11 Understated or Unconventionally Festive Fall Decor Ideas

There’s so much to love about fall: crisp sweater weather, the color of leaves changing, warm sweet beverages, and, of course, the chance to decorate your home to match the natural beauty of the season. This makes it all the more puzzling why so many fall decor ideas involve garish plastic decorations that take up storage space for the other three quarters of the year. What if there was a way to achieve an autumnal aesthetic using natural materials (for the most part), and a dose of your own creativity?

Keep reading for eleven unusual or understated (or both!) fall decor ideas, many of which are DIY, that incorporate the natural beauty of the season.

1. American Bittersweet

Real florals are a wonderful way to bring the outdoors in and provide some color and liveliness as the days become shorter. American Bittersweet is in a category of its own, however, due to its incredibly autumnal look. Opt for arrangements such as this combination of it with a large Hubbard squash, a white “Baby Boo” pumpkin, and bright orange mums.

2. Pumpkins in Muted Colors

Yes, pumpkins are the quintessential emblem of fall. But pumpkins in colors other than their signature orange are having a moment in home decor. Jess at White Picket Farmhouse shows us how it’s done with this fall-centric table setting featuring neutral-colored pumpkins.

3. Pumpkins in Unexpected Textures

Just like pumpkins in muted colors, pumpkins in unexpected textures—like these raffia pumpkins—can be a welcome visual respite from typical fall decor. If raffia isn’t what you’re looking for, sleek white ceramic pumpkins or these wooden pumpkins could be the perfect understated and versatile addition to bring a little seasonality to your home.

4. Sunflowers

If you associate sunflowers with the heat of summer, you’re not alone! But in moodier colors than yellow, sunflowers make for the perfect summer-to-fall transitional floral arrangement. Look for richly colored varieties like “Prado Red,” “Moulin Rouge,” and “Red Sun”.

5. Dried Florals

If sunflowers aren’t your style, experiment with incorporating dried florals into your fall decor. As the leaves changes colors and the air turns crisp, the once-vivid colors of flowers and grasses transition into muted shades. Dried florals are a great way to bring natural texture inside while subtly referencing the season. See how Amanda at Midcountry Journal incorporates dried florals into her space.

6. Sweater Weather Mug

While too functional to be technically considered decor, this sweater weather mug in neutral colors is too cozy not to share and would look wonderful on a mantle, piled high with acorns or nestled amongst mini pumpkins.

7. DIY Corn Garland

The idea for this garland is simple, but the result is incredibly festive. Tutorials detailing how to make corn garlands are plentiful on Pinterest, or find instructions on how to make this specific corn garland here.

8. DIY Harvest Centerpiece

Who knew that a fall centerpiece could be crafted from Indian eggplants, pears, artichokes, and ornamental kale and cabbage? Just add pumpkins, and by association, these vegetables are transformed into a showstopping festive spread. Get the details to create your own harvest centerpiece here.

9. DIY Pumpkin & Gourd Lights

To make charming autumnal lights, cut a hole in the top of a gourd or pumpkin as if you’re making a jack-o’-lantern, remove the seeds, and nestle a candle inside. You’ll find more details here on how to make these pumpkin and gourd lights (so simple yet so atmospheric).

10. Wheat Wreath

Fall is harvest season, after all, and a wheat wreath on your door or wall is a fitting symbol. You can buy this specific wheat wreath, or make a similar one using the instructions in this DIY $5 fall wheat wreath tutorial.

11. Crysanthemums

Skipping typical orange jack-o’-lanterns doesn’t mean your front entryway should be devoid of vibrant color this season. Get creative with chrysanthemums, which come in all shades of yellow and orange, to give your outdoor or indoor space fall-inspired color. Pair with pumpkins in the unconventional muted shades mentioned above to complete the look. Get more fall decor ideas using chrysanthemums here.