From the changing fall foliage to the smell of pumpkin spice, the season of cozy sweaters and Ugg boats is here. There is not only a transition from the hot summer months to the upcoming chilly fall months, but also a shift in home spaces. If you are beginning to take down the string lights and seashell decor and are wondering what decorations to put up in this period between the end of summer and Halloween, here’s a list of decor and crafts to curate the perfect fall space as a college student.
At Fairfield U, seniors and juniors live in larger house spaces to decorate. Nonetheless, there are also fun and affordable ways first-year and sophomore residents can make their rooms feel homey and warm. Pumpkins are the staple of fall. If you are looking to buy real mini pumpkins for your desk, Silverman’s Farms in Easton or Terrain next door in Westport have a variety of choices. Pottery Barn is a great storefront for dorm decor. They are selling a “Cozy Pumpkin Pillow,” which is perfect for a Twin XL bed and is on clearance now!
Pinterest and TikTok are creative tools for inspiration. Beyond the usual pumpkin painting, you and your friends can design your own welcome mat. The mat can feature anything from pumpkins and ghosts and bats, oh my! This would be a wonderful technique to utilize your outdoor dorm space. Want to top off the door with a wreath? Target has a variety of options for harvest wreaths.
Another fall craft idea is making a DIY pie garland. Shop at the nearest Micheal’s and Hobby Lobby to find fall colored felt sheets and bows. Once you create your layout, tie or hot glue all of the pieces onto a garland string. Useful inspo for this fall decor can be found @kerralynnlooks on TikTok.
What says fall more than a cup of hot tea or cider? A decorative mug is a must. Hands On Pottery on Post Road is a unique way to make an original fall home decor that you can place on your desk or in your kitchen depending on the space. Pinterest has amazing ideas for how to make your mug autumnal. If you make it a friends’ outing, you can switch it up by playing a game where everyone has to switch their mugs every five to ten minutes.
If you are going for a “contemporary city apartment” aesthetic, Anthropologie has many options. To really lean into those chic vibes, the store sells a cup called “The Mystic Confetti Icon Juice Glass” to elevate your space, quintessential for a morning cold brew. Looking for a stylish design? The moon, bat and candy corn designs are the ideal cups for kitchen ambience. Hunting for something spookier? The ghost, bat and witch hat are items to “boo” about.
Fall is here! Curate your space to feel all the autumn vibes at your home away from home. Whether you love to participate in arts and crafts, or would rather just ship something from Amazon to the mailroom, there is some decor that fits everyone’s aesthetic this season.