15 Cheap & Free Ways to Spruce Up Your Living Room for Fall

I like to breathe new life into my home at the first gust of an autumn wind. Re-styling the living room area is the easiest way to spruce up my home with the look and smells of the season. Seasonal decorating can get tricky (not to mention expensive) though, and above all, no one wants to have tons of “junk” to store once the season is over.

Luckily, there are loads of ways to incorporate seasonal fall elements at low to no cost. Here are 15 ways I’m adding a splash of fall into my home—check them out in the slideshow.

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Spruce Up Your Living Room for Fall

Craigslist Cash

Tired of an old sofa or haven't utilized a side table for months? Turn tired, under-used items into cash by selling these items, then using that cash to buy statement pieces that will truly jazz up your space for the season ahead...and beyond!

image: Getty/Gone Wild
Infuse Fall Scents

Adding in scents of pine, pumpkin, and hazelnut will truly warm up your space and create invigorating and inviting experiences. Try sourcing inexpensive candles that smell fantastic and envelope your space at Glade, Bath and Body Works, and Anthropologie. Score these yummy Kana Footed Candles at Anthopologie for just $12.95.
Pillows

Get an attractive throw and accent pillows on the cheap at TJ Maxx, HomeGoods, and Amazon in rustic oranges, bold greens, golds, and dramatic prints. Try these Maze Pillows with Pom Trim at TJ Maxx, just $14.99.
Throw on Some Luxe

Nothing is easier and more luxurious than a yummy, comfy throw. Try sourcing them in person at HomeGoods or online at Amazon. Go for fleece or chenille in bold prints---and extra wide sizing for dressing up sofas. Try this European Waffle Brown Trellis 50"x65'' Fleece Blanket available at Amazon for just $19.99.
Refurbish Furniture

You can dramatically improve the look and feel of your space by painting vintage pieces that you currently own, score at flea markets, or source on Craigslist. I even think about customizing new finds at Ikea with bold handles and paint. Think about updating one current piece in your living room with a fresh, bold coat of paint! Image via Brit.co
Re-Work Existing Pieces

Bring in knick-knacks from other rooms to add interest and give the room a new twist! Changing up items that were once in your bedroom and re-introducing them in your living room (for example) will give you a new-found (free) appreciation for your treasures.

image: Getty/Kathrin Ziegler
Accent with a Bold Rug

Geometric prints or bold colored statement rugs are an easy, attractive way to drive new interest to your space. I love this Phoenix Wool Dhurrie Rug by West Elm, starting at $59. Score a West Elm coupon to purchase higher priced items (like I did) by signing up for their email list. Nice trade off!
Frames

Style images sitting on your phone or in a drawer in fun, stylish frames. Or think about creating a cohesive look by investing in color coordinated frames to deliver a new color themed story to your pictures. Another tip: Try printing older images in sepia or black and white to deliver a new look and feel for the whole family to admire. Try this Pinnacle Gallery Wall Set via Amazon for $39.
Take New Family Photos

Take new family photos to commemorate this special time in your family's life and frame them online for a low price. Also think about scoring inexpensive frames at Marshalls or HomeGoods.

image: Getty/Ghislain & Marie David de Lossy
Introduce New Accents

Update your living room with seasonal finds that can be savored all year round like these Found Amber Apothecary Bottles by Pottery Barn, starting at $59. Think rustic, wooden, or mercury glass! Another idea: Do like I did and take your child to Color Me Mine to paint a new fall themed piece for a personal touch!
New Statement Pieces

Introduce bold statement pieces like this PB Prop Collection 5' Rustic Ladder by Pottery Barn, $249, to give your living space a professional interior designed edge. Also think about a floor length mirror or tall plant.
Bring the Outside In

Set the stage with fall florals or fallen branches or leaves found around your home to decorate any table, entryway, or door. You can also spray branches with interior mist sprays in fall fragrances for an extra festive touch. Image via Brit.co
Side Chairs

Accent chairs can be found just about anywhere these days---and in all different price ranges. Try this one by Avenue Six via Amazon, $142.99. Isn't the color just perfect for fall?
Say Yes to a Portable Fireplace

Nothing screams cozy (and fall!) like a fireplace. Go for a portable one to save money and easily fit one into your space...like I did. Try sourcing one at Lowe's, or one like this Pacer Collection Fireplace and Media Console at Value City for $499.
Spritz in Woodsy Smells

Scent is tied to memory, so why not make new, romantic ones on the daily?! Spritz your home with a sensual fragrance your whole family will appreciate and learn to associate with home and this special time of year. Try Teck + Tonka's Woodsy Scent Room Spray from Paris via Amazon, for just $31.