Fall Front Porch Decorating Ideas, Tips, and Tricks

Fall is a great time to refresh your wardrobe with cozy sweaters, swap out all the bathroom towels, and of course, decorate your porch! But as we all know, decorating can be expensive! It seems like we just got done spending a lot of money on summer and getting it just right and then along comes Fall.

Here are some ideas, tips, and simple tricks to help you create an inviting, cozy atmosphere that won’t break the bank.

• Assess Your Space

It’s important to first assess your space so you know what you need. Consider the size of your outdoor space; determine how you want it to look and feel and what will work best for your needs.

Do you want it to be cozy farmhouse, minimalistic, or a certain color theme? Do you want to embrace all things pumpkins? Are you going for a more edgy, spooky Halloween vibe? Take a good look and think about how you use it and make a plan.

• Set a Budget

Ok, we’ve assessed the space and determined what we need/want. Spending can get out of hand if you don’t set a budget.

Make a list of the essential items that will 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 the case, prioritize your favorite things. It’s also helpful to prioritize the most expensive items, such as a porch swing or rocking chair, to determine if you can afford those items or if you can get away with cute “filler” pieces and décor.

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.

• 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 like wooden crates, lanterns or vases.

Repurpose a wicker basket and 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.

• Visit the Thrift Store

Once you have your list, it’s time to think about cost-effective ways to obtain these items. Thrift stores, online marketplaces and garage sales are great places to find unique and affordable pieces.

Start early and do a little digging, you’ll be surprised at the treasures you can find for a fraction of the price!

And don’t forget about the dollar store. Sometimes they have great faux pumpkins, leaves, moss and twinkly lights.

• Go Shopping!

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 run.

Outdoor lights and string lights can create a warm and cozy ambiance on your front porch and can be used throughout the year. Do you need a little heater or tabletop fire feature?  The same goes for furniture, pots and planters.

• Go Foraging

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. 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 pot filler or place them in a tall vase or bucket for a striking corner accent.

Pinecones can add a touch of whimsy and texture to your fall porch. Fill a glass jar or a lantern with them and add acorns, cinnamon sticks and maybe some dried orange slices. Display them in a decorative bowl or use them to create a unique garland by stringing them together with twine or add them to a wreath. You can also paint them in fall colors. Get Crafty! 

• Check Out Your Grocery Store

This is a great idea! A garden center or nursery can be pricey if you’re looking to get some fall flowers. Check out your grocery store and places like Aldi. They offer affordable flower arrangements and beautiful mums, flowers, plants and pumpkins that will go a long way toward sprucing up your fall decorations.

• Add the Final Touches and Enjoy Your Space

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 to really make it shine. The space is practically decorating itself!

Light those candles, have some cozy blankets nearby for chilly autumn evenings and grab a pumpkin spice latte (or drink of your choice). Put on your favorite playlist to set the mood and start enjoying your front porch cozy haven! You deserve it!