift Store Addiction
Thanks for all the beautiful inspiration in one spot! Fall is such a fun time to decorate! Your outdoor areas are so welcoming and cozy! I can’t wait to incorporate your tips into my outdoor decor this season! Happy Fall!
Thank you, Donna. I know you also have a warmer climate, which means you can spend time outdoors mostly year-round. Happy decorating.
Wendy, you have such great spaces to decorate for the fall. I love your home. Everything looks so beautiful, my sweet friend.