13 DIY Fall Decorations That Look High-End (For Under $20!)
The scent of cinnamon, the sight of golden leaves—fall is magical, but decorating can get expensive fast. This year, skip the pricey stores and make your home a cozy sanctuary on a budget.
As your savvy friend, I’ll show you how to trick everyone into thinking you splurged with 13 DIY projects. Each one looks high-end but costs less than $20. Let’s create that beautiful, curated autumn vibe for less.
1. Gilded Leaf Garland: The Ultimate High-End Look for Less
A gilded leaf garland creates a rich, opulent look that elevates any space, from your mantel to a doorway. This project relies on the simple trick of applying a metallic sheen to natural elements to create a sophisticated, curated feel. All you need are a bag of artificial leaves, metallic spray paint, and a long piece of twine or a thin wire. Lay the leaves on a drop cloth and apply a light, even coat of gold, bronze, or copper spray paint. The thin, delicate texture of the leaves paired with a shimmering finish immediately gives off a high-end vibe without the high-end cost. Once dry, simply attach the gilded leaves to the twine using a hot glue gun, spacing them out for an organic, airy look.
Pin 2. No-Sew Velvet Pumpkins That Feel Like a Luxury Splurge
Just as important as shimmer is soft, tactile texture to make a space feel cozy and expensive. Velvet pumpkins look incredibly high-end, but the store-bought versions are often pricey. This DIY version uses no-sew techniques and inexpensive materials to achieve the same plush, luxurious look. You need a small foam pumpkin, a square of velvet fabric, and a hot glue gun. Simply wrap the fabric around the foam pumpkin, gathering and folding the excess material at the top. Secure the folds with a generous amount of hot glue. Finish with a twig from your yard for the stem, which adds a beautiful natural touch and hides any imperfections.
Pin 3. Simple Terracotta Pumpkins: The Easiest Way to Elevate Your Fall Decor
A great way to achieve a high-end look is by focusing on texture and a cohesive, natural color palette. This project transforms ordinary fake pumpkins into a chic, matte finish with the simple application of terracotta-colored paint. To get started, you’ll need a few small foam or plastic pumpkins, a small container of acrylic paint in a warm terracotta or rust shade, and some baking soda. The trick is to mix the baking soda into the paint—this creates a textured, ceramic-like finish that feels earthy and substantial. Apply two coats with a foam brush, and you have beautiful, rustic pumpkins that look like they’re straight out of a designer catalog.
Pin 4. DIY Pinecone and Cinnamon Stick Centerpiece for a Cozier Vibe
Bringing the natural elements of the season indoors is a simple and effective way to create a warm and cozy atmosphere. This easy centerpiece combines the rich textures of pinecones with the warm, spicy scent of cinnamon sticks for a simple yet elegant display. To create this, you’ll need a large bowl or decorative tray, a bag of pinecones (or a free collection from your yard!), a bundle of cinnamon sticks, and a few small pillar candles. Arrange the pinecones in the bowl first, creating a soft, natural base. Then, artfully tuck the cinnamon sticks in between the pinecones, distributing them evenly. Add the candles to the center, and you have a stunning centerpiece that engages both sight and smell.
Pin 5. Foraged Fall Wreath: A Custom Look for Under $10
Creating a custom wreath with foraged materials is the ultimate budget-friendly hack for your front door. The key to making it look expensive is to use a variety of natural elements, focusing on different shapes, textures, and colors to create visual interest. You’ll need a grapevine wreath base (often available for just a few dollars), a hot glue gun, and a collection of natural items from your yard or a nearby park, such as acorns, small pinecones, dried leaves, and sprigs of berries or twigs. Arrange the items asymmetrically on the wreath, layering them to create depth. A simple, ribbon-tied bow in a coordinating neutral color like linen or burlap adds a final touch of sophistication.
Pin 6. Cohesive Entryway Vignette Using Only Dollar Store Finds
You can create a stylish and welcoming entryway display by curating a collection of simple, inexpensive items from a single store. The secret is to choose a tight color palette and vary the heights and textures of your objects to create a balanced, visually appealing vignette. Head to your local dollar store and look for items like a small decorative tray, glass vases, pumpkins or gourds, and a few faux floral stems in shades of cream, muted orange, or deep green. Arrange the tray first as your base. Then, place the tallest items (like the vases with florals) at the back, followed by the shorter items (pumpkins, gourds) in front. This layered approach adds depth and makes the display look intentional and professional.
Pin 7. Rustic Wood Bead Garland: A Simple Project With Major Impact
Layering different materials is a great way to add visual depth to your decor, and a rustic wood bead garland provides that perfect touch of natural warmth and texture. This project is incredibly simple and requires only a few basic materials: unfinished wood beads, a durable twine or thin rope, and a decorative tassel or a small pumpkin to anchor the ends. String the beads onto the twine in any length you like, and then tie a knot to secure the beads. You can drape the garland over a stack of books, along a mantel, or across a mirror to add a simple, clean, and organic element to any space.
This is my go-to for making a shelf or centerpiece look instantly more put-together with almost zero effort.
Pin 8. Fall-Themed Mason Jar Lanterns for a Warm, Inviting Glow
Creating a soft, ambient light is an instant way to make any space feel cozier, and these simple lanterns get the job done beautifully. This project uses inexpensive mason jars and a few natural elements to create a magical, glowing effect. You will need a few standard-sized mason jars, a bag of filler (like mini pinecones, acorns, or pebbles), and battery-operated fairy lights or flameless tea lights. The trick to making them look polished is to arrange the fillers carefully so the light diffuses evenly. Layer the filler first, then tuck the string of fairy lights in between the materials. When lit, the diffused glow and flickering light cast a warm, welcoming ambiance that feels far more expensive than it is.
Pin 9. Faux Fur Blanket Ladder: Add Texture Without the Price Tag
Adding soft, plush elements is an easy way to make a room feel cozier and more curated. While real fur is expensive and can be difficult to maintain, this faux fur blanket ladder creates a luxurious, layered look for a fraction of the cost. You will need a simple wooden ladder (either a DIY version or a budget-friendly find) and a soft faux fur throw or blanket. The key to this hack is to drape the blanket in a way that looks effortless and inviting. Arrange the blanket on one of the rungs so that it cascades down, creating a beautiful waterfall effect. The soft, textured material adds a touch of glam and makes the entire space feel warm and comfortable.
Pin 10. Upcycled Wine Bottle Candle Holders: Easy Elegance for Your Dining Table
Creating a tablescape with a sense of refined elegance is a great way to make a gathering feel special, and you can achieve this look for free by upcycling old wine bottles. The key to this project is using a matte black or cream spray paint to give the bottles a sophisticated, uniform look. Collect a few empty wine bottles and clean them thoroughly. Then, apply a few light, even coats of spray paint. Once they are dry, simply place a few tapered candles in the opening. The tall, slender form of the bottles elevates the candles, creating a striking and dramatic centerpiece that looks like a high-end designer piece.
Pin 11. “Dried” Orange Slice and Cinnamon Garland: A Simple Trick for a Spiced-Up Space
Creating an inviting space isn’t just about what you see—it’s also about what you smell. This DIY garland combines the visual beauty of translucent orange slices with the earthy, warm scent of cinnamon, providing a multi-sensory experience that feels cozy and intentional. The secret is to “dry” the orange slices in the oven on a very low temperature for a few hours. Once they are firm and slightly transparent, you can easily string them onto a piece of twine or jute, alternating with whole cinnamon sticks. This simple craft fills your home with a natural, spiced aroma and looks beautiful draped over a window or a mantelpiece.
Pin 12. DIY Abstract Pumpkin Painting: An Art Project Even a Beginner Can Do
Curated spaces often include a touch of abstract art, and you can bring that same modern, creative flair to your fall decor with this incredibly easy painting project. This DIY allows you to create custom, one-of-a-kind pumpkins that showcase an artistic, hand-painted look. You need a few pumpkins (real or fake), acrylic paints in a neutral or earthy color palette (think cream, beige, muted green, and black), and a small paintbrush. Instead of painting a detailed design, focus on applying paint in broad, loose strokes. You can dab the brush to create a speckled look or use a flat edge to create a few bold lines. The imperfect, abstract nature of the design is what makes it look sophisticated and unique.
Pin 13. Create a “Coffee Bar” with Fall-Themed Mugs and Supplies
A coffee bar is a perfect way to add a cozy, functional touch to your kitchen or living room. You can create a beautiful and practical display by styling a small countertop or cabinet with fall-themed mugs and accessories. Start with a simple wooden tray or cutting board to define the space. Next, gather your favorite mugs—a few mugs with a simple ribbed texture or an earthy tone will create a cohesive look. Add a few small glass jars filled with your favorite fall essentials like cinnamon sticks, star anise, or mini marshmallows. A small pumpkin or a cluster of acorns will complete the look, making your everyday coffee or tea ritual feel like a special moment.
Pin Conclusion
These simple, savvy hacks prove that you don’t need a massive budget to create a beautiful, high-end fall home. By focusing on texture, natural materials, and clever upcycling tricks, you transform inexpensive items and materials you already have into curated, stylish decorations. The key to making your space feel personal and luxurious is not the price tag, but the intentional effort and creativity you put into it. Now you have a list of beautiful, practical projects that empower you to make your home a cozy sanctuary this season.
Grace believes beauty lives in simplicity. With a love for clean lines, calming tones, and intentional design, she shares tips for creating spaces that feel peaceful and effortlessly stylish. When she’s not curating her home, you’ll find her sipping tea, rearranging her shelves (again), or hunting for the perfect neutral throw.
