If you love decorating for fall but don’t want to buy a bunch of new stuff every year, try thrifting! Some of my favorite fall decor pieces — from brass candlesticks to amber glass — have been thrifted treasures. These finds mix beautifully with natural accents like pumpkins, dried stems, and foraged bits from outside to create that cozy, collected-over-time look.
The Best Items to Thrift for Fall Decorating
You know how every year when fall rolls around, the stores are overflowing with pumpkins, signs that say “Hello Fall,” and fifty shades of orange? Don’t get me wrong — I love a good pumpkin moment — but honestly, most of my favorite fall decor doesn’t come from the store at all. It comes from a mix of things I already own, a few thrifted treasures, and whatever I can find outside that feels perfectly autumnal.
Think: pumpkins (real or faux), dried floral stems, branches, a handful of acorns, maybe even a few hedge apples if you’re lucky. 🍂 When you start with nature and layer in a few well-chosen vintage pieces, it creates that collected-over-time look that feels warm and effortless — not like you just emptied a craft store aisle.
So, when I’m thrifting this time of year, I’m not hunting for “fall decor.” I’m looking for pieces that help me style fall — things that let me show off all those natural touches. Here are my go-to finds:
1. Clear Glass Vases and Jars
Simple, classic, and endlessly useful. I love using thrifted glass vases for everything from dried grasses to branches of fall leaves. Even a handful of wildflowers or stems from the yard can look amazing in a pretty glass jar. One of my favorite things to do is fill clear glass vases with collected natural objects like acorns, pinecones or sweet gum balls! Bonus: clear glass goes with everything and transitions perfectly into winter styling later on.
(You can even cluster a few together for a more collected look — different heights, shapes, and textures make it feel intentional.)
2. Glass Cloches
If you ever spot a glass cloche while thrifting — grab it. They instantly make anything look fancy. I’ve tucked tiny pumpkins, candles, or even pinecones under mine for that cozy, curated vibe. It’s the easiest way to make your fall display look like it belongs in a magazine.
3. Pedestals (Metal or Wood)
Pedestals are the unsung heroes of decorating. They add height, texture, and that layered look that makes a display interesting. I use them for pumpkins, candles, vases, or even to elevate a small bowl of acorns or berries. Wood ones add warmth; metal ones bring a little vintage edge — both are perfect for fall.
4. Brass Pieces and Candlesticks
Brass is basically autumn in decor form. It adds instant coziness and a subtle glow, especially in candlelight. Look for brass candlesticks, bowls, or even little trays — anything that gives that touch of golden warmth. And don’t worry if they’re a little tarnished — that patina just adds to the charm.
5. Amber Glass
Thrifted amber glass is such an easy way to bring in fall color without going overboard. It pairs beautifully with natural tones and candlelight, and it’s a great alternative to traditional orange decor. Whether it’s a vase, a bottle, or a bowl, amber glass adds instant autumn atmosphere.
6. Wood Candlesticks or Vessels
Wood adds warmth and texture to any display. A few wooden candlesticks mixed with brass ones create such a cozy layered look. Or try using a carved wood bowl for a handful of mini pumpkins, pinecones, or dried fruit — simple but so inviting.
7. Lanterns
Lanterns are the ultimate cozy staple. You can fill them with candles, fairy lights, or even dried florals for something unexpected. Thrifted ones are often full of character — a little worn, a little charming — and they look just as good indoors as they do on a porch or entry table.
8. Candles (Flameless, Remote, or Traditional)
You can never have too many candles — they’re what bring all the cozy elements together. Whether you prefer the glow of real taper candles, the convenience of remote-controlled ones, or battery-operated pillars that you can “set and forget,” candles add instant warmth and ambiance. Tuck them into lanterns, layer them on a tray, or scatter them throughout your space — nothing says fall like a soft, flickering glow.
9. Baskets
If there’s one thing I can never pass up at the thrift store, it’s a good basket. Big or small, round or square — they all add that cozy, textural layer that just feels like fall. Use them to hold extra throws by the sofa, stack a few in a corner for a casual vignette, or fill one with pumpkins, pinecones, or foraged stems for an instant autumn moment. The best part? They’re practical year-round but look especially charming in fall when everything’s about warmth and texture.
At the end of the day, fall decorating doesn’t have to mean hauling out a box of “seasonal” decor. It’s about mood — warmth, light, and texture. When you mix natural elements with a few well-loved thrift finds, it feels personal, creative, and totally you.
So next time you’re out thrifting, skip the prepackaged fall aisle and head straight for the glassware and candlesticks. That’s where the real magic happens. 🍁
Photo Credits: Vecteezy.com