This post offers 15 inspiring tips to beautifully transform your apartment with fall decor, inviting the essence of the season into your home.
Make the most of your space this season with easy, renter-friendly fall decor ideas. Just because you’re living in an apartment doesn’t mean you have to miss out on all the cozy charm that fall decor brings.
In fact, smaller spaces offer the perfect opportunity to get creative with seasonal styling. Whether you’re looking for simple rental decor swaps or subtle touches that capture the warmth of autumn, these fall decor tips will help you create a space that feels festive, inviting, and uniquely yours.
From cozy throw blankets to pumpkin-inspired table settings, we’ve rounded up 15 fall interior decorating ideas that are low-commitment, easy to store, and perfect for elevating your apartment interior.
When Should You Start Decorating Your Apartment for Fall?
Most people start decorating from late August into early September. Right as the weather starts to cool and the cozy vibes kick in. However, September is the most popular time to refresh your apartment interior with simple fall decor, like warm textures and seasonal accents.
If you’re in a rental, start with easy and simple rental decor swaps like throw pillows or candles.
Waiting for October to hit works too, especially if you’re adding Halloween touches. At the end of the day, the best fall interior decorating ideas start when it feels right to you.
Fall decor tips for low-commitment decor ( no drilling, renter-friendly ideas)
Window & mirror decor
Window or mirror decals are a beautifully simple way to bring a sense of fall vibe into the home.
Place them on a window that gets a lot of light to get a stained glass effect. Alternatively, decorate a mirror with the decals to make them look brighter, plus it’s a great, easily removable option as wall decor.
A leaf curtain gives a cottage in the woods feel to any space. Either DIY your own curtain as fall decor or purchase a garland to decorate the window.
Peel & stick wallpaper
If you’re looking for some creative tips for interesting fall decor, look no further than peel-and-stick wallpaper.
Using wallpaper to decorate your home for any season is a simple and inexpensive option. But fall-themed wallpaper truly gives a warm vibe.
Find an accent wall or hallway to reserve for seasonal wallpaper changes.
Cozy textures and colors
Blankets offer a sense of warmth and coziness that is just what the season calls for. It’s also a subtle but effective way to decorate your apartment for fall.
When looking for fall decorating ideas that work while living in an apartment, items like blankets give you both the feeling of the season and the colors.
Wreaths on internal doors
Use the door as a renter-friendly way to hang fall decor throughout the apartment. No making holes in the wall or risking wrecking the paint.
Outdoor wreaths don’t have to go outside; they can also look terrific in the home.
Fall Decor Tips: Apartment Table Decor
Diy fall scented candles
In a small space, having a lot of seasonal decor isn’t always practical. When you’re decorating an apartment, especially a rental storage is limited and clutter can build up fast.
That’s why one of the best fall decor tips is to create something simple but beautiful using what you already have.
A DIY fall candle is the perfect option. It adds a cozy ambiance, warm colors, and a delicious warm scent to your apartment without taking up much room. Just grab a jar and add some cinnamon sticks, orange slices, and orange and cinnamon essential oils. Top it off with water and place a floating candle on top.
Just like that you have a rental-friendly that will look and smell great this fall.
Mini pumpkins on trays
Avoiding clutter when decorating the interior of your apartment is a major part of seasonal decor.
Keep things simple and elegant with simple displays placed in central places, like a coffee table or a dining table.
Think pumpkins and fall decor on trays that are easy to move around, making this a great tip for fall apartment decor.
Check out our post: Easy Pumpkin Painting Ideas To Decorate Your Home if you want to personalize your pumpkins for a unique seasonal look
Tired stands for vertical decor
A tiered tray is a great way to add fall decor to your apartment without taking up much space. It’s perfect as table decor, especially in a small dining space or in the corner of the kitchen.
Diplay anything from pinecones to seasonal mugs. It’s one of the easiest fall decor ideas, stylish, compact, and customizable for your apartment fall decor needs.
Coffee table books
For a subtle yet stunning piece of fall decor for your apartment, don’t overlook coffee table books.
Stack them neatly on your coffee table or mix them in a prominent position on your bookshelf.
They’re an easy way to add personality and seasonal color without overwhelming the space. Perfect for decorating a small apartment. You can find stylish options almost anywhere, but thrift shops are a great place to find unique covers and also save some money.
It’s a simple fall decor tip that adds charm with a cozy, lived-in look.
Fall Decor Tips – Patio & Balcony Ideas For The Season
Potted fall flowers
Bring bright colors to your balcony this fall with some seasonal flowers and potted plants.
When the weather turns cool and the days get shorter, brighten up your outside with greenery and flowers.
Fall string lights
Add string lights to your balcony railings and ceiling to give both the outside and the interior of your apartment a soft autumn glow.
Looking for more outdoor seasonal inspiration posts: Thrifted Porch Decor: 15 Budget-Friendly Summer Ideas & Balcony Holiday Decorating Ideas: Easy Christmas Cheer
Fall Decor Tips – Simple Apartment Swaps
Fill baskets with fall decor
Place soft fall decor pieces into your baskets for an easy, cozy touch. Think extra blankets, throw pillows, or other soft furnishings that bring warmth and comfort into your apartment. It’s one of the simplest fall decor tips—perfect for adding seasonal charm while keeping your space functional and clutter-free, especially when decorating an apartment.
Swap summer mugs for warm-toned ceramics
Switching out your summer mugs for warm-toned ceramic ones is a small but effective fall decor update.
Displaying rich, earthy-colored mugs in browns, ochres, and terracotta instantly adds seasonal warmth to your kitchen or coffee nook.
Ideal for small apartments or minimalist apartment ideas.
Plus, it ties in beautifully with other fall interior decorating ideas, making your space feel thoughtful and cohesive.
Changing throw pillow covers to fall-themed plaids & warm tones
Choose cozy fabrics like knit or velvet in fall patterns. Think plaid, houndstooth, or warm tones like rust, mustard, and deep green.
It’s a quick and renter-friendly way to refresh your space without needing to buy all-new pillows.
This apartment fall decor idea adds a cozy, inviting feel and blends seamlessly with your existing rental decor.
It’s simple, affordable, and perfect for decorating an apartment of any size.
Fall scented air fresheners or candles
Scent is one of the most powerful ways to shift the mood of your home, and fall air fresheners or candles are a must for any apartment interior.
Scents like pumpkin spice, apple cider, cinnamon, or cedarwood create a cozy and welcoming vibe that feels instantly seasonal.
Choose decorative candles or subtle diffusers that complement your style.
This is an easy fall decor tip that works especially well in small spaces and rental decor setups, giving your home a warm, inviting atmosphere without overwhelming it.
Fall Decor Tips To Make Decorating Your Apartment Easier
Decorating your apartment for fall doesn’t have to be complicated or take up precious storage space.
With these fall decor tips, you can effortlessly transition your apartment interior from summer to autumn using cozy textures, warm tones, and renter-friendly solutions.
Whether you’re embracing a full autumn glow or just adding a few subtle touches, the key is making it feel personal, cozy, and calm.