Lots of people are choosing to switch up their home ornaments and decorations as the seasons change. This is a lovely way to vary home décor and mark the rhythm of the year but can involve spending a lot of money on non-sustainable items.
Here’s our guide to doing autumn décor the sustainable way:
1. Natural Elements: In autumn, nature gifts us lots of gorgeous things to incorporate into wreaths and arrange in bowls or on tables.
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◦ Collect pinecones, acorns, colourful leaves, and even branches from your garden or local park.
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◦ Use branches as foundations for mantel and window sill displays, adding in colourful natural autumn finds
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◦ For an easy table centrepiece, fill a bowl or clear vase with pinecones, acorns and horse chestnuts
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◦ Consider using dried flowers and grasses, which can add texture and warmth to your space.
1. Upcycled Decor: Get creative with items you already own or can source at a charity shop
◦ With some ribbon or lace, old glass jars can be transformed into candle holders or vases
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◦ Fabric scraps can be sewn into autumn-themed table runners decorative cushions, or even napkin rings.
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◦ Jumpers can be upcycled into cosy vase holders or pumpkin ornaments. There are plenty of tutorials online.
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1. Avoid plastic: There are lots of plastic garlands, ornaments and fake flowers around but sustainable options often bring a warmer, more personal touch.
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◦ Instead of opting for plastic, choose real pumpkins for your autumn decor. They can be carved for Halloween and later cooked into soups or pies, or simply displayed as is, then composted.
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◦ Ditch plastic autumn fairy lights and use pretty fallen leaves to create a beautiful, natural display. Wallflower Kitchen shows you how to preserve leaves using wax paper. https://wallflowerkitchen.com/diy-autumn-leaf-fairy-lights/
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◦ If you want to buy ornaments, look for wooden or bamboo items sourced from sustainable forests and reuse them year on year.
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1. Eco-Friendly Lighting: Use LED lights for your autumn displays. They consume less energy and last longer than traditional bulbs. Consider string lights or lanterns made from recyclable materials to create a cozy ambiance. You can also use solar-powered lights outdoors to illuminate your garden.
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2. Seasonal Plants: Incorporate potted plants like chrysanthemums, ornamental kale, or even small evergreen trees. These can be enjoyed throughout the season and then planted in your garden or kept as houseplants, reducing waste compared to cut flowers.
3. DIY Crafting: There are tons of autumn DIY craft projects online. Why not make an occasion of it and get together with friends and family to make autumn-themed art or wreaths using leaves, twigs, and other natural materials. This can be a fun way to spend time together while making unique decorations.
◦ Hobbycraft has a great selection of DIY craft projects all in one place: from simple crocheted pumpkins to complex quilted table runners https://www.hobbycraft.co.uk/ideas/autumn-home-decor-ideas.html
◦ To get kids involved, try one of the many ideas on this page: https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/life/parenting/g33276111/fall-crafts-for-kids/
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4. Reuse: It goes without saying that sustainable décor means reusing what you have. If you want to add to your collection, try making something new every year rather than buying it and start a fun tradition!
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Creating autumn decor sustainably not only enhances your home’s seasonal charm but also allows you to celebrate the beauty of nature while minimizing your environmental impact. We hope you enjoy getting creative!
