Fall Refresh: Living Room Ideas You Can DIY

The living room is where everyone naturally gathers this season—whether it’s cozy movie nights, reading with a blanket, or entertaining friends. A refresh doesn’t have to mean a full remodel. Small updates layered together can completely transform the space. Here are five ideas you can tackle yourself, from decor styling to remodel-inspired upgrades.

Layer in Seasonal Textiles

Cozy up your sofa with chunky knit throws, velvet pillows, or plaid patterns. Use rich tones like rust, golden mustard, or forest green to echo the season’s palette. Don’t be afraid to mix textures—soft flannel next to smooth leather instantly feels layered and inviting.

Go beyond pillows and blankets—layer a smaller patterned rug over a neutral base for instant dimension. This trick adds warmth without replacing your existing rug, and it helps define a cozy conversation area. Pair the look with greenery—like dried pampas, fall leaves, or simple branch clippings in a vase—to bring the outdoors in. Together, textiles and greenery add texture, color, and a sense of seasonality that makes the space feel curated, not cluttered.

Swap pillow covers instead of whole pillows for an easy storage solution—stack the out-of-season covers flat until you’re ready for the next refresh.

Restyle Your Coffee Table

A coffee table is your chance to create a seasonal vignette. Anchor it with a tray to corral items, then add stacked books, a candle, and a vase of autumn stems. This layered approach keeps things tidy while looking styled with intention.

To keep it seasonal, rotate in organic touches—mini pumpkins, acorns, pinecones, or even a bowl of seasonal fruit like pears or apples. The beauty of a coffee table vignette is that it can shift with you from early fall to Thanksgiving and beyond.

Sand and restain your coffee table in a richer tone for a weekend project that makes it look brand new.

3. Fireplace Refresh

Your fireplace is the natural focal point of a fall living room. A quick DIY could be painting the brick in a crisp neutral, adding peel-and-stick tile for a pattern pop, or building a simple wood mantel for warmth.

If you’re not ready for permanent updates, even restyling makes a big difference. Add lanterns, a strand of seasonal garland, or layered framed art. Using symmetry—like two matching candlesticks or sconces—draws the eye to the fireplace and makes it feel intentional.

Peel-and-stick faux stone panels or stick-on shiplap are renter-friendly ways to transform the surround with minimal cost.

4. Lighting for Mood

The shift to shorter days means lighting matters more than ever. Swap outdated shades for textured linen or rattan to soften the glow. Install a dimmer switch to make overhead lighting more versatile, or tuck a floor lamp into a dark corner to create balance.

For atmosphere, think in layers: task lighting (for reading), ambient lighting (lamps or sconces), and accent lighting (fairy lights, LED candles). When combined, the space feels cozy and flexible, whether you’re entertaining or curling up solo with a blanket.

Warm bulbs (2700K–3000K) instantly create that golden-hour glow, while cool bulbs can feel harsh in fall and winter.

5. Statement Walls & Built-In Style

If you’re craving a bigger DIY, focus on one wall. A painted accent in a moody color—like navy, hunter green, or charcoal—creates instant depth. For more texture, try removable wallpaper or a simple wood trim grid (an approachable weekend project with big payoff).

Pair your feature wall with floating shelves styled in threes: a stack of books, a decorative object, and a seasonal element. This styling method mimics the polished look of custom built-ins without the budget.

Paint your shelves the same color as the wall. It creates a seamless, designer-approved “built-in” look.

Designer’s Take

A fall refresh is about creating warmth and function. By layering textiles, greenery, light, and focal points, you transform your living room into a welcoming retreat—without needing a full remodel. Focus on updates that add comfort, mood, and a touch of seasonality, and your space will feel fresh, cozy, and holiday-ready in no time.