How to Transition Your Home Decor From Summer to Fall

Before layering in cozy fall accents, it’s important to clear out the summer pieces that no longer suit the season. Think beyond swimsuits and beach towels — lightweight bedding, breezy clothing, lawn equipment, pool accessories and camping gear can all be tucked away until warmer days return. Moving these items out of sight not only keeps your home organized but also gives your fall decor the space it deserves to shine. When it comes to finding the right spot for storage, you have two main options:

Unused spaces at home

Garages, basements and attics are the most convenient places to stash summer items, but they tend to be vulnerable to dust, dampness and fluctuating temperatures/humidity levels, which may not be ideal for fabrics or wood. If you go this route, be sure to add protective covers where needed and keep an eye on available space so things don’t become cluttered.

Self-storage units

If you’d prefer to keep your home feeling refreshed and uncluttered, a self-storage unit offers an easy solution. It’s especially helpful for bulky pieces like patio furniture, outdoor umbrellas and larger summer decorations. Many facilities also offer climate-controlled units, which help protect delicate fabrics and cushions from moisture and mold.

The best time to pack away your summer decor is when the season’s natural cues start signaling a shift. As daylight shortens, evenings cool down and summer holidays like Labor Day pass, it’s the perfect moment to begin the transition. Aim for anytime in September or early October, before your home fills with fall gatherings — so you can swap out airy linens and summery accents for cozy textures and richer tones without feeling rushed.

Before you rush to buy every pumpkin pillow and plaid throw in sight, take a moment to map out your vision. A mood board helps you see how different pieces, colors and textures will come together so your home feels cohesive instead of cluttered.

Pinterest is one of the best tools for this. Create a new board — something like “Fall Home Inspiration” — and add sections for each room you plan to decorate. For example, you might set up categories for your living room, dining room, bedroom or entryway. This way, you can organize your ideas room by room and spot any gaps before you start shopping.

Once your board is ready, set the mood with your favorite autumn playlist and start pinning. Use the search bar to explore keywords like “cozy fall living room” or “autumn tablescape” and save the looks that inspire you most. You can also jot down notes on individual pins and even invite roommates, partners or family members to collaborate so everyone’s ideas are captured in one place.

Before buying any new items, take a moment to double-check what you already own. This will help you avoid getting duplicates of items and give you a clear vision of how to blend your existing pieces with anything new you might need to purchase. If an item is still in good condition but no longer inspires you, take the opportunity to reimagine it. Maybe a set of lanterns from last year just needs new candles, or a wreath simply needs to be spruced up with new accents. You can often save money by making small tweaks or pairing items differently to breathe new life into older decor.

Now it’s time to create a versatile base layer that will carry you through both Halloween and Thanksgiving. Think of this step as setting the stage: neutral fall pieces form the backdrop, while holiday-specific accents can be added or swapped as the season unfolds.

• Start with textures. Bring in cozy fabrics like wool throws, knit pillows and even velvet accents to replace airy cottons and linens. 
• Shift your color palette. Trade in pastels and brights for richer, autumnal hues: warm golds, burnt orange, deep plum and forest green. These tones instantly signal fall, and they provide continuity whether you’re styling a spooky Halloween vignette or a harvest-themed Thanksgiving table.
• Adjust your lighting. With the season’s shorter days and longer events, layered lighting — candles on mantels, lanterns on porches and string lights woven through garlands — creates a welcoming glow. Opt for amber-toned bulbs or flameless candles to add warmth without overpowering your decor.

If you’re not sure where to start when it comes to decorating your new space, don’t fret. You don’t need to make big, sweeping changes to change your space. Minor additions or swaps can go a long way in revamping the look of your home.

Living Room

Consider replacing any throw blankets with cozier materials like chunky knit or chenille over sofas and chairs, and replacing cream-colored pillows with autumnal patterns or colorful orange and gold options. You can also arrange fall items like faux autumn leaves, acorns, dried corn, pumpkins, pinecones and gourds on the fireplace mantle or as a centerpiece on your coffee table.

Bedroom

Switch up your bedding with a warmer, autumn-inspired alternative and add mini pumpkins in jars to your nightstand. You can also hang a small dried flower wreath above your headboard or on your bedroom door for a pop of color.

Bathroom

This is the perfect place to put scented fall candles and a seasonal bath mat, as well as switch out your bath and hand towels with autumn-related alternatives.

Kitchen

Instead of fresh flowers, add dried grasses, wheatstalks or colorful leaves to your vases. Swap out hand towels with red, gold and orange alternatives, and bring out any seasonal dinnerware with autumn motifs like leaves, pumpkins and acorns. You can also display a fruit bowl with seasonal fruit on your island or kitchen counter and hang up mini wreaths on your cabinets.

Once your fall foundation is set, it’s easy to introduce Halloween elements without overwhelming your space. The trick is to build on what’s already there, adding layers that feel festive but can be swapped out once November arrives.

Halloween-Specific Accents

• Front porch: Jack-o’-lanterns, lanterns with flickering candles or a spooky doormat
• Living spaces: Spiderweb garlands, bat cutouts or throw pillows with subtle Halloween motifs
• Dining table: Black taper candles, skull-shaped decor or gothic-inspired table runners

Keep It Swappable

• Store Halloween decor separately from general fall pieces so it’s easy to pack away on November 1.
• Use clear, labeled bins to keep small items (like garlands and figurines) organized.
• Consider multi-purpose items — like plain black candlesticks — that can transition into Thanksgiving decor with minor adjustments.

When October’s spooky fun has passed, it’s time to shift your focus toward gratitude and gathering. Transitioning from Halloween to Thanksgiving is simple when you’ve already built a versatile fall foundation — simply remove the spooky layers and replace them with harvest-inspired details.

Add Harvest-Inspired Touches

• Table settings: Layer in woven placemats, burlap runners, and ceramic or wood serving bowls.
• Centerpieces: Incorporate gourds, dried corn husks, wheat stalks and candles in warm earth tones.
• Living spaces: Switch Halloween throw pillows for plaid or leaf-patterned designs; add baskets with cozy blankets for family gatherings.

Spotlight Gratitude

• Consider decor that celebrates the spirit of the season, such as chalkboard signs where guests can write what they’re thankful for.
• Incorporate natural elements like acorns, pinecones or branches to create understated arrangements.

Before rushing to buy every pumpkin and wreath you see, think about how each piece will work across the whole season. Flexible, timeless decor makes it easy to move from Halloween to Thanksgiving without starting from scratch.

• See it in person: Store visits let you check size, color and texture. If shopping online, review return policies.
• Measure first: Use painter’s tape to visualize where wreaths and signs will go.
• Choose timeless staples: Glass pumpkins, lanterns, black candlesticks and plaid throws can last for years and blend with both spooky and harvest themes.
• Match your style: Modern homes pair well with sleek metal accents, while rustic spaces shine with wood and woven textures.
• Order early: Popular items sell out fast, so plan ahead for parties or gatherings.

Once fall begins to transition into winter, consider storing them in a storage unit to keep them safe and easily accessible for next year. You’ll want to dust off, clean and dry your items and take extra steps to protect any fragile items before storing them. For example, bubble-pack any dishware or use tissue paper and boxes to store dried flowers and wreaths. Then check out our tips on keeping everything organized in your storage unit so you know exactly where to look next year when it’s time to decorate for fall again.