I never tire of finding things at thrift stores that I can use or upcycle into fall decorations. From pumpkins-to-be, to things with leaves and acorns, I can’t seem to get enough of that autumnal aesthetic. So, if you’re looking for inspiration to turn your home into an autumn oasis, then this collection of project ideas is for you.
Cloche Capture
Image credit: Virginia Sweet Pea.
A glass cloche is a wonderful way to create a small Fall vignette and protect it under glass. And the thrift store is full of items you can use as a base for your display- from silver trays (like this one) to wooden cutting boards, low baskets, and even books.
Hearth for the Harvest
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Your fireplace and mantel are ideal spots to create an autumn display. Like this one, which upcycles brass and gold-tone candleholders to display an assortment of faux pumpkins. It’s colorful without being over-the-top, and hits all the right Fall notes.
Fall Decorations in Jars
Image credit: House of Hawthornes.
There are any number of ways to paint and embellish glass jars from the thrift store. And since they come in different sizes and widths, they can be transformed into a simple but elegant centerpiece of candle holders like this. Gold paint, autumn-themed ribbon, and the golden glow from LED tealights really set the Fall mood, don’t they?
Basket Pumpkins
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Depending on the shape, some wicker baskets are ideal Fall decorations- with or without upcycling. This one was particularly well-suited for the task and was upcycled into a “gourd-geous” Boho pumpkin with the help of some all-natural craft supplies.
Fall Wreaths from Tools
Image credit: Petticoat Junktion.
Rakes are usually reserved for gathering up leaves once the trees are bare. But if you have an old rake laying around or bought a new-and-improved version, then an old rake head is a fun and unexpected item to turn into a fall wreath.
Thrifted Accents
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Ceramics, salt and pepper shakers, pottery, and vintage brass are all pieces to hunt for as Fall decorations. From squirrel figurines to sculpted leaves, secondhand shops have all sorts of knick-knacks that fit right into an autumn theme.
Upcycled Cookware
Image credit: My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia.
Admittedly, I don’t know anyone who bakes Bundt cakes these days. But boy, oh boy, do I know a few bloggers who love to upcycle the pans! Because they are ideal for creating centerpiece pumpkins like this one- isn’t that perfect?
Fall Decorations in Tweed
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Plush acorns made from tweed jackets are the unexpected fall decor craft you didn’t know you needed until now. And their cap? A thrifted salad bowl, believe it or not. Everything about this acorn started at a thrift shop.
Amber Bottles
Image credit: Virginia Sweet Pea.
Decorating for Fall is an excellent time to break out the amber glass bottles in your stash. But if you don’t already have some on hand, check the thrift stores for options. Even old growlers and beer bottles can be recycled for your fall decorating needs.
Metal “Pumpkins”
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
True, neither of these thrifted pieces started out as pumpkins- and they certainly weren’t in trendy copper, either. But simple makeovers transformed them into a fresh spin on metal pumpkins to use as Fall decorations. And outfitting them with candles, leaves, and mini pumpkins is awfully fun.
Woodland Wreath
Image credit: House of Hawthornes.
All the woodland things- mushrooms, moss, forest critters, and more- fit right in as Fall decorations. And assembling them into a sweet little wreath like this (using a cheesebox) is such a fun project to work on. Especially when the results are this adorable.
Yarn Ball Pumpkins
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Here’s a great idea for anyone who knits or crochets and has leftover yarn balls laying around. Or if you find yarn remnants in Fall colors at the thrift store. Don’t they look adorable when jazzed up as little yarn pumpkins? Not only is it a fun and easy craft project for this time of year, but it’s also super thrifty, as well.
Fall Decorations from Nature
Image credit: Mod Podge Rocks.
As the temperature drops, so do any number of craft supplies- like colorful Fall leaves. And they are gorgeous decorations you can add to all sorts of thrifted finds, like this picture frame.
Apothecary Jars
Image credit: Hearth and Vine.
Since I always see large jars (and bowls, and bottles) at thrift stores, this easy Fall decorating idea really caught my eye. Don’t the colorful kernels look FANTASTIC in these glass jars? Such a great nod to the harvest in perfect Fall hues.
Flannel Fall Decorations
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
A ready-made burlap canvas from the craft store can be decorated in any number of ways. But for Fall, a fuzzy flannel pumpkin from an old shirt is just delightful for your wall or on a display easel. The tutorial for this project can be found in my book, “Crafting with Flannel”, by Sarah Ramberg.
Autumnal Plaid
Image credit: House of Hawthornes.
Keep your eyes peeled for all the plaid things next time you go thrifting. Because it’s such a great pattern to use throughout the season. From coolers to wool blankets and everything in between, punches of plaid are a great addition to your Fall decorations.
Indian Corn Dishes
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
If you’ve ever seen one of those yellow-and-green corn dishes/bowls at a thrift store, then you know how retro they look- and certainly not very autumn-esque. But repainting them like Indian Corn is a fresh way to enjoy them them throughout the Fall season.
Fall Decorations from the Thrift Store
Image credit: House of Hawthornes and Sadie Seasongoods.
I honestly wish Fall was a year-round season- because there are SO MANY upcycle projects I want to work on. Or at least go thrifting for, am I right? Either way, I hope you found some pumpkin spiced inspiration in this collection. And may you fill your home with all sorts of thrifted and upcycled Fall decorations to enjoy throughout the season.
Craft on!
S
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Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Sarah Ramberg is the owner of Sadie Seasongoods, a website that celebrates all things secondhand. From upcycling ideas and thrifted decor to vintage-centric travel itineraries, Sadie Seasongoods is a one-stop shop for anyone who loves thrifting and approachable repurposing ideas. Sarah is also the author of “Crafting with Flannel” and has been featured in numerous media outlets and magazines.
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