Budget-Friendly Fall Decor That Won’t Rot on Your Porch
Let’s face it—when it comes to fall decor, pumpkins are the unsung heroes. They are practically synonymous with autumn. You’ve got your pumpkin spice lattes, your pumpkin-flavored everything, and of course, pumpkin decor. But before you start Googling the nearest pumpkin farm, let’s have a little heart-to-heart about keeping things budget-friendly (because, let’s be honest, we’re not here to blow the bank on squash).
Step 1: Skip the Real Pumpkins—Yes, You Heard Me
Now, I know what you’re thinking: “But real pumpkins are so cute!” And you’re not wrong. They look adorable sitting on your porch… for about two weeks. Then, as they slowly transform into sad, saggy gourds that attract every bug in town, you’ll start to wonder why you didn’t listen to me sooner.
The solution? Fake pumpkins. Yes, we’re going faux. Before you roll your eyes, hear me out. The fake ones won’t rot, they’re reusable, and they can look just as charming as the real deal with a little TLC. Plus, no dealing with a smelly, squishy mess halfway through the season—because nothing says “Happy Fall” quite like moldy porch decor.
So, where do you get these magical faux pumpkins? Amazon, of course! (Are we even surprised at this point?) Here are a couple of best-selling options to get your faux-pumpkin patch started:
winemana 50pcs Fall Pumpkins Decor Set, Mini Artificial Gourd Fall Leaves Acorns
$20.99
This set comes with an assortment of pumpkins, gourds, and even some pinecones for that rustic fa...
06/05/2025 08:02 pm GMT
Artiflr 7Pcs White Artificial Pumpkins
White pumpkins are a chic, modern take on the classic orange. These little guys are great for pla...
Once you’ve got your fake pumpkin squad assembled, it’s time for the fun part—customizing your pumpkins to fit your style.
Step 2: DIY Your Pumpkin Game
If you’ve ever wanted to feel like Martha Stewart (minus the tax evasion), now’s your chance. It’s time to DIY the heck out of those fake pumpkins. Don’t worry—this is the fun part, and you don’t need to be a craft guru to pull it off.
Paint Them Like a Pro
Grab some acrylic paint (another Amazon fave) and give your pumpkins a chic makeover. White, gold, or even matte black paint can take your pumpkins from “basic fall” to “modern fall aesthetic.” The best part? You can customize them to match whatever vibe you’re going for. Want something minimalist? Stick with neutral tones like beige or soft pastels. Feeling bold? Go for metallics or deep jewel tones like emerald green and burgundy.
Here’s a quick rundown of Amazon’s top-rated acrylic paints for your DIY pumpkin adventure:
ARTEZA Gouache Paint, Set of 60
With 60 colors to choose from, this set lets you unleash your inner artist. From classic orange t...
FolkArt Metallic Acrylic Craft Paint Set 8 Count
$17.99
If you’re aiming for that luxe fall aesthetic, this set of metallics will add just the right am...
06/05/2025 07:11 pm GMT
Get Creative with Sharpies
If painting seems like a bit too much of a commitment (I get it, not everyone’s up for cleaning paintbrushes), grab a Sharpie and start doodling. Draw patterns, add cute phrases like “Hello Fall,” or go full artist mode and sketch some leafy designs. You’ll be amazed at how a simple black marker can transform a basic pumpkin into a one-of-a-kind fall masterpiece.
Some great options for Sharpies that work well on faux pumpkins:
- Sharpie Fine Point Permanent Markers – These classic markers work on pretty much any surface, including your fake pumpkins. Pick up a pack with a range of colors for ultimate creative freedom.
Fabric Scraps for a Chic Touch
Want to go a step further in your DIY pumpkin patch? Raid your fabric bin for some leftover fabric scraps. (Or, if you’re like me and don’t have a fabric stash because you’re not a professional quilter, grab some cheap fabric from Amazon. It’s fine, no judgment here.)
Wrap small pieces of fabric around your faux pumpkins and secure them with a hot glue gun for a rustic, homey look. Plaid, burlap, or even velvet will give your DIY pumpkins that cozy fall vibe. If you’re really feeling fancy, tie a little bow around the pumpkin stem with twine or ribbon. Instant charm!
Top Amazon fabric options for this DIY project:
80 Pieces Fall Cotton Fabrics Precut, 20 Styles
Perfect for adding a rustic, farmhouse fall aesthetic to your pumpkins.
BENECREAT 19 Colors 8.3x11.8 Velvet Fabric Self-Adhesive Sheets
$17.59
For those of us who want a more luxe, sophisticated look, velvet fabric is the way to go.
06/05/2025 03:11 pm GMT
Step 3: Create Your Own Pumpkin Patch (That Won’t Rot)
Now that you’ve got your pumpkins all prettied up, it’s time to set the scene. The beauty of this DIY pumpkin patch is that it’s entirely customizable, reusable, and—best of all—won’t attract bugs. You can use your faux pumpkins to create an Instagram-worthy fall display indoors or outdoors, depending on how Pinterest-level you want to go.
Here’s how to create a stunning fall aesthetic with your new pumpkin decor:
Build a Porch Display
Use your pumpkins to create a warm and inviting porch setup. Start with a fall-themed doormat, some faux hay bales, and a couple of potted mums. (Pro tip: You can get faux mums on Amazon too, and they last forever, no watering required.)
Here’s a perfect doormat to get you started:
DII Natural Coir Outdoor Welcome Doormat Thanksgiving & Fall Front Door Mat, Porch Décor, 17x29, Welcome Autumn
$10.95
This mat is durable, cute, and gives all the autumn feels before you even step through the door.<...
06/05/2025 07:11 pm GMT
Once you’ve got your foundation, arrange your faux pumpkins around the doormat, mixing different sizes and colors for visual interest. Add some battery-operated lanterns for that warm glow without the fire hazard. Trust me, nothing says fall like flickering lanterns nestled among a patch of pumpkins.
Create an Indoor Centerpiece
Don’t have a porch? No problem! You can create a stunning fall centerpiece with your pumpkins that’ll give your dining table the cozy fall decor it deserves. Grab a wooden tray, a few faux leaves, and maybe a couple of faux candles to complete the look.
Amazon has plenty of great options for DIY centerpieces:
HPC Decor 12in Round Tray for Home Decor
$23.99
This tray is perfect for layering pumpkins, candles, and faux greenery for a chic fall aesthetic....
06/05/2025 03:14 pm GMT
FURORA LIGHTING Pink Real Wax Flameless Candles with Remote and Timer, 4 Pillars and 4 Votives Pack of 8, LED Flickering Candles for Home Décor, Battery Included
$33.49
These flickering, battery-operated candles add the perfect cozy glow to any fall display without ...
06/05/2025 07:10 pm GMT
Once you’ve got your centerpiece laid out, you’ll be ready to host the most aesthetically-pleasing fall dinner party ever. (Or, you know, eat takeout in style while binge-watching your favorite Halloween movies.)
Bonus Tips: Keeping It Budget-Friendly
Now that you’ve got your DIY pumpkin patch, you’re well on your way to mastering the art of budget-friendly fall decor. But let’s take it a step further, because the only thing better than cute decor is affordable cute decor. Here are some final tips to keep your fall aesthetic on point without blowing your budget:
- Shop the Dollar Store – Not everything has to come from Amazon (gasp!). Check your local dollar store for faux pumpkins, fall foliage, and cheap decor that you can easily DIY into something fabulous.
- Repurpose What You Have – Got a basket lying around from last summer’s farmers market haul? Throw some faux pumpkins in it. Have leftover twine from a previous DIY project? Use it to wrap around your pumpkin stems. The possibilities are endless when you get creative with what’s already in your home.
- Keep an Eye Out for Sales – Amazon has amazing deals year-round, so if you’re not in a rush, add your favorite fall decor items to your cart and wait for the price to drop. Prime Day, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday are your friends when it comes to scoring budget-friendly fall decor.
Fall Aesthetic, No Rot Required
There you have it—a budget-friendly, DIY pumpkin patch that will give your home all the cozy fall vibes without the mushy mess. By skipping the real pumpkins and opting for faux ones, you not only save money, but you also save yourself the hassle of dealing with decay. Plus, with a little creativity (and maybe a Sharpie or two), you can customize your pumpkins to perfectly match your fall aesthetic.
So grab your fake pumpkins, fire up your hot glue gun, and get crafting! Because let’s be honest—there’s no such thing as too many pumpkins when it comes to fall decor.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a DIY pumpkin patch to build. Cheers to a fall season filled with cozy vibes, creative decor, and zero squishy messes!
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