There’s no denying it when the season starts to change. Lately I can smell fall in the cool, crisp mornings. I reach for a sweater to throw over the tank top I’ll inevitably need later in the day. The sunrise comes later, the sun sets earlier, and the changing leaves are starting to show their color. Nature is gently reminding us that fall in the Midwest has arrived. With that change, I find myself wanting my home to reflect what’s happening outside. I love decorating for fall, and I’ve learned a few tricks along the way – namely, that the best way to keep things affordable, unique, and collected is to shop secondhand at Goodwill NCW for them. Here’s what to be on the lookout for when thrifting for fall home décor.

Florals and wreaths

Swapping the stems in your vases may seem like a subtle change, but just like the trees outside, it slowly transitions your home into fall. I often don’t even change the vase, just what’s in it. My favorite finds are preserved stems. Since they’re more delicate, I don’t come across them often, so when I’m shopping for faux stems, I look for ones as natural as possible: wired stems I can bend to mimic the movement of a real one, and colors and textures that echo the season. 

Come to think of it, I rarely use actual flowers, rather colored leaves and other natural elements. I’ve thrifted stems of yellow and orange maple leaves and wreaths made of preserved wheat.

Kitchenware

I spend a lot of time in the kitchenkitchen, so I like to sprinkle in fall touches there as well. I have a thrifted glass pumpkin jar I like to fill with candy corn and peanuts, and Goodwill is often full of other serving pieces as well. Whether it’s apple plates or a turkey platter, I always walk down the glassware aisle. And don’t overlook coffee mugs – they’re an easy way to add a little fall personality, and Goodwill always has plenty. Dishtowels are another great find; you’ll probably find them back in textiles, but whether it’s the pattern or the color, they’re an easy way to work fall into the kitchen. On my most recent trip, I found the most adorable fall dish towels and potholders in their new goods collection. 

Textiles

Think throw pillows and blankets, they make a home cozy! My tip for pillows is to find ones that have zippered covers. They tend to be more well-made and are easier to clean, and the right colors and patterns can instantly shift a room from light and summery to cozy, moody and ready for fall. The same goes for blankets. I look for warm, heavy, plush ones to pile into baskets (thrift those too!) where my family can easily grab one and cozy up. 

I also look for lighter-weight blankets or fabric I can fold neatly across the furniture. They almost act as a throw cover and the layers, colors, and patterns really make an impact.

Set Boundaries

Capsule wardrobes have a limited number of pieces in them, so take the time to plan what you need ahead of time. An example of a capsule wardrobe might be three pairs of pants, a pair of shorts, four t-shirts, one button-down shirt, a sweatshirt, and a jacket. Again, take into consideration their lifestyle. Your child may have hobbies or interests that require dressy clothes more frequently, or they may need more or less of a certain item if they wear uniforms to school. However, having an idea of what you need ahead of time will help with impulsive purchases that ultimately will get minimal wear.

Candles

I always use candles in my decor, and you can often find brand-new ones at Goodwill NCW. I pay attention not only to the scent but also to the color and shape of the vessel. A candle in a pumpkin vessel? Straight into the cart. Amber glass? Also a no brainer. For taper candles, I look for warm colors like brown, burgundy, tan, rust, or mustard.

Tchotchkes

 I don’t love to go heavy on the tchotchkes, but they can be a fun extra touch, and Goodwill is full of them! You can find pumpkins, ghosts, apples, and more. I recently stumbled on mercury glass pumpkins that I thought were beautiful. And remember to look past the color because you should never underestimate the power of paint!

As with any decorating, preparing for a new season can get expensive, but it doesn’t have to be. Check your local Goodwill NCW first and see what you can find secondhand there before spending more elsewhere. And collect as you see it, even at the end of a season or in the wrong season entirely – then you’ll have it ready the next time that season rolls around. Don’t expect to get it all in one trip, or even one season. Slowly add the things you love all year round. The thrill of the hunt is all part of the fun!