Decorating for Fall in a Small Home

Fall is a season that invites warmth, comfort, and cozy gatherings — but if you live in a small home or apartment, decorating for the season can feel tricky. The key is to be intentional with your choices so your space feels festive without feeling crowded.

I’ve always lived in relatively small homes. The home I shared with my first husband and our five kids was 2000 sq. ft., just enough to corral all our belongings as best we could. Over the years we made many changes and my little organizing heart was always trying to keep it simple! (Read my ranch style home posts here.)

Fall decor in my ranch style home

After my HIV diagnosis, realization of my marriage betrayal and subsequent divorce, I bought a little cottage just under 1000 sq. ft. This precious home taught me about safety, community and embracing my God given gifts of organization and home decorating. (Read my cottage home posts here.)

Cozy fall cottage decor

When I remarried in August 2024 I moved to VA to the home my husband and I now share together. Our craftsman style home isn’t fancy but filled with charm and love. Dennis and I have worked hard to combine our furnishings as well as purchase things we picked out together. It’s been challenging and we have more spaces to work on, but I’m loving all our fall decor! (Read about our craftsman home here.)

Enjoy my craftsman style fall home tour as well as money saving tips to help you bring autumn style into your home, no matter its size! Living in a small home can be challenging but I’ll show you how to create a home to cherish!

1. Focus on textures over clutter

I used to love what we all called “knick knacks” but now I want to live in a purposefully curated home. Nothing ruins a small home vibe more than unnecessary clutter. This doesn’t mean you can’t add all the fun fall touches but concentrate on texture not a bunch of random stuff.

Swap out lightweight summer throws for chunky knit blankets and add a few soft, textured pillows in warm tones like rust, mustard, and deep green. These small swaps instantly make your space feel cozier without taking up extra room.

Even a recliner can be draped with a cozy fall throw and pillow to brighten your home with very little work!

Money saving tip: use pillow covers and swap out for each season. You can even purchase ugly pillows at yard sales and thrift stores and just cover them! (My favorite pillow covers for fall are here and here.)

2. Choose a cohesive color palette.

In a smaller home, too many competing colors can feel overwhelming. Select two to three main tones — warm neutrals, deep greens, burnt orange, or mustard yellow — and weave them through your textiles, accessories, and florals. This creates a sense of flow and makes your space feel thoughtfully designed.

However, don’t feel like you have to use strictly fall colors. I love to add a bit of teal and aqua as well since these blues and coral define the main color scheme of my home. Fall is also the time to experiment with patterns that will cozy up your home in minutes! (This DIY rag banner is my fav!)

Money saving tip: pull from neutral items you may already own, like white dishes or accessories featuring copper or bronze materials. Save money by mixing and matching seasonal items with more neutral furnishings.

3. Layer natural elements

A bowl of pinecones, a vase with dried wheat, or a few mini pumpkins on a shelf can make a big impact. Stick to a small color palette (like neutrals + one pop of orange) to keep things cohesive. Natural elements pair beautifully with modern or rustic décor styles.

When I first moved to my cottage I had a huge pampas grass plant in the front yard. It was a nightmare to remove but I saved some stems to use as a reminder of where I started.

Money saving tip: nature provides a canvas of rich fall colors and seasonal elements. Free and one of a kind. Perfect!

4. Use vertical space

If you’re short on counter or table space, hang a seasonal wreath or garland on the wall or door. I love using unusual items like this picture on the front door to add interest and fun.

Use a simple arrangement on a tray for a snapshot of fall on your sofa table or chest. My husband refinished this chest and the imperfections blend perfectly in our craftsman style home.

Shelves can also be styled with candles, books, and a few decorative accents to create a subtle autumn vignette. (You can find the tutorial for these stamped books here.)

Money saving tip: replace pictures or art with seasonal ones bought on sale (or picked up at yard sales) in previous years.

5. Create a simple tabletop display

Maybe you’re newly married or in the busy little kid stage of life. Or possibly you’re simply too tired to change up the decor in your home for each season. My answer? Decorate your main table in a way that uplifts and encourages all those gathered around.

Using a small table centerpiece — like a tray with candles, a tiny vase, and a decorative gourd — can make your dining or coffee table feel seasonal without sacrificing functionality. Choose something that can be removed easily if meals, family time or game night happens around the table.

Money saving tip: Much of my fall scheme and colors came from these Dollar Tree plates and glasses. They’re from two different years with similar colors and words. Honestly, some of my most favorite china comes from there. Inexpensive and beautiful!

6. Don’t forget the senses

Fall décor isn’t just visual — it’s about how your space feels. Light a spiced candle, simmer cinnamon sticks on the stove, or use an essential oil diffuser with clove and orange for that cozy autumn aroma.

Entering a home that looks, smells and feels like the season is an incredible gift to those who live there and all who visit.

If you need some inspiration my homemade potpourri recipe is simple and incredible for filling your home with natural goodness.

Money saving tip: I love to turn my tv into a frame through a free YouTube screensaver. Most add seasonal music that will play all day if desired.

7. Keep It Simple

It took me years to learn less is more in a small space (and in most homes as well!) A few thoughtfully chosen pieces will make a bigger impact than filling every corner with decorations. If it helps, empty the room completely of all accessories and add back only the things that bring you joy.

This year’s fall mantel is my favorite in my new home. The chalkboard frame sets the tone with a yard sale wreath and a natural looking banner. Add in a few vintage accessories and it’s perfect!

My husband has learned I light up when we plan, design and create a space we both love. It may not happen overnight but the process is worth it!

Money saving tip: Make just a few swaps and your home can feel like a cozy autumn retreat — no matter how small it is. Inexpensive seasonal projects can help easily turn your home into a treasure for your holiday and seasonal enjoyment.

Final Thoughts

I believe personal style goes a long way in creating a cherished home, but learning a few decorating tricks can pull together even the simplest home. Don’t be afraid to experiment and move things around. It’s how the best designers figure things out!

Even in a small space, thoughtful fall décor can make your home feel like an autumn retreat — perfect for curling up with a warm drink and enjoying the season.