Depending on where you live and how the seasons change, sometimes it’s hard to know when to transition to fall and holiday decor. When it comes to trading in your summer decor for fall foliage, there’s no hard rule. Follow seasonal cues and go with your taste—after all, it’s up to you how you’ll decorate for this special season. We’ve provided a bit of guidance below on when to put up fall decor.
When Should You Put Up Fall Decor?
Whether you’re changing your interior or exterior decor, you can hang fall decor as early as late August and throughout the holiday season. The best option is to put up fall decor in September or October, once the weather starts changing. Avoid hanging fall decor anytime before late August so your decorations can be in sync with the season.
You’ll also want to avoid confusing holiday decor for fall decor. If you’re going to decorate your space before the first major fall holiday—Halloween—choose fall-appropriate decor and then add holiday elements later on as different holidays approach.
With Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas around the corner, you can choose fall decorations that last for a few months. From fall-inspired wreaths to pumpkins and rustic foliage, you can create a cozy and themed atmosphere that serves as the foundation for each holiday. Thankfully, much of your fall decor will likely transition well to Christmas decor.
Signs That Autumn is Near
There are also a few signs you can pay attention to before switching out your fall decor. Let nature be your biggest cue when it comes to finding the right time to put up your decorations.
- Cold weather. When the weather starts to get colder, you can begin changing out your summer decor to fall decor. Once the weather appears to be consistently cold, you can swap bright colors in your home to warmer fall-friendly colors.
- When the leaves start changing colors. The easiest sign that autumn is approaching is right outside your doorstep. Once the leaves begin falling and changing colors, this is a sign that fall decor is appropriate.
Fall is a gorgeous time of year that offers one of the coziest seasons. As you prepare for the holidays and ultimately the new year, let fall decor guide you through the end of this year. Spread your decor throughout all of your seasonal changes, including dinner party invitations and fall celebration themes.
FAQs
First, you could start the interior fall decorating as early as late August. Back to school season is the unofficial official start to fall, so that's a safe bet. Then, you can break out the exterior fall décor a little later in September when Halloween is around the corner.
Is August too soon to decorate for fall? ›
First, you could start the interior fall decorating as early as late August. Back to school season is the unofficial official start to fall, so that's a safe bet. Then, you can break out the exterior fall décor a little later in September when Halloween is around the corner.
When should I decorate my house for autumn? ›
One of the best times to start decorating for fall is when the weather begins to cool down for longer periods. After the intense heat of summer, cooler weather is often the first herald of the fall season and can help to make fall decor, such as living room fall decor, feel all the more cozy and inviting.
Do you decorate for fall before Halloween? ›
While September is a fine time to decorate your home with fall harvest décor, it may be a little early to break out spookier details. But if you simply can't wait for October (we don't blame you!) start small with subtle Halloween decorations.
What month do you put out fall decor? ›
Whether you're changing your interior or exterior decor, you can hang fall decor as early as late August and throughout the holiday season. The best option is to put up fall decor in September or October, once the weather starts changing.
Is it OK to decorate for fall in September? ›
A good rule of thumb is to begin with your interior décor in late September or early October. When the weather is cooler and the leaves have turned, then your outdoor decorations can follow suit.
When should I change my seasonal decor? ›
As a general rule of thumb for seasonal decor for Spring/Summer, Fall, Winter, switch the decor when the weather starts to change. If we're talking about holiday decor, add in your holiday decor about two to four weeks before a holiday. This depends on the holiday's importance, but is a good place to start.
When should I start decorating my house for Halloween? ›
Like I said, for me, the best time to decorate for Halloween is pretty much always, but usually I begin around September 1. I am, though, in the minority there. According to a YouGov poll, nearly 50 percent of respondents think the earliest acceptable time is between October 1 and October 15.
How to decorate for August and September? ›
One of the best late summer decorating ideas is to feature natural elements. Decorate with pinecones, apples, leaves, branches, acorns, pumpkins, and gourds. Natural touches bring in just the right amount of fall and are also easy on your wallet.
How early is too early for Halloween decorations? ›
As you start thinking about decorating for Halloween, the most common time to start donning decorations is within the first couple weeks of October. But late September is also a common option — it's all up to you. Your decoration timing is also dependent on how ornate you want your decor to be.
Don't forget a few pumpkin and leaf accents to finish off the look! As October nears, it's time for a spooky makeover. Keep your deep fall colors around and swap a throw pillow or two for a fun skeleton or witch print pillow. Switch out those pumpkins and leafs for fun jack-o-lanterns to easily transition to Halloween.
How do you subtly decorate for fall? ›
Pumpkins are totally allowed! But if you're looking for some other ideas on how to decorate for fall in a more minimal or subtle way, try throw pillows and blankets in fall colors, fall foliage, earthy colored dish towels, candles, fall oil paintings, etc.
What is a popular decoration in the fall season? ›
Pumpkins, gourds, autumn foliage, and pinecones are a handful of popular themes that can serve as inspiration. You can mix all of these elements together across your mantle or you can stagger them artfully down your front steps. You can make a fall wreath out of miniature pumpkins.
How to decorate between seasons? ›
From Winter To Spring
- Brighten your space with floral elements like potted foliage, window boxes, and hanging plants.
- Swap wool blankets, rugs, and throw pillows for lightweight fabrics such as cotton or linen.
- Don't forget your outdoor area – replace your winter swag with a flower wreath or garland.
For meteorologists, seasons are defined by the months with temperatures and weather often associated with each. Spring: March, April, May. Summer: June, July, August. Fall: September, October, November.
Is August too early to decorate for Halloween? ›
The most popular time to start decorating for Halloween is within the first two weeks of October. However, you can start putting up decorations for Halloween as early as late September. You should also consider the scale of your Halloween decorations when deciding on a timeline.
