15 Easy DIY Fall Garlands to Add Cozy Autumn Charm Anywhere
Nothing says “autumn has arrived” quite like the warm, welcoming touch of a DIY fall garland draped across your mantel, staircase, or doorway. While store-bought decorations can feel impersonal and expensive, creating your own fall garland lets you capture the exact colors, textures, and style that make your home feel perfectly seasonal.
Whether you’re drawn to the rustic charm of burlap and twine, the natural beauty of preserved leaves and pinecones, or the modern elegance of felt and metallics, there’s a DIY fall garland that matches your aesthetic.
The best part? Most of these projects use materials you can gather from your own backyard or find at your local craft store for under $20.
From quick 30-minute projects perfect for busy weekends to more elaborate creations that become cherished seasonal traditions, these 15 DIY fall garlands will help you bring that coveted autumn atmosphere into every corner of your home.
Get ready to create something beautiful that your family and guests will admire all season long.
Any one of them will not only add warmth and charm to your home, but also infuse it with that irresistible fall spirit.
Garland Versus Banner
Have you ever wondered: Are garlands and banners the same thing with different names? Or is there a distinction?
Yes, there’s definitely a distinction between garlands and banners, though they’re sometimes used interchangeably in casual conversation:
Garland:
- Typically made from natural or flexible materials (leaves, flowers, fabric strips, beads)
- Has a flowing, draped appearance
- Usually continuous without distinct individual elements
- Hangs in graceful curves or swags
- Examples: leaf garland, bead garland, fabric strip garland
Banner:
- Made from individual pieces (flags, signs, shapes) connected together
- Has distinct, separate elements that are clearly defined
- Usually hangs in a more structured, geometric way
- Often includes text, letters, or specific shapes
- Examples: “THANKFUL” letter banner, triangle flag banner, pumpkin shape banner
Whatever you call it, I’ve tried to stick with the word, “garland”.
Possible Items to Use in Your Fall Garland
Quite a bit of brainstorming and Googling resulted in this extensive list of items that be used in a garland. Whether as a single focal point or mixed with other items, these supplies provide endless possibilities for your custom garland.
You can decide first on a style and look for your garland, and then choose from this list of things to use. Or scroll through the list and be inspired by the variety of items – from rustic and natural to elegant and dressy – you are the master of your own project!
You can find many of these items in your own backyard, forest, or woods. Others are available at your local craft store or online. If you are lucky, you may already have many on hand
Natural Elements
- Dried leaves (maple, oak, magnolia)
- Pinecones (various sizes)
- Acorns and nuts
- Dried wheat stalks
- Corn husks
- Mini pumpkins and gourds
- Dried flowers (sunflowers, mums, hydrangeas)
- Twigs and small branches
- Berries (real or faux)
- Seed pods
Fabric and Textiles
- Burlap strips or ribbon
- Felt leaves and shapes
- Plaid flannel scraps
- Lace or vintage doilies
- Canvas or cotton fabric
- Yarn or wool
- Twine or jute rope
Paper Materials
- Scrapbook paper in fall colors
- Book pages (vintage or old books)
- Sheet music
- Kraft paper
- Tissue paper
- Cardstock
Craft Supplies
- Wooden beads
- Mini clothespins
- Cork pieces
- Raffia
- Hemp cord
- Wire (floral or craft)
- Ribbon in autumn colors
- Pom poms in fall tones
Decorative Accents
- Small mason jars
- Mini lanterns
- Copper or gold leaf
- Cinnamon sticks
- Orange slices (dried)
- Feathers
- Miniature scarecrows or fall figurines
- Bells
- Tassel trim
DIY Garland Inspiration
As usual, I go to Pinterest for ideas for these weekly posts. I was not disappointed in what I found.
Here you will find 15 great DIY fall garland ideas for many spots in your home.
Felt Leaf Garland
Michelle of Curated by Michelle shows you how to make your mantel the coziest thing since fuzzy socks. This DIY felt leaf garland is the cut-and-glue hero you didn’t know you needed.
Paper and Leaf Garland
Sondra of Sondra Lyn at Home used what she had on hand to make this simple but pretty fall banner with book page leaves. You’ll love the simplicity of this banner.
Simple Fall Leaf Garland
Need a fall family project? Rebecca of Simple as That Blog created a simple fall leaf garland in a few easy steps and had some fun together as a family along the way!
Cute Little Felt Pumpkin Garland
This post from Kaylee of Rooted Revival has several projects, but the felt garland with mini pumpkins is my favorite. It is probably the simplest, and at the same time the warmest autumn decoration for a room.
Beautiful Leaf Garland
If you want a lush fall garland, then use this beautiful garland from Stephanie of Returning Grace as your guide. DIY fall garland using inexpensive faux stems will give your mantel, hutch, or buffet a full look for not much money.
DIY Garland as a Vertical Decoration
This DIY project isn’t shown as a garland, but it definitely can be. Leanna of Life by Leanna made this super easy garland as a vertical arrangement.
Fall Colored DIY Leaf Garland
You can make these felt garlands with a cutting machine or use a template to cut the leaves with scissors. Denise of Hootshack provides a leaf template and shows off different color combinations to see how pretty this garland can be.
Rustic Woodsy Garland
If you want a simple garland with a rustic feel, then this garland from Emily of Le Cultivateur is for you. She uses a variety of natural objects to create this whimsical way to adorn your mantel.
Fabric-Tied Loop Garland
I love using fabric for projects and so does Beth of Home Stories A to Z. This fabric garland is so easy (You can see my version below.) We could all make a fabric-tie garland and everyone would be different. Hang it on your mantel or anywhere you can drape it.
Paper Book Fall Leaf Garland
Do you have old books lying around? This paper leaf garland from Maria Louise of Maria Louise Design is the perfect way to use them. This project creates a lovely, soft garland with a neutral palette.
Unique Fall Feather Garland
I chose to share this fall garland from Summer of Simple Stylings because it was so unique and so simple. She made this garland with feathers – not a leaf or pumpkin in sight. The natural colors and texture of the feathers are perfect for fall decor.
Mini-Painted Pumpkin Garland
I checked out this garland with mini-pumpkins because I have a bunch of them that I use to fill an apothecary jar in the fall. I wanted to see how to use them on a garland. Christy of Confessions of a Serial DIYer shows exactly how to put this sweet garland together for anywhere in your home.
Paper and Fabric Acorn Garland
Acorns are another iconic fall symbol, and Chelsea of Two Twenty-One shares the cutest DIY acorn banner that can hang on a mantel, hutch, or console table, as she does. Paper and fabric are all you need to make this easy garland.
Number 14 – Fabric and Burlap Garland
Here is one of my fall favorite wreaths. The combination of scrap fabric in fall colors and patterns paired with natural burlap gives with fall DIY garland the casual, rustic vibe I wanted. This garland cost just a few dollars and required no skills.
Number 15 – Fall Leaf Paper Garland
This paper leaf garland was one of several projects using scrapbook paper in multiple colors and patterns. I cut out leaves with my Cricut, which made this project super fast and easy.
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