As the days get shorter and the air begins to crisp, there’s something almost magical about the seasonal transition from summer to fall. Whether you're craving cozier textures, warmer tones, or better insulation against cooler weather, small home decor changes are an easy and affordable way to welcome the new season.
Fortunately, you don’t have to completely redecorate your home to feel the change. And it’s fun! With just a few thoughtful updates, you can help your space transition with the seasons, ready for hosting others, or for your own pleasure. From light-diffusing fabrics to textured elements, here’s how to prepare your home for autumn with on-trend updates that make a big impact.
Trade Bold Brights for Earthy Tones
Don’t know where to begin? Start with color. Summer often draws our eye to beachy blues, crisp whites and bright citrus tones. To ease into fall, look to nature for inspiration: think warm ochre, terracotta, moss green and soft browns. Simple swaps like pillow covers, vases, or table linens in deeper hues can instantly shift the energy of a room without feeling heavy or going full pumpkin spice.
Layer in Texture with Throws & Rugs
As temperatures dip (even just slightly), it’s time to welcome the coziest season by draping a knit throw over the edge of your sofa or adding a small area rug to a bare floor. Swapping lightweight cottons for richer textures like bouclé, wool, or velvet in reading nooks and bedrooms can instantly transition intimate retreats from summer to fall.
Remember, the goal isn’t to totally dive into winter. It’s to create small pockets of warmth that reflect the change in season. This approach keeps the project scalable, affordable and gives you more room to make further seasonal transitions later in the year.
Update Your Window Treatments for Light & Insulation
Something we’re all acutely aware of during Autum is the time change. With turning the clock back an hour, the quality of light in fall shifts dramatically. It’s lower, softer and sometimes—on those early evenings—nonexistent. Updating your window treatments is one of the most impactful changes you can make to influence the ambiance of your home. Luckily, you’ve gotten options. Here are our top picks for the best window treatments for a transition from summer to fall:
1. Woven Wood Shades
Add an earthy, organic element that plays perfectly with seasonal tones.
2. Roman Shades
Draped, elegant and available in patterns and fabrics that echo fall textures.
3. Cellular Shades
Great for insulation as temperatures drop, without sacrificing natural light.
4. Drapes
Layer over blinds or shades for added depth and a cozier, more intentional finish.
It’s not just about style, these are all functional upgrades that help regulate indoor temperatures, reduce glare and make your space feel more grounded as you transition into cooler weather.
Bring in Mood Lighting
Similarly, with less daylight during the transition from summer to fall, it’s the perfect time to rethink your lighting. A simple, affordable and quick swap is to trade bright white bulbs for warm-toned alternatives. Incorporate layered lighting through table lamps, sconces or even battery-powered candles. Light that feels soft and ambient can completely transform a space—especially as the days get shorter and the evenings stretch out.
Decorate with Seasonal Touches
Fall tends to bring a slower pace. Whether it's curling up with a book, lighting a candle, or sipping something warm, carve out spaces in your home that make those moments easy to sink into. Think: a soft chair near the window, a bench layered with cushions or a small corner transformed with Roman shades and a shaded lamp.
If full-on fall decor feels like too much too soon, think of transitional elements instead. Branches in a vase, dried grasses, wooden accents, ceramic bowls or even a switch from citrus to cinnamon-scented candles go a long way. You don’t need to go full spooky season to curate a holiday mood. But if Halloween is your favorite holiday, go for it. Outdoor shades can provide the perfect back drop for haunted house decor.
Refresh Entryways and Transitional Spaces
Mudrooms, foyers and window-adjacent areas that get the most foot traffic in the house can always benefit from a quick update. Add a woven basket for scarves or slippers, swap out linen and canvas bags for leather and heavier fabrics. Placing a small rug near the door can go a long way, as does updating window coverings to help buffer against cool morning air. Faux wood blinds or interior shutters work especially well in these in-between zones: they’re durable, timeless and a stylish way to keep drafts at bay.
One Season Ends, Another Begins
Transitioning your home from summer to fall doesn’t have to be life-stopping or expensive. With a few thoughtful swaps, you can ease into the new season feeling refreshed and ready. Whether you're adding texture, adjusting your window treatments or simply lighting a candle at the right time of day, it’s about making your home reflect how you want to feel. Looking for more ways to warm up your space? Explore Blinds.com for custom shades, drapes and layered looks that help your home shift seamlessly into the season.
