30 Clever Dollar Tree Fall Decor Hacks on a Budget

Introduction

Hey there, fellow budget decorators! Can you believe it’s already that time of year again? The leaves are starting to turn, there’s a crisp chill in the air, and I’m itching to give my home that cozy autumn vibe. But let’s be real – who wants to break the bank on seasonal decor? Not me, that’s for sure! That’s why I’ve become a bit of a Dollar Tree junkie over the years.

I remember the first time I walked into a Dollar Tree with the intention of finding fall decor. I was skeptical, to say the least. I mean, how good could $1 decorations really be? Boy, was I in for a surprise! With a little creativity and some elbow grease, I’ve managed to transform my home into a fall wonderland year after year, all while keeping my wallet happy.

So, grab a pumpkin spice latte (or whatever your fall beverage of choice is), and let’s dive into 30 clever Dollar Tree fall decor hacks that’ll make your home look like it’s straight out of a autumn magazine spread – without the hefty price tag!

Clever Dollar Tree Fall Decor Hacks

1. Pumpkin Makeover Magic

Let’s kick things off with a classic – pumpkins! Dollar Tree’s got a ton of plastic pumpkins in various sizes, but they can look a bit… well, cheap. Here’s how to fix that:

• Grab some chalk paint (you can find affordable options at craft stores) and give those pumpkins a matte makeover. I’ve done white, sage green, and even black for a more modern look.
• Want some texture? Use a hot glue gun to create patterns on the pumpkin before painting. Stripes, swirls, whatever floats your boat!
• For a glam touch, spray paint the stems gold or silver. Trust me, it makes a world of difference.

2. Autumn Wreath Wonder

Wreaths can be so expensive, but not when you’re a Dollar Tree DIY master! Here’s my go-to method:

• Start with a wire wreath form (yep, they’ve got those too).
• Grab some fall-colored silk flowers and leaves.
• Use a hot glue gun to attach everything in layers. Start with larger leaves as a base, then add flowers, then smaller leaves for detail.
• Finish it off with a burlap bow for that rustic touch.

I once made one of these for my sister, and she couldn’t believe it wasn’t store-bought!

3. Cozy Candle Holders

Nothing says fall like the warm glow of candles. Here’s how to make some adorable holders:

• Get some clear glass candle holders (they usually have various shapes).
• Wrap them with twine or burlap ribbon for a rustic look.
• Hot glue some small artificial leaves or acorns around the rim.
• Pop in a fall-scented candle, and voila!

4. Festive Fall Garland

Garlands are such an easy way to add a festive touch to any space. Here’s a simple DIY:

• Buy several packs of artificial fall leaves.
• Use a needle and thread to string them together.
• Alternate with small pine cones or acorns for added texture.

I’ve draped these over my mantel, along banisters, and even across windows. It’s an instant autumn upgrade!

5. Autumn Accent Pillows

Okay, so Dollar Tree doesn’t sell pillows, but hear me out:

• Buy some plain white pillowcases (you can usually find these at discount stores for cheap).
• Use fabric paint to stencil on fall-themed designs like leaves, pumpkins, or even just the word “Autumn.”
• Stuff with polyfill from the craft store (or use old pillows you already have).

These make great additions to your couch or bed for an instant fall feel.

6. Mason Jar Leaf Lanterns

This is one of my absolute favorites:

• Get some mason jars from Dollar Tree.
• Collect some real fall leaves (or use artificial ones).
• Using Mod Podge, attach the leaves to the outside of the jar.
• Once dry, place a battery-operated tea light inside.

The soft glow through the leaves is absolutely magical at night!

7. Pumpkin Spice Potpourri

Who doesn’t love the smell of fall? Here’s how to make your own potpourri:

• Buy some cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, and dried orange slices from Dollar Tree.
• Mix them in a bowl with some artificial fall leaves for color.
• Add a few drops of pumpkin spice essential oil for extra fragrance.

Place this in a pretty bowl, and your home will smell amazing!

8. Fall-themed Welcome Mat

Give your front door some autumn charm:

• Buy a plain coir doormat from Dollar Tree.
• Use stencils and outdoor paint to add a fall message like “Hello Autumn” or “Happy Fall Y’all.”
• Outline with some fall-colored ribbon for extra pop.

9. Rustic Vase Fillers

Transform plain vases into fall centerpieces:

• Fill clear vases with Dollar Tree items like fake leaves, mini pumpkins, or acorns.
• Layer different items for a more interesting look.
• Add a LED candle on top for a warm glow.

10. Autumn Wall Art

Create some seasonal wall decor:

• Buy some small canvas boards.
• Paint them with fall colors or scenes.
• Add some 3D elements like glued-on leaves or twine for texture.

I’m no Picasso, but even my amateur attempts turn out pretty cute!

11. Pumpkin Topiary

This one’s a showstopper:

• Stack three different sized foam pumpkins.
• Paint them all the same color (I like white or gold).
• Use a dowel rod through the center to keep them stable.
• Place in a decorative pot filled with stones for weight.

12. Fall Fairy Lights

Add some whimsy to your decor:

• Buy battery-operated fairy lights.
• Weave them through a garland of artificial fall leaves.
• Drape over a mirror, picture frame, or along a shelf.

The soft twinkling lights add such a cozy atmosphere!

13. Autumn Bathroom Accents

Don’t forget the bathroom:

• Replace your regular hand soap with a fall-scented one in a pretty dispenser.
• Add a small vase of artificial fall flowers.
• Hang a fall-themed hand towel.

14. Pumpkin Spice Candle Makeover

Give plain candles a fall makeover:

• Buy some unscented pillar candles.
• Tie cinnamon sticks around them with twine or ribbon.
• Add a few artificial leaves or berries for color.

15. Fall-themed Table Runner

Create a custom table runner:

• Buy a plain burlap table runner (or make one from burlap fabric).
• Use fabric paint to add fall designs or phrases.
• Glue some artificial leaves along the edges.

16. Autumn Wreath Picture Frame

Turn a wreath into wall art:

• Buy a large picture frame and remove the glass.
• Make a small wreath to fit inside the frame.
• Secure the wreath to the frame backing.

It’s like a 3D piece of art!

17. Pumpkin Succulent Planters

This is a fun twist on traditional pumpkins:

• Hollow out a foam pumpkin.
• Fill with soil and plant small succulents inside.
• Add some moss around the base for a finished look.

18. Fall Leaf Bowl

Create a decorative bowl for your coffee table:

• Buy a pack of artificial fall leaves.
• Use Mod Podge to layer leaves over an inflated balloon.
• Once dry, pop the balloon and remove for a leaf-shaped bowl.

19. Autumn-inspired Serving Tray

Upgrade a plain tray for fall entertaining:

• Buy a wooden serving tray.
• Paint it a fall color or stain it for a rustic look.
• Mod Podge some artificial leaves onto the bottom for decoration.

20. Cozy Fall Reading Nook

Create a seasonal reading spot:

• Drape a fall-colored throw blanket over a chair.
• Add a small side table with a fall-scented candle.
• Place a basket nearby filled with pinecones and pumpkins.

21. Pumpkin Spice Latte Station

For all you PSL lovers out there:

• Set up a small area with mugs, instant coffee, and pumpkin spice creamer.
• Add some cinnamon sticks and a small sign saying “Pumpkin Spice Station.“

22. Fall-themed Tiered Tray

These are all the rage right now:

• Buy a two or three-tiered tray (or make one with plates and candlesticks).
• Fill each level with small pumpkins, candles, and fall trinkets.

23. Autumn Alphabet Art

Create some word art:

• Buy wooden letters spelling “FALL” or “AUTUMN.”
• Paint them in coordinating fall colors.
• Display on a mantel or shelf.

24. Pumpkin Patch Centerpiece

Make a cute table centerpiece:

• Fill a wooden box or basket with moss.
• Add various sized pumpkins (real or fake).
• Nestle in some battery-operated tea lights.

25. Fall Scarf Curtain Ties

Use fall-colored scarves as curtain tie-backs for a cozy touch.

26. Cinnamon Stick Candle Holder

Dress up plain pillar candles:

• Hot glue cinnamon sticks around the outside of a glass candle holder.
• Tie with raffia or twine for a finished look.

27. Autumn Leaf Mason Jar Chandelier

This one’s a bit more involved, but so worth it:

• Attach several mason jars to a wooden board.
• Fill with battery-operated fairy lights and artificial leaves.
• Hang from the ceiling for a stunning effect.

28. Fall-themed Doorknob Hanger

Welcome guests with a seasonal door hanger:

• Use a wooden cutout in the shape of a pumpkin or leaf.
• Paint and decorate as desired.
• Add a ribbon to hang it from your doorknob.

29. Acorn Picture Frame

Give plain picture frames a fall makeover:

• Collect acorns (or buy artificial ones).
• Hot glue them around the edge of a picture frame.
• Spray paint gold for a glam look, or leave natural for a rustic vibe.

30. Autumn Affirmation Stones

Create some seasonal inspiration:

• Collect smooth, flat stones (or buy them).
• Paint them in fall colors.
• Write autumn-themed words or phrases on them with paint pens.

Display in a bowl or scatter them around your decor.

Conclusion

Whew! That’s a lot of fall decor ideas, right? I hope these hacks have inspired you to get creative with your autumn decorating. Remember, the key is to have fun with it. Don’t stress if things don’t turn out perfect – that’s part of the charm of DIY decor.

I’ve learned over the years that it’s not about how much money you spend, but the love and creativity you put into making your space feel like home. Some of my favorite pieces are the ones that didn’t quite turn out as planned but have a story behind them.

So, grab your hot glue gun, head to Dollar Tree, and let your imagination run wild! Before you know it, your home will be a cozy autumn haven that’ll make you want to curl up with a good book and a warm cup of cider. Happy decorating, friends!

Oh, and don’t forget to share your creations on social media. I love seeing how others interpret these ideas and make them their own. Who knows? You might just inspire someone else to get crafty this fall season. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got some pumpkins to paint and a wreath to make. Catch you later!