Fall really makes you want to settle in and get comfy at home. The air turns crisp, and suddenly, curling up inside sounds just about perfect.

You don’t need a full makeover—just a few simple touches will bring those autumn colors, textures, and scents right into your living room.

Soft blankets, gentle lighting, and little details all help make a space you’ll actually want to spend time in. These ideas add charm and comfort, but they won’t get in the way of everyday living.

Your living room can feel ready for fall, and you don’t have to worry about it looking messy or too busy.

1. Pumpkin spice-scented candles

A living room decorated with fall-themed items like pumpkins, cushions, and candles on a coffee table, with warm lighting and cozy furnishings.

Pumpkin spice-scented candles make any room feel cozier. That warm, spicy smell just says fall, doesn’t it?

Set them on your coffee table, shelves, or mantel for a mix of fragrance and style. Glass jars or ceramic holders look great and fit right in.

Expert Tip from KidsCareIdeas: “Place candles away from curtains or anything flammable, and never leave them burning when you leave the room.”

2. Chunky knit throw blankets

A living room with chunky knit throw blankets on a sofa and armchair, decorated with pumpkins, candles, and fall accents.

Drape a chunky knit throw over your sofa, and suddenly the whole room feels warmer. Thick yarn brings texture without changing much else.

Stick to creams or grays for a calm look, or try rust and mustard if you’re feeling bold.

These throws also hide tired furniture in a pinch. I just fold one at the end of my couch or chair, and it looks refreshed.

Expert Tip from KidsCareIdeas: “Choose machine-washable chunky knit blankets if you have kids or pets. This keeps them looking fresh without extra hassle.”

3. Rust-colored velvet pillows

Living room with rust-colored velvet pillows on a sofa surrounded by fall decorations and natural light.

Tossing a few rust-colored velvet pillows on your sofa instantly warms things up. That deep orange-brown is such a classic fall color.

Velvet feels soft and cozy, perfect for the season. Mix in some patterned cushions if you want a little extra interest.

Expert Tip from KidsCareIdeas: “Choose pillow covers with zippers so you can wash them easily. This keeps them looking fresh through the whole season.”

4. Birch bark lanterns

A living room decorated for fall with birch bark lanterns glowing on a coffee table surrounded by pumpkins, pinecones, and cozy blankets.

Wrap plain glass candle holders with strips of birch bark, and you get a rustic, cozy vibe right away. The light color goes well with other autumn decorations.

Set them on side tables or your mantel for a soft glow in the evenings. I like battery candles for peace of mind.

Try mixing up the sizes to make your display look more interesting.

Expert Tip from KidsCareIdeas: “Collect birch bark from fallen branches instead of peeling it off trees to protect the tree’s health. Seal the bark with a clear spray to make it last longer indoors.”

5. Dried wheat bundle decor

A dried wheat bundle displayed on a wooden surface in a cozy living room decorated for fall with warm colors and soft lighting.

Stick a bundle of dried wheat in a tall vase, and you’ve got a simple, natural fall accent. That warm golden color just feels right for autumn.

Tie the stems with twine or ribbon to keep things tidy. It works on the mantel, coffee table, or even a sideboard.

Mix in dried flowers or branches if you want more variety. These bundles last ages and don’t need any care at all.

Expert Tip from KidsCareIdeas: “Place wheat bundles away from direct sunlight to keep their color longer. Dust them gently with a soft brush every few weeks.”

6. Plaid flannel curtains

A living room with plaid flannel curtains and fall decorations including pumpkins and autumn flowers.

Plaid flannel curtains bring instant warmth to a living room. The fabric feels soft and helps keep chilly air out.

Try classic fall shades like deep red, mustard, or green. They look great with neutral walls and wood furniture.

Flannel adds texture, making the room feel inviting without a lot of extra stuff.

Expert Tip from KidsCareIdeas: “Measure your windows before buying to avoid gaps or bunching. Wash the curtains before hanging to remove any stiffness and help them drape better.”

7. Acorn-shaped ceramic bowls

A fall living room with acorn-shaped ceramic bowls on a wooden coffee table surrounded by autumn decor like pillows, blankets, and candles.

Acorn-shaped ceramic bowls add a cute, seasonal touch without taking over. They’re great for snacks, candies, or even potpourri.

Set them on your coffee table, a shelf, or side table. Their little shape instantly says “fall” but doesn’t crowd the space.

Expert Tip from KidsCareIdeas: “Choose bowls in warm tones like brown or cream to match other fall decor. Grouping two or three together creates a balanced, cozy look.”

8. Copper leaf wall art

Living room with copper leaf wall art above a sofa and fall-themed decorations.

Copper leaf wall art brings in warmth and catches the light, making the room glow.

Pick simple shapes or nature-inspired pieces to keep things classic. One big piece can really stand out without making the wall feel crowded.

Expert Tip from KidsCareIdeas: “Hang copper leaf art where natural light hits it. This will make the metallic finish stand out without extra lighting.”

9. Miniature faux pumpkins

A living room table decorated with small artificial pumpkins, dried leaves, pine cones, and candles, with a sofa and pillows in the background.

Scatter a few miniature faux pumpkins on shelves, tables, or window sills for an easy fall update. They fit anywhere and don’t need any care.

Mix up the colors—white, orange, even muted green—for a balanced look. I like clustering them in a bowl or tray for extra charm.

Expert Tip from KidsCareIdeas: “Choose lightweight pumpkins so you can safely place them on higher shelves without worrying about them falling. Store them in a cool, dry spot to keep their color fresh for next year.”

10. Cinnamon stick vase fillers

A living room with a vase filled with cinnamon sticks on a wooden table surrounded by autumn decorations.

Fill a clear glass vase with cinnamon sticks for a quick fall look. They bring a warm brown color and a gentle scent.

Stand them up for a neat vibe, or just drop them in for something more relaxed. Toss in some pinecones or dried leaves if you want more texture.

They look great on coffee tables, shelves, or mantels. Just make sure the vase sits steady so it won’t tip.

Expert Tip from KidsCareIdeas: “For a stronger scent, lightly rub the cinnamon sticks before placing them in the vase. This releases more of their natural aroma.”

11. Rustic wooden coffee tables

A cozy living room with a rustic wooden coffee table decorated with fall items like pumpkins and candles.

A rustic wooden coffee table brings in warmth and a bit of texture. If you can find one made from reclaimed wood, even better—it just looks more natural.

It’s sturdy enough for books, trays, or any seasonal decorations you want to toss on top. Pair it with throws and warm accents for a true fall feeling.

Expert Tip from KidsCareIdeas: “Choose a table with rounded edges if you have kids. It reduces the risk of bumps and makes the space safer.”

12. Sunflower centerpiece arrangements

A living room with a wooden coffee table holding sunflower bouquets and fall decorations, with a sofa and warm sunlight in the background.

A vase of sunflowers—real or faux—brightens up any living room. That yellow pops alongside fall colors like burnt orange and deep red.

Stick them in a clear vase for something simple, or use a rustic pitcher for a farmhouse feel.

Add greenery or wheat stems to fill out the arrangement.

Expert Tip from KidsCareIdeas: “Choose faux sunflowers if you want a long-lasting display, and dust them weekly to keep them looking fresh.”

13. Burnt orange area rugs

A living room with burnt orange area rugs, a neutral sofa, autumn decorations, and natural light coming through large windows.

A burnt orange rug instantly warms up a space. It works with neutral furniture and adds a cozy fall feeling without being too much.

Go for a solid color if you want things simple, or pick a pattern for more interest. Both look great with wood and soft lighting.

Expert Tip from KidsCareIdeas: “Pick a low-pile rug if you have kids or pets. It’s easier to clean and holds up better to daily use.”

14. Faux fur ottomans

Living room with several faux fur ottomans surrounded by fall decorations including pumpkins and candles.

Faux fur ottomans add texture and warmth but don’t take up much space. Use them for extra seating, as a footrest, or even as a little table with a tray.

Stick to cream or gray for a soft look. If you want a splash of color, try burgundy or green.

They’re light, so you can move them around easily when you want to change things up.

Expert Tip from KidsCareIdeas: “Pick a faux fur ottoman with a removable cover so you can wash it easily. This keeps it looking fresh even with daily use.”

15. Twinkling amber string lights

A fall living room decorated with amber string lights, autumn-colored pillows, pumpkins, and warm seasonal decor.

Hang amber string lights along shelves, mantels, or windows for a gentle, warm glow.

Their soft color matches perfectly with fall tones like rust, brown, and gold.

Plug them into a timer and let them turn on by themselves in the evening.

Expert Tip from KidsCareIdeas: “Choose LED string lights to save energy and reduce heat. They’re safer around fabrics and last much longer than traditional bulbs.”

16. Hand-painted gourd decor

A cozy living room decorated with hand-painted gourds, autumn leaves, and fall-themed decor.

Grab some plain gourds and paint them to make your own fall decorations. Go for solid colors if you like to keep it simple, or get creative with stripes and dots.

Acrylic paint keeps the colors bright. Let each layer dry before you add another one, or you’ll end up with smudges.

Set your painted gourds on shelves, coffee tables, or window sills. They really bring in that cozy fall vibe.

Expert Tip from KidsCareIdeas: “Seal your painted gourds with a clear coat to make them last longer indoors. This also helps prevent chipping and fading.”

17. Leather-bound autumn coffee table books

A coffee table with leather-bound books and autumn decorations including pumpkins and leaves in a cozy living room.

Stack a few leather-bound books on your coffee table for a warm, classic touch. Pick covers in rich browns, deep reds, or golds—they fit right in with fall colors.

You can stack them neatly or fan them out for a laid-back look. Try topping the pile with a candle or a little ceramic pumpkin.

Expert Tip from KidsCareIdeas: “Pick books you actually enjoy flipping through so they’re both decorative and useful during cozy fall evenings.”

18. Natural twig wreaths

A cozy living room decorated with natural twig wreaths on the wall and autumn-themed accents.

Make a twig wreath with dry, sturdy branches you find in your yard or at a park. These hold their shape best.

Shape the twigs into a circle and use floral wire to keep them together. Add pinecones, dried leaves, or small berries if you want extra texture.

Hang your wreath above the sofa or set it on a shelf. It works with both rustic and modern styles.

Expert Tip from KidsCareIdeas: “Use flexible twigs like willow for easier shaping. If twigs are brittle, lightly mist them with water before bending.”

19. Burlap table runners

A living room coffee table with a burlap table runner decorated with pumpkins, pine cones, candles, and autumn leaves, with a sofa and pillows in the background.

Lay a burlap table runner across your coffee or console table to add some texture. Its natural look pairs great with fall colors like orange, brown, and cream.

Burlap’s tough, so you can use it again next year. Layer it over a solid tablecloth for more contrast.

Cut burlap to whatever size you need. Leave the edges raw for a rustic feel, or sew them if you prefer a tidier finish.

Expert Tip from KidsCareIdeas: “Place a burlap runner under candles or small pumpkins to create a simple fall centerpiece. Add a few leaves or pinecones for extra seasonal detail.”

20. Mason jar fairy lights

A fall living room with a mason jar filled with glowing fairy lights on a coffee table surrounded by pumpkins, leaves, and cozy decor.

Grab a mason jar and drop in a string of fairy lights for instant cozy lighting. The glass lets the light shine out softly.

Set these jars on shelves, coffee tables, or window sills. Mix up jar sizes for a layered look.

They add a warm glow but aren’t too bright, so your living room feels extra inviting.

Expert Tip from KidsCareIdeas: “Use battery-operated fairy lights so you can place the jars anywhere without worrying about outlets or cords.”

21. Plaid wool armchair covers

A cozy living room with a plaid wool-covered armchair surrounded by fall decorations like pumpkins, dried leaves, and a knitted blanket.

Slip a plaid wool cover over your armchair for a quick fall refresh. The pattern and texture add instant warmth.

Plaid pairs nicely with other fall shades like rust, mustard, or deep green. Wool feels cozy and holds up well in cooler months.

You can easily remove and wash these covers to keep them looking fresh.

Expert Tip from KidsCareIdeas: “Choose machine‑washable wool blends for easier cleaning. Avoid covers that are too tight, as they can wear out faster.”

22. Copper mug cocktail sets

A cozy living room with a wooden table holding a copper mug cocktail set surrounded by autumn decorations like pumpkins and leaves.

Set out a copper mug set to bring warmth and shine to your living room bar area. They work great for drinks like apple cider or Moscow mules.

Copper mugs look good on a tray or open shelf, and the shiny finish matches fall colors.

Mix them with wood or ceramic pieces for a balanced, cozy setup.

Expert Tip from KidsCareIdeas: “Choose food-safe, lined copper mugs to avoid a metallic taste. Hand wash them to keep the finish looking new.”

23. Vintage brass candlesticks

A living room with vintage brass candlesticks on a wooden table surrounded by autumn decorations and warm-colored pillows.

Pop a few vintage brass candlesticks in your living room for instant warmth. The aged finish gives off a soft, golden glow that fits right in with fall.

Put them on your mantel, coffee table, or sideboard. Try white or deep orange tapers for a seasonal twist.

Mix up the heights and shapes for a display that feels interesting and lived-in. Matching isn’t required—sometimes a little mismatch is even better.

Expert Tip from KidsCareIdeas: “Polish brass gently with a soft cloth to keep its shine, but avoid harsh cleaners that can damage the patina.”

24. Maple leaf throw pillow covers

A living room with a sofa decorated with maple leaf patterned throw pillows and fall-themed decorations including pumpkins and candles.

I like to swap out my usual pillow covers for ones with maple leaf designs when fall rolls around. It really gives the couch a cozy, seasonal vibe.

I usually stick to warm colors—orange, red, or gold. They just seem to fit right in with the rest of the autumn decorations.

If you can, pick covers with removable zippers. That way, you can toss them in the wash and use them again next year.

Expert Tip from KidsCareIdeas: “Pick pillow covers in durable cotton or linen so they last through multiple seasons. Wash them inside out to keep the print looking fresh.”