7 Creative Ways to Use Pumpkins in Home Decor

While this year has been unpredictable (to say the least), there is still one thing we can count on: the fall season! It’s the return of cozy sweaters, pumpkin-flavored everything, and of course, fall decor. Don’t limit your love of pumpkin to your coffee or baked goods: incorporate the fall favorite in your home decor! The Fashion Furniture team gathered our 7 favorite ways to use pumpkins in your home decor to turn your house into your fall happy place. 

Use Pumpkins as a Succulent Planter

Succulents are super easy to take care of (even if you don’t have a green thumb, promise!) and look lovely in every season. Pair succulents with a pumpkin and you have a beautiful fall centerpiece for your table, home decor accessory, or a holiday gift! All you need to get started is a pumpkin of your choice, a few succulents, garden moss, and a hot glue gun. Get the full DIY pumpkin succulent instructions here.

Faux for the Win

Don’t be afraid to use fake pumpkins to create projects you can use year after year. Even though a real, uncarved pumpkin can last for 2-3 months, you may want to reuse items every year without having to make them over and over again. Almost all craft stores have tons of options when it comes to faux pumpkins: different colors, sizes, materials, etc, Grab some paint and some embellishments to create the pumpkin project of your dreams!

Paint Pumpkins to Match Your Decor

Does orange clash with your color palette? Break out the paint! We love the look of chalk paint on pumpkins for a rustic look. You can paint both fake and real pumpkins depending on your preference. You’ll need a can or two of chalk paint in your color of choice, a brush, some painter’s tape, and any embellishments you want to want to add. Check out this tutorial on how to paint both real and faux pumpkins with chalk paint from The Little Jewel Box.

Use As a Candleholder

Image from Skeen Concepts 

Take a cue from the classic Jack O Lanterns and carve up some pumpkins to use as non-Halloween style candleholders (or stick with the Halloween theme if that’s your preference!) Try carving a simple circle opening or a fun design if you’re feeling super creative. If you’re looking for a more traditional option, cut the top off a mini pumpkin, scoop out the middle and plop a tea light at the top for elegant but simple decor. Check out a step-by-step tutorial from Skeen Concepts. 

To avoid a fire hazard, we recommend using a battery-operated tea light instead of a real candle–you can even buy scented ones if you’re craving a scented option. 

(If you cut open a real pumpkin, be aware that a carved pumpkin last about 3-5 days before it needs to be discarded) 

Fill the Fireplace

Use your fireplace to create a beautiful fall display of pumpkins in all shapes, sizes, and colors. Stick with a general fall theme or prep the mantle and fireplace for Halloween! Use a mix of real, fake, large, and bumpy-looking pumpkins to design a display that will bring you joy (or scares!) all season long. And for safety- remember not to light your fireplace when the pumpkins are on display. 

Create A Topiary for Your Porch

Make a DIY pumpkin topiary to welcome guests into your home. This project is quick and easy to make and will make you look like a decorating pro! Because of the height, this project is best done with fake, plastic pumpkins so your display isn’t too top-heavy–and it will be easier to store so you can re-use it year after year. Stack your pumpkins, add some fall foliage, and you have a beautiful display for your porch! Check out an easy tutorial from Good in the Simple

Fill Outdoor Lanterns with Minis

Image via One Kind Design

Swap out candles for a colorful mini pumpkin outdoor display in your summer lanterns. You can use real or fake pumpkins, and easily paint your items for a custom look that matches your home decor. For a super whimsical display, add mini LED string lights inside the lantern for magical fall vibes.

We hope this list of ideas puts you in the mood to get your home ready for fall decor! And, if you need some cozy furniture to go along with your autumn vibes, contact the Fashion Furniture team to get started!