4 Budget Fall Makeovers for Your Plant Display
I always get the urge to make my space feel a bit cozier when fall comes around.
Swapping up my plant display is such a simple way to breathe new life into my home, and honestly, it doesn’t have to cost much at all.
Anyone can give their plant display a new look for fall on a budget with just a few simple ideas.
Even the tiniest updates can do wonders and help a space feel warm and inviting all season.
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1) Swap out summer blooms for vibrant chrysanthemums

When fall shows up, I like to give my plant display a fresh vibe. Swapping out faded summer flowers for vibrant chrysanthemums is my go-to move.
Mums come in all sorts of bold colors—yellow, orange, red, even purple. This little switch makes my plant corner look completely new, and honestly, mums are everywhere in the fall and usually pretty cheap.
They last for ages, so I don’t have to fuss with them much. I like to mix different colors in a big pot for extra pop, and sometimes I’ll line them up on my porch or windowsill to really nail that fall vibe.
Even just a few mums can totally brighten up a window or table. I keep the soil slightly damp and give them good light, which helps the blooms stick around.
Every few days, I pluck off any dead flowers to keep things tidy. Swapping in chrysanthemums is such an easy, affordable way to celebrate the season, and I love how their colors make my space feel instantly cozier.
2) Add gourds and mini pumpkins around your pots
One of my favorite cheap fall touches is tossing a few small gourds and mini pumpkins around my plants. I usually find them at the grocery store or a farmers’ market, and honestly, they come in so many colors and shapes it’s almost hard to choose.
I just set them around the bases of my pots—no tools, no glue, just wherever they look good. Some folks use baskets, but I prefer spreading them out for a more relaxed, natural look.
Mixing orange, white, and green varieties really makes my plant shelf pop, especially against all the green. If I’ve got a bunch of green plants, those orange pumpkins just jump out.
Sometimes I group several mini pumpkins together for more impact, other times I scatter them. It’s a quick little trick that instantly makes my plant area feel festive.
I keep gourds and pumpkins out of direct sunlight so they last longer and don’t get mushy. If one starts to go bad, I just swap it out—no big deal.
When fall wraps up, I toss them in the compost or use them for crafts. It’s an easy, low-cost way to get my home feeling ready for autumn.
3) Use cinnamon sticks to tie bunches of greenery
I like to give my plant displays a fall vibe with a super simple trick—adding cinnamon sticks. I grab some greenery like eucalyptus or rosemary, either from my yard or the store.
Then I tie it all together with a cinnamon stick and some twine. The cinnamon smells amazing and just feels like autumn.
It’s a tiny touch, but it makes a big difference. I set these little bundles around my plants, or sometimes tuck them into a vase or mug.
Cinnamon sticks are cheap and easy to find at any grocery store. One little pack goes a long way, and the scent sticks around for weeks.
This idea is quick and doesn’t take much effort. In just a few minutes, my plant corner feels totally refreshed for fall.
4) Incorporate dried wheat stalks for texture

I get a kick out of adding dried wheat stalks to my displays when fall hits. The golden color just screams autumn, and wheat stalks add great texture and height without any real maintenance.
Usually, I’ll pick up a bundle at a craft store or farmer’s market—they’re affordable and last forever. I fan them out in a plain vase or jar, nothing fancy.
Mixing wheat stalks with my potted plants gives everything a cozy, seasonal feel. Sometimes I tie them up with ribbon for a finished touch, and the natural tones go really well with green leaves and those deep fall colors.
If I want to fill in empty spots, I tuck a few stalks between my plants. They stand up well and don’t droop like fresh flowers.
I like that I can reuse wheat stalks every year. When fall’s over, I just store them away for next time.
Adding dried wheat stalks is a quick, noticeable change. They work with any style—modern, rustic, whatever. Friends always comment on them when they come over.
If you’re thinking about trying this, start with just a few. I did, and now I want them everywhere. It’s a small thing, but it really updates my space for fall.
Essential Materials and Tools
I keep things simple and stick to budget-friendly materials and easy-to-use tools. That way, I can update my plant display without spending a ton of time or cash.
Affordable Display Options
When I’m updating my plant area, I use what I’ve already got or grab cheap supplies. Thrift stores are great for baskets, trays, and shelves, and I’ll use old jars or mugs as planters.
Sometimes I’ll stack books or repurpose wooden crates for a unique look. Discount stores usually have small ceramic pots and woven mats for just a few bucks.
Here’s a quick look at my favorite affordable finds:
Item | Where I Get It | Cost |
---|---|---|
Baskets | Thrift store | $2–$5 |
Glass jars | Kitchen/recycling | Free |
Wooden crates | Flea market | $5–$10 |
Ceramic pots | Discount store | $1–$4 |
Mixing these up keeps my displays interesting, and my wallet happy.
Basic Tools for Easy Makeovers
Simple tools are all I really need for quick changes. I always keep scissors handy for twine or fabric, and a small hammer for wall hooks or fixing up old stands.
A measuring tape helps me space things out, and sometimes I’ll use glue or double-sided tape for sticking on decorations.
Here’s my go-to list of must-haves:
- Scissors
- Hammer
- Measuring tape
- Adhesive (glue or tape)
- Small screwdriver for tightening screws
All of these fit in one drawer, so I can just grab what I need and get to work.
Styling Tips for a Cohesive Look
I want my plant displays to look pulled together, not random. I pay attention to textures and heights, and I like to sneak in little fall touches here and there.
Mixing Textures and Heights
I always use a mix of materials for pots and stands. Smooth ceramics, woven baskets, rough terracotta—they all play off each other and keep things interesting.
Changing up the height makes a big difference. I use stools, stacked books, or stands to lift some pots, and sometimes I’ll hang a trailing plant from a shelf.
Grouping plants in clusters of different sizes helps each one shine. Tall, leafy ones go in back, short and chunky up front.
Here’s a quick height suggestion table:
Plant Type | Placement |
---|---|
Tall palm | Back or corner |
Medium fern | Middle or on stand |
Small succulent | Front or tabletop |
Incorporating Seasonal Touches
For fall, I swap in a few seasonal accents. Mini pumpkins, pine cones, or maple leaves tucked between pots add that autumn feel.
Sometimes I wrap twine around a pot or put a plaid napkin under a tray—it just feels cozy. Earthy colors like terracotta, mustard, or deep green help everything tie together for fall.
Lighting matters, too. I use string lights or a little lantern nearby for a soft glow in the evenings.
I try not to overdo it; just a few fall items in each spot keeps things festive but not cluttered.
Frequently Asked Questions
I’m always looking for ways to make my plants stand out, even on a tight budget. There are so many clever tricks, from DIY hanging ideas to making the most of windowsills.
What are affordable methods to display plants in small spaces?
I stack plants on old crates, shelves, or stools. Wall-mounted racks keep plants off the floor, and I like grouping small pots on windowsills or table corners.
How can I hang plants indoors without spending much?
I use sturdy hooks and make my own macrame hangers with rope. Sometimes I’ll recycle jars or cans and hang them with twine from curtain rods or shelf brackets. Command hooks are great because there’s no need to drill holes.
What are some budget-friendly plant arrangement ideas for living rooms?
I surround my pots with gourds and mini pumpkins for a fall look. Dried wheat stalks add texture, and I sometimes tie bunches of greenery with cinnamon sticks for a simple seasonal touch.
Can you suggest economical ways to use plants to decorate windows?
I line up small pots or jars with herbs and succulents on the sill. Hanging planters made from bottles or mugs work great in windows, and sometimes I add a row of mini pumpkins for color.
What are the best ways to incorporate large plants inside the home on a budget?
I hunt for secondhand pots at thrift stores or use baskets I already have. Putting a big plant in a corner with dried wheat stalks can totally change a room. Grouping one large plant with smaller ones makes a bigger impact without having to buy a bunch of big plants.
How can I add more plants to my home without it feeling cluttered?
Honestly, I like to keep things tidy by playing around with plant heights—risers, stools, or shelves work wonders. It’s surprising how much difference it makes when you space out your pots instead of bunching them together.
Sometimes I’ll mix in a few dried elements, like stalks or even a little pumpkin here and there. That way, you get a bit of variety without turning your place into a jungle of pots.
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