Discover unique autumn garland ideas for festive home styling. Add cozy charm with leaves, pumpkins & rustic accents to elevate your seasonal decor.
Nothing transforms a space for fall quite like a handmade garland. Whether you use natural elements like leaves and pinecones or cozy fabrics and glowing lights, fall garlands are an easy, affordable way to bring seasonal charm into any room.
Here are 19 cozy DIY fall garland ideas, complete with tips, steps, cost estimates, and pros/cons to help you find the perfect one for your home.
1. Pressed Leaf Garland
Celebrate the fleeting beauty of autumn by preserving vibrant leaves in shades of amber, gold, and rust, then stringing them together for a garland that feels like bringing the season indoors.
Tips: Pick leaves that are still soft, not brittle.
Steps:
- Collect leaves in peak color.
- Press flat in books for a week.
- Thread onto twine or clip with mini clothespins.
Cost: Free–$5
Pros: Natural, fun for kids.
Cons: Fragile, short-lived.
2. Pinecone String Garland
Bring the calm and rustic beauty of the forest into your home with pinecones tied along twine—perfect for mantels, shelves, or even draped across a doorway.
Tips: Bake pinecones to remove sap or bugs.
Steps:
- Gather pinecones.
- Tie to twine at equal spacing.
- Spray paint for color variety.
Cost: Free–$10
Pros: Durable, rustic.
Cons: Can look bulky if oversized.
3. Scrap Fabric Garland
Turn leftover fabric into something magical—a garland bursting with cozy, homespun charm that instantly makes any room feel more welcoming.
Tips: Stick to fall colors like plaid, mustard, or burnt orange.
Steps:
- Cut fabric into strips.
- Knot tightly around rope.
- Push together for fullness.
Cost: Free–$10
Pros: Eco-friendly, customizable.
Cons: May fray with time.
4. Acorn String Garland
Honor the humble acorn—symbol of growth and new beginnings—with a simple yet meaningful garland that celebrates nature’s treasures.
Tips: Drill carefully to avoid cracking.
Steps:
- Collect acorns.
- Drill small holes in caps.
- String onto twine.
Cost: Free–$8
Pros: Natural and meaningful.
Cons: Takes time to prep.
5. Mini Pumpkin Strand
Nothing says “fall is here” like pumpkins—this garland of miniature gourds adds a playful, festive vibe that’s sure to bring joy to your space.
Tips: Use foam or faux pumpkins to prevent sagging.
Steps:
- Buy small faux pumpkins.
- Glue or tie to twine.
- Space evenly.
Cost: $10–$20
Pros: Festive, reusable.
Cons: Real pumpkins spoil fast.
See More | 20 Autumn Garland Ideas for Outdoor Spaces You will Love
6. Cinnamon Stick Garland
Wrap your home in the scent of the season with a garland of cinnamon sticks—cozy, fragrant, and as inviting as a warm cup of cider.
Tips: Use kitchen twine for a rustic touch.
Steps:
- Bundle cinnamon sticks.
- Tie onto rope.
- Hang in kitchen or hallway.
Cost: $8–$15
Pros: Smells great.
Cons: Breaks if tied too tight.
7. Burlap Ribbon Garland
Farmhouse charm comes alive with a burlap garland, a simple yet rustic décor piece that pairs perfectly with the golden glow of autumn.
Tips: Wired burlap is easiest to shape.
Steps:
- Cut burlap into strips.
- Tie or weave onto rope.
- Add bows for accents.
Cost: $5–$15
Pros: Rustic and sturdy.
Cons: Limited color choices.
8. Eucalyptus Strand Garland
Soft, muted eucalyptus strands create a calming, elegant garland that brings both beauty and fragrance into your home.
Tips: Mix with berries or dried flowers.
Steps:
- Gather dried stems.
- Tie to twine.
- Drape across mantels or mirrors.
Cost: $10–$25
Pros: Elegant, fragrant.
Cons: Can become brittle.
9. Apple Slice Garland
Add a sweet, rustic touch to your fall decor with a garland of dried apple slices—golden, aromatic, and full of harvest charm.
Tips: Soak in lemon water before drying.
Steps:
- Slice apples thin.
- Bake slowly until dry.
- String onto twine.
Cost: $5–$10
Pros: Natural and fragrant.
Cons: May attract pests.
10. Felt Ball Garland
Bright, soft, and endlessly cheerful, felt ball garlands bring a pop of color and coziness that makes every corner feel festive.
Tips: Use multiple sizes for depth.
Steps:
- Make or buy felt balls.
- Thread onto twine with needle.
- Arrange in a pattern.
Cost: $10–$20
Pros: Durable and colorful.
Cons: Takes time to string.
11. Corn Husk Garland
Celebrate the harvest season with a garland of rustic corn husks perfect for porches, fences, or outdoor spaces that need a fall makeover.
Tips: Dry fully to prevent mold.
Steps:
- Cut husks into strips.
- Tie in bundles to rope.
- Hang outdoors or on porches.
Cost: Free–$10
Pros: Traditional fall style.
Cons: Fragile in damp weather.
12. Light-Up Leaf Garland
Combine the magic of fairy lights with the beauty of autumn leaves for a glowing garland that makes evenings feel warm and enchanting.
Tips: Battery-powered lights offer flexibility.
Steps:
13. Dried Orange Slice Garland
Radiant and fragrant, a garland of dried oranges adds both golden color and a subtle citrus scent to your autumn décor.
Tips: Bake slowly to keep color.
Steps:
- Slice oranges thinly.
- Dry in oven.
- String onto twine.
Cost: $5–$12
Pros: Fragrant, natural.
Cons: Not long-lasting outdoors.
14. Crochet Leaf Garland
Handmade with love, crocheted leaves turn yarn into a cozy garland that feels like a personal, heartfelt nod to autumn.
Tips: Chunky yarn gives bold texture.
Steps:
- Crochet small leaves.
- Attach evenly to rope.
- Hang on shelves or mantels.
Cost: $5–$15
Pros: Cozy and reusable.
Cons: Requires crochet skills.
15. Herb Garland
Let your décor work double duty with a garland of dried herbs—both beautiful to look at and delightfully fragrant in your kitchen.
Tips: Choose herbs that keep their fragrance.
Steps:
- Bundle rosemary, thyme, or sage.
- Tie onto rope.
- Hang in kitchen or pantry.
Cost: $8–$15
Pros: Aromatic and useful.
Cons: Scent fades with time.
16. Paper Leaf Garland
A budget-friendly craft that’s bursting with charm, this garland of paper leaves is fun for kids and adults alike.
Tips: Use textured or recycled paper.
Steps:
- Cut paper into leaf shapes.
- Punch holes and string.
- Layer in fall colors.
Cost: $2–$8
Pros: Fun for kids.
Cons: Not durable in humidity.
17. Wooden Bead Garland
Simple yet elegant, a wooden bead garland adds texture and warmth to any space, proving that beauty lies in simplicity.
Tips: Paint a few beads in fall colors.
Steps:
- String beads onto twine.
- Alternate sizes or colors.
- Drape across tables or mantels.
Cost: $10–$20
Pros: Reusable, versatile.
Cons: Neutral, less colorful.
18. Wheat Garland
Symbolic of abundance and harvest, a golden wheat garland brings timeless beauty and seasonal warmth into your home.
Tips: Seal with spray to prevent shedding.
Steps:
- Gather stalks.
- Tie bunches onto twine.
- Overlap for fullness.
Cost: $8–$20
Pros: Symbolic, warm.
Cons: Fragile.
19. Harvest Mix Garland
Overflowing with seasonal treasures like leaves, pinecones, herbs, and pumpkins, this garland is a festive celebration of everything fall has to offer.
Tips: Stick with 2–3 colors to avoid clutter.
Steps:
- Pick natural elements.
- Attach alternately to rope.
- Hang where it’s visible.
Cost: $15–$30
Pros: Full and festive.
Cons: Can feel heavy.
FAQs About Fall Garlands
Q1: What’s the most affordable fall garland to make?
Paper, acorn, and fabric garlands can be made for under $5.
Q2: How long do natural garlands last?
Leaves and herbs last about 1–2 weeks, while dried citrus lasts 2–3 indoors. Faux garlands last years.
Q3: Can I use real fruit or pumpkins?
Yes, but they’re best for short-term indoor décor. Faux versions are better long-term.
Q4: How should I store garlands for reuse?
Keep in a dry, sealed container away from sunlight. Wrap delicate ones in tissue paper.
Q5: Which garlands are best for outdoors?
Burlap, corn husk, and faux greenery garlands last longer outside under cover.
