Autumn means cooler temps, crisper air, and, of course, pumpkins, leaves, and seasonal colors galore. Transform your front porch into a welcoming wonder with these easy DIYs that showcase the best of fall decorating.
Flower Power
Nothing says “Welcome” quite like a front door wreath that’s bursting with color. This autumn-inspired floral arrangement packs a bold fall punch and comes together with nothing more than a foam wreath form, silk flowers, and a length of ribbon.
Photo: abeautifulmess.com
Leaf Lanterns
Illuminate a porch with these super-cute and ultra-simple lanterns crafted from supplies you probably already have on hand: wax paper, an iron, tea lights, and a few colorful leaves. Consider lining your walkway with these DIY dazzlers to charmingly guide visitors to your front door.
Dashing Doormat
Welcome guests in autumnal style by giving a classic plain doormat a fall-inspired update using acrylic paints in seasonal hues. A modern pattern gives this inexpensive DIY a shot of personality while still providing a place for everyone to wipe their feet before entering the house.
Photo: thediyplaybook.com
Pumpkin Pots
Pumpkins are an iconic autumn accessory. Incorporate them into your front porch scheme with a pair of pumpkin planters, one on each side of the door. Pick up a few standard pumpkins, or skip the gooey carving mess by purchasing fake alternatives you can reuse year after year. Simply cut into the tops of either option, and insert your blooming plants for a no-fail fall decoration.
Photo: iheartnaptime.net
So-Easy Scarecrow
Amuse your guests by adorning your home with autumn’s mascot: the classic scarecrow. This DIY version starts with a frame of PVC pipes and is mounted on a homemade concrete stand. If you’re short on time, however, there are a plethora of ready-made scarecrows available at home goods stores throughout the season.
Photo: instructables.com
Picture Perfect
This genius idea puts a spooky spin on the typical front-porch jack-o’-lantern. Print a favorite photo on tracing paper, then insert it into a relatively flat frame. After carving out a rectangle slightly bigger than the frame, affix the framed photo to the front of your pumpkin using nails. After dark, delight in the way the flickering candlelight makes the photo look both cool and a little creepy.
Photo: photojojo.com
Bountiful Birdhouse
Hand-carved and hand-painted, this gourd birdhouse does double duty on the front porch as both seasonal decor and a happy home for bird visitors. Hang one from a porch eave or post to make a simple yet stunning fall statement.
Photo: Etsy via The Crooked Hand
No-Fade Foliage
Embellish a covered porch with gorgeous color and cozy texture by means of this simple garland project. Cut leaves from several shades of felt, pin them together in a chain, then stitch down the center by hand or with a sewing machine.
Step Style
Even if you don’t have a large front porch, you can still make a big style statement. On a narrow stairway or side entry, layer a variety of seasonal swag, like this collection of painted pumpkins and colorful mums, to create a festive—and inexpensive—fall look.
Photo: lizmarieblog.com
Fall Flashback
Steal a style note from the ’70s! Use cotton rope and a wood ring to fashion some groovy pumpkin slings. Hang a row of these macramé plant holders from your porch to welcome the world with a note of crafty autumnal cool.