When the leaves start to turn and the air gets crisp, it’s time to bring the beauty of the autumn season inside. Fall decorating can be a fun way to celebrate the season, but it’s easy to go overboard and end up with a cluttered mess instead of a cozy, autumnal haven.
If you’re not careful, you can end up with more of a haunted house look than a warm, inviting home. Here’s my list of common decorating mistakes to avoid this fall, so you can create a space that’s festive without feeling overwhelming.
Overcrowding your space with decorative items
It’s tempting to pull out every fall-themed decoration you own, but too many items can make your space feel cluttered and chaotic. Instead, choose a few key pieces that you love, and give them room to shine. Remember, less is often more when it comes to decorating.
And if you’re feeling overwhelmed by the number of items you have, don’t be afraid to donate or sell items that no longer serve you. There’s no rule that says you have to keep every decoration you’ve ever bought. Keep your space clean and uncluttered for a more calming fall vibe.
Ignoring the color palette for fall
Fall is known for its warm, rich colors, but that doesn’t mean you have to decorate with every shade of orange, red, and yellow. Instead, choose a few complementary colors that fit with your existing decor. You might be surprised at how a few well-chosen pieces in a consistent color scheme can bring the whole room together.
If you’re not sure where to start, try looking at color palettes for inspiration. You might find a combination you never would have thought of on your own!
Neglecting the natural beauty of fall
One of the best parts of fall is the natural beauty of the season. Instead of relying solely on store-bought decorations, why not bring some of that beauty inside? Pine cones, acorns, dried leaves, and pumpkins can all make great additions to your decor.
Just be sure to clean any items you bring in from outside to avoid bringing in any unwanted critters. And remember, natural doesn’t have to mean rustic. There are plenty of ways to incorporate natural elements into a more modern or minimalist decor style.
Using too many different themes
From scarecrows to pumpkins, fall is full of iconic themes. But trying to incorporate all of them into your decor can end up feeling a bit chaotic. Instead, choose one or two themes that you love and stick with them throughout your space.
If you can’t decide, think about what fall means to you. Is it the harvest? The changing leaves? Halloween? Thanksgiving? Once you’ve chosen your theme, it will be easier to select decorations that fit within that theme and create a cohesive look.
Forgetting about balance and proportion
When it comes to decorating, balance and proportion are key. If you have a large, empty wall, a tiny painting isn’t going to cut it. Similarly, a small table isn’t the place for a massive pumpkin display.
Instead, think about the size and scale of your decorations in relation to the space they’re in. And remember, balance doesn’t mean symmetry. It’s perfectly fine to have one larger item balanced by several smaller ones, or vice versa. The goal is to create a sense of harmony and proportion in your space.
Overdoing the Halloween decor
Halloween is a fun holiday, but it’s easy to go overboard with the decorations. If you’re not careful, you can end up with a house that looks more like a haunted house than a cozy, autumnal home. Instead, choose a few key pieces that add a touch of Halloween spirit without overwhelming your space.
And remember, Halloween is only one day. Don’t forget to incorporate elements that celebrate the entire fall season, not just one holiday. This will allow your decor to transition smoothly from September through November.
Neglecting the entryway
Your entryway is the first thing people see when they come into your home. It sets the tone for the rest of your space, so it’s important not to neglect it when you’re decorating for fall. Even a simple wreath or a couple of pumpkins can make a big difference.
If you’re not sure what to do with your entryway, try thinking of it as a mini room. It needs a focal point, some decorative elements, and maybe even a little bit of storage. And don’t forget a doormat to welcome guests and keep your floors clean!
Not considering the room’s functionality
When decorating, it’s easy to get caught up in how things look and forget about how they function. But if your decorations are getting in the way of your daily activities, they’re not serving their purpose. Make sure any items you add to your space enhance its functionality, not detract from it.
For example, if your coffee table is covered in decorations, where are you going to put your cup of coffee? And that bowl of decorative gourds might look nice, but if it’s taking up all the counter space in your kitchen, it might be time to rethink.
Overlooking the scale of your decorations
Scale is another important factor to consider when decorating. A giant scarecrow might look great in a large, open space, but it’s going to feel overwhelming in a small apartment. Similarly, tiny decorations might get lost in a larger space.
Consider the scale of your space when choosing your decorations. If you’re working with a smaller space, choose smaller decorations that won’t feel overwhelming. If you have a larger space, you can go a bit bigger, but remember to keep things balanced.
Neglecting to declutter before decorating
Before you start pulling out the fall decorations, take some time to declutter. If you add decorations to an already cluttered space, it’s just going to feel more cluttered. But if you start with a clean, uncluttered space, your decorations will be able to shine.
Take a few minutes to go through each room and remove anything that doesn’t need to be there. This might mean clearing off countertops, tidying up bookshelves, or even getting rid of some furniture. The more space you have to work with, the better your decorations will look.
Failing to incorporate cozy textiles appropriately
Fall is all about coziness, and textiles are a great way to bring that coziness into your space. Think soft throw blankets, plush pillows, and warm rugs. But like anything else, it’s possible to go overboard.
Instead of piling on the textiles, choose a few key pieces that add warmth and texture to your space. And remember, they don’t all have to be fall-themed. A soft, neutral blanket or a plush, textured rug can add a touch of coziness without screaming “fall”.
Relying too heavily on artificial elements
While artificial decorations can be a convenient option, relying too heavily on them can make your space feel cold and impersonal. Instead, try to incorporate some natural elements into your decor. This could be anything from a bowl of fresh apples to a wreath made of real leaves.
Not only do natural elements add a touch of warmth and authenticity to your decor, but they can also be a more sustainable choice. Instead of buying new decorations each year, you can gather natural elements from your own backyard.
Mistake 13: Ignoring the importance of lighting in fall decor
Lighting is often overlooked in decorating, but it can make a big difference in the feel of your space. As the days get shorter, having the right lighting can make your space feel warm and inviting. Think soft, warm lights instead of harsh, bright ones.
There are plenty of ways to incorporate lighting into your fall decor. You might add some twinkle lights to a garland, put candles in your pumpkins instead of carving them, or even swap out your regular light bulbs for ones with a warmer glow. Just be sure to keep safety in mind, especially when using candles.
So there you have it, my list of common fall decorating mistakes to avoid. Remember, decorating should be fun, not stressful. Don’t be afraid to break the rules and create a space that feels like you. After all, your home should be a reflection of your personal style, not a catalog. Happy decorating!
