7 Budget-Friendly Indoor Fall Decorating Ideas for Gen Z Renters

The leaves are changing, the air is crisp, and that means it’s time to start thinking about indoor fall decorating ideas for your rental apartment. But if you’re a Gen Z renter, you know that autumn home decorating can be quite expensive. You don’t want to spend a lot of money on fall apartment decor items that you might not use again next year. That’s why we’ve put together this list of seven cheap and cheerful ideas to help you achieve that fall aesthetic without breaking the bank.

These indoor fall decorating ideas are easy, fun, and affordable, and they will make your place look cozy and festive as sweater weather rolls in. Whether you want to add some color, warmth, or texture to your space, we have something for you. So, if you’re a Gen Z renter on a budget, read on to find out how to decorate for fall.

1. Bring in the pumpkins for some harvest decor

Pumpkins are a classic symbol of fall, and they’re also a great way to add some color and warmth to your space. You can buy pumpkins at your local grocery store or farmers market, and they’re relatively inexpensive. There are many ways to decorate with pumpkins, so get creative!

Here are a few specific ideas for decorating with pumpkins:

• Carve a spooky jack-o’-lantern and place it in a window.
• Make a pumpkin centerpiece by placing pumpkins of different sizes in a bowl or basket.
• Fill a pumpkin with fall leaves and place it on your coffee table or dining room table.
• Use pumpkins to create a garland or wreath.
• Hang small-sized pumpkins from your ceiling or walls.

2. Drape your windows with fall colors

Another easy way to add some fall flavor to your rental apartment is to drape your windows with fall colors. You can find affordable curtains and drapes at most home goods stores. Choose colors like orange, yellow or red to really set the autumn mood.

So, you can drape your windows with fall colors by:

• Hanging orange, yellow or beige curtains in your living room to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
• Replacing your old curtains in your bedroom with red ones to create a cozy and romantic space.
• If you’re looking for something extra, choose a fall-themed fabric such as a plaid or gingham pattern to drape your windows.

3. Light some candles to achieve that elegant fall decor

Candles are a great way to add a touch of ambiance to any space and they’re especially perfect for fall. Choose candles in fall scents like cinnamon, pumpkin spice or apple cider. You can also find candles that are shaped like pumpkins or other fall-themed objects.

Still unsure about using candles to decorate for the fall? Here are our suggestions:

• Place a few candles on your coffee table or dining room table for a cozy atmosphere.
• Light a candle in your bathroom to create a spa-like experience.
• Set a candle on your windowsill to enjoy the flickering light and scent.

4. Decorate with fall foliage

If you’re lucky enough to live in an area where fall foliage is abundant, you can use it to decorate your apartment. Collect some leaves, acorns and other natural materials and arrange them in a vase or bowl. You can also use them to make a wreath or centerpiece.

Decorating with foliage is fun (and yes, sometimes it can be messy). To give your rental apartment that cozy fall vibe, you can:

• Create a centerpiece by arranging leaves, acorns and other natural materials in a bowl or vase.
• Hang a wreath made of fall foliage on your front door or over your fireplace, if you have one in your rental apartment.
• Spread some red, yellow and orange leaves on your coffee table or dining room table for a natural and rustic look.

5. Switch out your throw pillows

A simple way to change the look of your space is to switch out your throw pillows. Look for pillows in fall colors like orange, yellow or brown. You can also find pillows with fall-themed patterns, such as pumpkins or leaves.

Not sure how to bring those fall vibes into your rental apartment just by using throw pillows? Here are some specific ideas:

• Add some orange or yellow throw pillows to your living room to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
• Use brown throw pillows in your bedroom to create a cozy and relaxing space.
• Find pillows with fall-themed patterns to add a touch of personality to your space.

6. Add some cozy textiles

Sweater weather is the perfect time to get cozy, so add some extra textiles to your rental apartment. This could include a fuzzy blanket, a warm throw or a plush rug. These items will make your space feel more inviting.

These are some ideas to help you add cozy textiles to your rental place:

• Add a fuzzy blanket to your couch or bed for a comfortable place to relax.
• Spread a warm throw over your coffee table or dining room table for a touch of quiet luxury.

7. Play some fall music

There’s nothing like the sound of fall music to set the mood for sweater weather. And the music you choose will help to create the perfect atmosphere for your fall-inspired space. So put on some tunes and get ready to enjoy the season!

Here are some fall-inspiring tunes we have in mind:

• Decorate your apartment while listening to Stacey Ryan’s jazzy Fall In Love Alone.
• Play (over and over) Taylor Swift’s cardigan while you’re cooking or baking. Trust us, if you’re not a Swiftie, you’ll become one.
• Put on good ol’ Ed Sheeran’s Autumn Leaves while relaxing after a long day.

Of course, it helps to live as a renter in one of the country’s best destinations for fall foliage. We’re talking about New England, which includes the states of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut. All of these states offer stunning views of colorful leaves — as well as fall decor inspiration. Some of the best places for fall foliage in New England include Brattleboro, VT; Burlington, VT; Hanover, NH; Lebanon, NH; Portland, ME; Portsmouth, NH; Old Lyme, CT; Boston, MA; Old Mystic, CT; Salem, MA; Meredith, NH; Providence, RI; and many, many more.

These are just a few ideas to help you achieve that fall aesthetic in your rental apartment. With a little creativity, you can create a space that’s both stylish and affordable.