Cozy vibes. Crisp air. And creative décor — without breaking the bank.
🍁 Introduction
Fall is the season of warm colors, crunchy leaves, and cozy corners. But decorating your home for autumn doesn’t have to cost a fortune. With a little creativity and a quick trip to the dollar store, you can create beautiful, seasonal décor on a tight budget.
Here are 10 budget-friendly DIY fall décor ideas using easy-to-find dollar store supplies — perfect for cozying up your space without spending more than $5–10 per budget-friendly DIY fall décor project.
1. 🕯️ Pumpkin Candle Holders
What you need: Faux pumpkins, tea lights, craft knife
How to: Cut a small hole in the top of a foam pumpkin and place a tea light inside (battery-operated is safest). You can paint the pumpkins white or gold for a modern look.
Tip: Group 3 together for a cute centerpiece.
2. 🍂 Leaf Garland
What you need: Fabric or plastic fall leaves, twine, clothespins or hot glue
How to: String twine across your mantel or window and attach fall leaves using mini clothespins or hot glue. Add fairy lights for extra charm.
3. 🧺 Fall Harvest Basket
What you need: Wicker basket, mini pumpkins, pinecones, faux apples, fall flowers
How to: Arrange all items in a small basket and place it on your entry table or kitchen counter. Dollar Tree often sells mini hay bales too — great for layering.
4. 🎃 Fabric-Wrapped Pumpkins
What you need: Foam pumpkins, old flannel shirts or scarves, hot glue
How to: Wrap the fabric around the pumpkin and tuck it into the stem hole. Glue as needed. Add a cinnamon stick for a rustic stem!
5. 🪵 Faux Wood Sign with Fall Quote
What you need: Dollar store canvas or wooden board, paint or marker, stencil or freehand
How to: Paint a cozy fall saying like “Hello Pumpkin” or “Gather & Give Thanks”. Use warm tones like burnt orange, mustard, and cream.
6. 🌾 DIY Mini Wreaths
What you need: Small wire wreath forms, fall florals, ribbon
How to: Use floral wire to attach faux flowers or leaves to the wreath base. Finish with a bow and hang on cabinets, doors, or your dining chairs.
7. ☕ Fall-Themed Coffee Bar Tray
What you need: Small serving tray, fall mug, cinnamon sticks, small pumpkins, printed “Hello Fall” sign
How to: Style your coffee station with a tray filled with cozy seasonal touches. Add a mini chalkboard for your favorite fall drink recipe.
8. 🕯️ Mason Jar Luminaries
What you need: Mason jars, fall leaf stickers or Mod Podge + leaves, tea lights
How to: Apply leaves to the outside of the jars and coat with Mod Podge. Once dry, place a tea light inside for a soft, cozy glow.
9. 🍎 Apple Crate Stack
What you need: Mini wooden crates, faux apples, small chalkboard signs
How to: Paint and stack crates for a rustic market-style look. Fill with apples and label each with handwritten fall puns (“Apple-y Ever After”, anyone?).
10. 🌟 Thankful Tree Centerpiece
What you need: Twigs from outside, vase, fall leaves or cardstock tags, markers
How to: Write things you’re grateful for on each leaf or tag. Attach to twigs and display in a vase as a mindful, seasonal centerpiece.
🍂 Bonus Tips for Dollar Store DIY Success:
- Shop early: Fall items go fast!
- Look in every aisle: Many seasonal pieces can be upcycled from non-seasonal items.
- Use coupons or buy in bulk if you’re planning multiple crafts.
- Add texture with twine, burlap, and faux florals to elevate simple finds.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need a big budget to make your home feel like a fall sanctuary. These simple and beautiful DIY fall décor ideas prove that with a few dollar store supplies and a little imagination, you can bring the season indoors in a way that feels intentional, personal, and joyful.
🍁 Which one will you try first? Tag @diylivelife on Instagram with your creations!