How to Make an Easy Fall Throw Pillow

How to create a beautiful fall throw pillow out of the lid of a candle. You never know what you can make out of the most unusual things.

DIY Fall throw pillow with painted pumpkins

The idea for this DIY fall throw pillow started in a way I didn’t expect—with a gift from a friend.

fall pumpkin with carved lid with pumpkin shape

My girlfriend gave me this beautiful candle that she had picked it up at Marshall’s.

I loved the brilliant blue candle (my favorite color!), but it was the lid that really caught my eye.

And then suddenly…the light bulb went on! I thought it would make a perfect stamp for a fall design on a pillow, and that’s how this fall throw pillow project began.

The Quest for the Perfect Pillow Insert

When it comes to DIY fall decor, nothing beats a custom fall pillows. I had so much fun painting this simple pillow cover with charming little pumpkins.

Before you start painting your fall throw pillow, take a moment to decide on the shape and size you want.

Throw pillows come in all shapes and sizes, but I chose a square cover for this project because it offers the perfect canvas to showcase my pumpkin design.

Whether you prefer square pillows, which range from 16″ to 30″, or a fall lumbar pillow for a bit of back support, there’s always a style that suits your needs.

I’ve found that investing in good-quality pillow inserts is key.

Foam is a no-go for me!

If you’re watching your budget and need an affordable option, consider a faux-down alternative. These look just as fabulous—sometimes even better—than real feathers, and the best part? No sneezing or allergies to worry about!

However, if your budget allows and you don’t have any allergy concerns, I’d still recommend opting for real down feathers.

This set of down pillow inserts is one of my favorites! They come in several different sizes, and in my opinion, the price is very affordable as far as down-filled pillows go.

They offer that perfect, cozy feel that makes you want to snuggle up for hours and they easily slip right in to all of your fall pillow covers. 

Materials Needed to Make a Stamped Pumpkin Throw Pillow for Fall

How to Paint an Easy Fall Throw Pillow

Step 1: Prepare Your Pillow Cover

Before you start to paint, be sure to put a piece of foil or wax paper inside of your pillow cover.

This will help make sure the paint does not bleed through to the back side of your pillow.

Step 2: Stamp on Your Pumpkins

To start, I painted some paint onto the pumpkin lid and stamped a few pumpkins onto my pillow cover.

Pumpkin stamp and paint used to create a DIY fall throw pillow

Of course, you may not be able to find this candle, but you can use a pumpkin-shaped stamp, stencil or even a cookie cutter to create your DIY painted throw pillow!

Stamping pumpkin shapes on a pillow cover to create a fall throw pillow

I simply repeated the stamping process several times until I had an entire pile of pumpkins.


Creative DIY stamped pumpkin throw pillow for fall

You can see that I arranged all my pumpkins in the lower left corner. I thought it looked nice and balanced. I even stacked a few on top of each other to give them a more natural look.

Step 3: Paint and Fill in Your Pumpkins

I used an assortment of colors that I listed above on my paint palette and then mixed the colors together to create the look I wanted. I made each pumpkin look different.

A cream-colored cloth featuring a pattern of 10 pumpkins, perfect for a fall throw pillow. The pumpkins are illustrated in various shades of brown and green, with some in outline form while others are shaded in. The design is clustered towards the corner of the fabric.

Secondly, I create shading by adding a darker color to one side of the pumpkin and adding more water to give it a more translucent look. I also shaded a few of the pumpkins darker in the center.

A fabric perfect for a fall throw pillow, featuring a pattern of pale orange pumpkins. Each pumpkin has green stems and is outlined in a darker shade of orange, set against a light beige background.

Once you have finished the painting process, let the pillow dry overnight before using it.

How to Style Your Fall Throw Pillow

DIY fall decorative pillows can add a perfect touch of fall to any space in your home!

DIY stamped throw pillow styled on a chair in the family room

In the living room, try styling it on your couch or an accent chair by mixing it with other fall accent pillows in coordinating colors and patterns. Start by choosing a color scheme that includes two to three main fall colored pillows, along with a few neutrals.

A cozy living room features a dark blue couch adorned with fall throw pillows, including a white one decorated with floral art. Above the couch, various framed paintings hang on the wall. In the foreground, a large vase holds an arrangement of autumnal leaves and dried branches.

This will help create a cohesive look while allowing you to play with different textures and patterns—like plaid with chevron or simple stripes with geometric shapes—for a relaxed, layered effect.

Fall throw pillow

You can also use your pumpkin pillow outdoors! Place it on a bench or your front porch swing, surrounded by cozy throws and other autumn throw pillows in complementary colors.

Whether indoors or out, the key is to have fun with your pillow combinations and not overthink it. Mixing and matching different styles, colors, and sizes will give your space a casual, welcoming vibe perfect for the fall season!

A decorative navy blue flourish featuring elegant, flowing curves and loops, perfect for embellishing digital and printed works with a touch of Valentine's Day wreath charm.

Other Fall Crafts from WM Design House

If you love this post, you might also enjoy some of my other favorite fall crafts

If you love this post, you might also enjoy some of my other favorite fall pumpkin crafts

Wrapping Up

Making your own DIY painted fall throw pillow is such a fun way to add a personal touch to your home this season! With just a bit of paint and creativity, you can turn a plain pillow cover into something special that shows off your style.

Whether you mix it with other pillows on your couch, place it on a favorite chair, or add a pop of fall color to your front porch, this pillow will bring warmth and charm to any space.

So, grab some paint, get creative, and enjoy making your home feel extra cozy and inviting this fall!

Until next time,

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How to paint a fall throw pillow

More about me!

Wendy

Hello, I’m Wendy – a dedicated homemaker with a deep passion for decorating, gardening, cooking, and crafting. I find joy in harmonizing beautiful elements to fashion a space that is both comfortable and inspiring. I will help you create a beautiful home, one project at a time.

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35 Comments

  1. I love your pillow, Wendy! It turned out so pretty! Happy fall, friend! Hope you are well!

  2. What a wonderful idea Wendy, initially I thought you were back to painting, and I was tickled pink, but this idea is something even I could do. What an inspiring fun fall project.

  3. Hello Wendy, you are so creative. I love your pretty fall pillow. I am happy to feature your easy fall throw pillow at Love Your Creativity. Happy first day of fall.

  4. Wendy,
    This is such a cute fall pillow. I can’t wait to share your creative idea on DRA on Sunday. Have the best day.

  5. SO cute, Wendy!! What an amazing idea to use that lid as a stamp! I love the shading that you did using the paints. Such a cute piece of decor for the season!

  6. Such a great idea to use the candle lid! The pillow is beautiful and looks lovely in your room. (and I would love to smell that candle!) Have a great day, Wendy!

    1. I am so excited Nicolle. Thank you so much. I will be sure to link up again this week. XO

  7. Wendy, what a great idea for a fall throw pillow! I just love how these turned out! I just love your creativity! I’d love to share your pillows in my Saturday roundup tomorrow! Thanks so much for sharing such a lovely idea!

    1. That is so sweet of you Kim, thank you so much. I need to get back to doing my Saturday shares. maybe next week. We have our granddaughters
      for the weekend, so we are a bit pre occupied. In a good way!

  8. love this! It came out great. I love the colors and the composition you used. Pinning this. I hope to create my own pillow some day. Thanks for the inspiration. XO- MaryJo @ masterpiecesmylife.com

    1. Thank you so much MaryJo, I am so glad you enjoyed the post.

  9. I love how your pillows turned out!

    1. Thank you Joanne, it was such a crazy thought, but it worked out well. Happy Fall.

  10. Wendy, love your pillow project. It’s very creative, but not too hard. Another question: where did the living room rug come from? I’m looking for something like that. Thanks.

  11. Such a creative use for a really cool candle lide! Great post overall! ~Missy

  12. This is so pretty! Such a great idea! I’m visiting you from Linda’s link-up. Many blessings to you this autumn season! 🙂

    1. How wonderful. Thank you for stopping by Cheryl, it is so nice to e-meet you.

  13. What a great way to reinvent a candle lid!! Love your creativity my friend ? Pinned!

    1. Thank you, Cindy, I try to look at things in a different light when I can.

  14. Wendy, this is so beautiful and clever! Next you could try making a stamp with celery or a potato! Love the look of those as well.
    It is always a joy to see your creativity. I am still in awe of the rusty pumpkin buckets.

    1. Thank you so much Elizabeth, I am glad you like it. I just saw a post from Reinvented Delaware with the celery, I loved it and need to try it. I am so grateful for you sharing some ideas with me, one can never have too many.

  15. Jan Mclelland says:

    Hey there… Just wanted to let you know I enjoy your posts every week you’re so creative and inspirational I don’t quite have the creative edge and energy you do but you do inspire me every week to try little things. Hope to see you again soon and a visit up to your area with the gang! Much love Jan

    1. Thank you so much Jan, that means so much to me. I am working very hard to get this business going and I am making some traction.
      Were you up for the shower last week? I was out of town. Would love to see you, let e know when you are in town.

  16. Wendy, that lid made the perfect stamp. The pillow turned out so pretty.

    1. Thank you Tammy, It was a great stamp. I have tried to find others, but no luck yet.

  17. Wendy,
    I love how your mind works. This turned out so cute and I’ll share it on Sunday.

    1. Haha! this darn mind and my ADD never shut off :))))))

  18. Kerry Cervenka says:

    HI Wendy! I just love receiving your beautiful emails/blog. Thank you!

    I send my love and blessing to you and your entire family. I miss you! Hopefully someday soon we can connect.

    In this crazy world we are living in, to see the beauty you create is above and beyond comforting and heartwarming.

    Happy Fall!

    1. Hello sweet Kerry, how are you?
      How is your family?
      Thank you for your sweet words of encouragement. To be honest, I cringe at sending e-mails.
      I never want to be a bother or send info that may not be interesting to people.
      So you were a true blessing to me today. I tend to get a few unfollows every week and just feel so bad.
      You know me, always up to something new, I can never just sit still.
      Are you still in the area? I would love to connect with you sometime.
      Wishing you a wonderful season ahead celebrating the birth of Jesus. XO

  19. I love your creative ideas and style! Thanks for sharing!

    1. Thank you so much! YOur words of encouragement are greatly appreciated.

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