The 11 Biggest Fall Decor Mistakes to Avoid This Year – 2025 Edition
Fall isn’t far off, and before you start shopping or planning, steer clear of these common mistakes for a more designer, timeless look.
With so many decor lines dropping new collections for the next season, it’s tempting to dive right in. But before you go all in on fall, let’s talk about some of the most common decor mistakes that instantly date your home. It’s easy to get carried away with dipping your space in seasonal decor — and honestly, the excitement is totally valid. It shows you’re embracing the season with heart!
But for fall 2025, if you’ve been dreaming of a designer-style home that feels timeless, understated, and effortlessly elevated — these are the mistakes you’ll want to avoid. Because nothing says ‘I’ve got taste’ like a space that whispers fall, not screams it.
1. Overusing Pumpkins as the Decor Element
Yes, fall is definitely about changing leaves and pumpkins — but that doesn’t mean your entire space needs to be packed with them. No matter how pretty they are (orange or otherwise), crowding your home with identical pumpkins can feel more themed than thoughtful. If you truly love pumpkins, try layering different materials and finishes — like amber glass, brass, or ceramic. It’s that mix of texture and variety that makes your fall decor feel curated instead of cookie-cutter. I’ve linked a few beautiful options below if you want to take a peek.
2. Using Seasonal Runners on Every Surface
Using seasonal runners on non-conventional surfaces like coffee tables or console tables? Sorry to say — it’s one of the tackiest ways to layer fall decor. If you're aiming for something timeless and chic, skip the runners. Instead, create a seasonal vignette using picture frames or small framed art pieces in rich finishes like brass, dark wood, or even subtle fall-inspired prints. While runners might feel like an easy base for layering, they rarely deliver that refined, elevated look. If you want fall styling that feels curated, not cliche — check out some of these Studio McGee x Threshold frames from Target. They're beautifully fall-toned and budget-friendly.
3. Decorating with Wooden Words
One of the easiest ways people try to bring in a seasonal vibe is by placing oversized wooden letters to literally spell out the theme. Whether it says “FALL,” “THANKFUL,” or something else, it's time to ditch those. Instead, lean into what’s actually trending for 2025 — texture. Rattan, woven details, and natural materials for one are trending this fall season. A rattan vase instantly adds warmth and style to a console or coffee table. If your console has a shelf, layer in woven baskets to hold throw blankets or pillows — functional and elevated. I’ve linked some of my favorite picks below, including new finds from Studio McGee’s latest Target collection that are perfect for layering into your fall setup.
4. Going Overboard with One Fall Color Tone
Pumpkin spice lattes are a fall ritual I absolutely look forward to (repeat orders, always!). But when it comes to your kitchen decor, don’t let that love for fall colors spill over everywhere. As you can see in the image, going overboard with one single tone — like rust or mustard across mugs, napkins, and faux leaves — might feel festive, but it doesn’t exactly say timeless or tasteful. A minimal, organic-modern look is what truly elevates your space. Instead, opt for mugs and crockery in deeper, richer tones and natural textures. It’s those subtle, not-so-obvious touches that show your fall decor isn’t just seasonal — it’s sophisticated.
5. Overloading Your Bathroom with Fall Decor
I love decorating bathrooms for fall — there’s something so cozy about every little corner reminding you of the season (and let’s be honest, the scent of fall candles is half the joy!). But here’s the thing: there’s a more elevated, effortless way to do it. Instead of layering mini pumpkins or loud seasonal signs, keep it simple. Like an amber glass hand soap with a fall fragrance, a candle that smells like warm cinnamon or spiced woods, a small vase with subtle fall stems, and elegant napkins or hand towels. These little swaps instantly bring in the fall vibe — no clutter required.
6. Styling Your Mantel with Cheap-Looking Faux Branches
The fireplace mantel is one of my favorite spots to layer in seasonal decor — it’s front and center, and such a great styling moment. But if you find yourself reaching for those inexpensive, bright orange faux stems that pop up every fall… I’ve got bad news. They’re dating your home. That overly shiny, artificial look takes away from the elevated, timeless vibe you’re going for. Instead, go for faux stems that actually look real — dark fall leaves, muted tones, and branches with natural movement. When it looks like you just placed a beautiful foraged branch on your mantel, that’s when the magic happens.
7. Crowded Front Porch Decor
No matter how excited you are to welcome fall, resist the urge to go overboard with your front porch decor. It’s easy to get carried away, but piling on stacks of pumpkins, layered signage, multiple wreaths, and themed props can quickly shift from festive to… well, cheesy. You might become that house on the block — the one with the most fall-themed decor but the least visual calm. Instead, keep it simple and intentional. A few pots of mums, a mix of pumpkins in varied tones, a clean doormat, and one beautiful wreath are more than enough to make your porch feel warm, seasonal, and effortlessly put together.
8. Using Napkins with Literal Fall Text or Cheap Prints
I can't not talk about those hand and kitchen towels absolutely drenched in fall prints and colors. Much like word art and overly saturated hues, these just scream “FALL” — and not in a good way. The goal isn’t to announce the season at every turn, but to hint at it with subtle, thoughtful details. Plus, no one wants to store a pile of overly seasonal soft furnishings that only work for a few weeks. Instead, opt for solid tones or delicate patterns that feel fall-inspired but still transition beautifully into the next season. Think cozy, not costume — more spa-like and designer, less pop-up fall shop.
9. Alternating Two Throw Pillow Shades
Throw pillows can be tricky to master — no doubt. But when it comes to fall, let me simplify it for you: avoid the overly crowded, alternating pillow setup. You know the one — white, rust, white, rust… plus velvet, plus plaid, plus print. It’s just too much. A better approach is to stick to the classic rule of three: one solid, one pattern, and one print. It’s a foolproof formula that gives you a curated, designer-style arrangement without the visual clutter. Your couch (or bed) will thank you — and so will your fall aesthetic.
10. Matchy-matchy Seasonal Decor Theme
Another common mistake, much like using a single fall tone everywhere, is creating overly matchy-matchy seasonal decor. Mirrored throw pillow arrangements, duplicate throw blankets, or identical leaf stems on either side of a mantel might seem like a safe choice — but they actually take away from the natural, curated feel. Steer clear of this overly symmetrical approach. Instead, treat each space as a fresh canvas to style with intention. Keep it minimal, thoughtful, and cohesive with the rest of your home without making it look copy-pasted.
11. Mixing Incompatible Fall Colors
You might think fall decor is all about the usual suspects — mustard, rust, amber — but it’s not just about picking two or three popular shades and calling it a day. There are multiple tones within each color family, and not all of them work well together. Like in this example, the light yellow clashes with the richer amber tones, creating visual dissonance. The trick is to pick one main color family and layer in varied shades and textures within that palette. It keeps the styling effortless, cohesive, and easy on the eyes.
That’s a wrap on this blog post! Curating fall decor that feels lived-in, full of character, and beautifully understated comes down to choosing minimal, thoughtful layers over crowding a space with themed items. Steer clear of the common mistakes we talked about, and browse through the products I’ve recommended to see exactly what I mean. And while you’re here, don’t forget to check out my other fall-related posts for even more cozy inspiration.
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