38 Things To Buy Right Now If You Want A Cozy Home By The First Day Of Fall

38 Things To Buy Right Now If You Want A Cozy Home By The First Day Of Fall

BuzzFeed-Shopping·2025-09-07 05:02

1. A pumpkin chai candle will make your entire home smell like walking into your favorite coffee shop on the first chilly morning of September. This wood-wicked beauty blends warm pumpkin, sweet vanilla, and spiced chai into the kind of scent that makes you want to throw on a sweater and romanticize your life. And with its 90-hour burn time, you'll actually get to enjoy it instead of holding onto it for "special occasions."

Amazon

Promising review: "I received this gorgeous candle yesterday and gave it its first four-hour burn this afternoon — our home smells so wonderful! The glass jar with a lid that the candle is poured into is so lovely! I have honestly never seen such a beautiful candle, and I think this brand will be my new go-to for a hostess or bday gift! The pumpkin chai scent is so evocative of the fall season! I am in love with this candle!! Highly recommend and worth every penny!!" —katie st. claire 

Get it from Amazon for $25+ (available in 19 scents). 

2. And a candle-warming lamp in a rich amber hue that'll become your favorite nightstand upgrade. Forget fumbling for a lighter; this dimmable candle warmer makes enjoying your favorite scents easier. 

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I've had the ugly plate-style candle warmers before and they don't even come close to this one. This one gives off the nicest glow, and the different styles are so pretty. I love that it has a timer feature and I feel much safer having this instead of lit candles. This would make a great gift for anyone. I will definitely be buying more for other rooms." —Catherine Vorce

Get it from Amazon for $29.99 (available in seven styles).

3. A set of pumpkins fashioned from books for a fun twist on fall decor. Made from recycled books, they'll look great on your mantle, table, or anywhere that could use a seasonal touch. 

Root To Vine / Etsy

Root To Vine is a Fort Wayne, Indiana–based small business from husband-and-wife duo Sean and Amy Geiser. Check out their shop for additional whimsical decor!

Promising review: "I am in love with these pumpkins! I got so many compliments on them and my decor this year. They were perfect for my Halloween book club dinner." —jenlindgren72

Get them from Root To Vine for $20.62 (originally $27.50+; available in sizes S–L and two colors). 

4. A pair offluffy pumpkin pillow covers that'll give your sofa a quick seasonal refresh. The textured pattern adds dimension without feeling busy, while the deep rust color warms up any space. They're machine-washable and zip right on, so swapping them in and out couldn't be easier. 

Amazon

If you don't have some already, grab pillow insertswith this purchase!

Promising review: "These are good quality and absolutely beautiful. They will be great with my fall decorating." —Bonnie

Get them from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in five shapes and 12 styles).

5. A set of velvet curtains to instantly make your room feel fancy. For real, curtains are the secret weapon for making any space feel more put-together. Not only do they block out light, but they're thermal and soundproof, so your room stays comfortable and quiet. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I am thoroughly, and I mean thoroughly, happy that I bought these curtains! I bought three sets (two panels each) for three windows in the living room. I bought the 108-inch as I have floor-to-ceiling windows. They just look absolutely amazing with my dark walls. Yes, out of the package, there were some wrinkles, but that is to be expected because it's a velvet fabric. The fabric is absolutely amazing — it's good quality, none of the stitching was loose or torn or anything like that, and all of the grommets were set exactly as they should be. If you're even remotely thinking about spending money on curtains... BUY THESE. ...SERIOUSLY... BUY THEM..." —Lexus Cherry

Get a set of two from Amazon for $31.99+ (available in 17 sizes and 36 colors; be sure to clip the $8 off coupon when applicable).

6. A reed diffuser that's like autumn in a bottle — think hot cider, cinnamon, cloves, apple, and a hint of nutmeg. It's the scent of crisp afternoons and cozy evenings, filling your space with everything you love about sweater weather. 

Amazon

Sweet Water Decor is a woman-owned, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania–based small business that specializes in home decor and gifts. 

Promising review: "I love the scent — soft and subtle without being overpowering. I ordered another for my bathroom!" —Amanda

Get it from Amazon for $21.99+ (available in 12 scents). 

7. A fuzzy orange and white checkered pumpkin blanket so you have a cozy throw to drape over your couch, bed, or shoulders while pretending you're in a Hallmark rom-com.

amazon.com

Promising review: "Love this blanket. Bought several others of this brand for myself and as gifts. Reminds me of the Barefoot Dreams blankets, but a fraction of the price. I love all the designs." —Nikki M. 

Get it from Amazon for $27.99+ (available in six styles). 

8. A set of four ceramic woodland dinner plates that'll make every meal feel like peak leaf-peeping season. Each one shows a different forest creature (owl, fox, raccoon, deer) framed by vibrant fall colors, giving your table that "autumn weekend getaway" energy. Oh, and they're dishwasher- and microwave safe, which means more apple crisp, less cleanup. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "These fall plates are really special! I love the artwork! Each one is very special! I wanted to decorate my table for Fall. My table is gorgeous! I can’t wait for my family to see it!" —A-Turn

Get them from Amazon for $49.99.

9. A bread warmer basket can keep your freshly baked goods warm and ready to serve while making your table look put-together. The woven rattan design comes with a terracotta stone you heat in the oven, so your bread, biscuits, or tortillas stay at the perfect temp throughout an entire meal. Bonus: it can also keep fresh pastries from your local bakery nice and toasty on lazy mornings when you're hosting, but don't feel like baking from scratch. 

Amazon

Promising review: "This is a beautiful and functional bread basket and warming plate combo. I absolutely love it. We host a lot and this is a must have for keeping bread, tortillas, or any other pastries warm. It's the perfect size, looks great, is easy to use, and actually works. It also makes a great gift." —Marge P.

Get it from Amazon for $49.99.

10. A string of acorn lights that'll add a soft amber glow to any corner of your home. The 10-foot strand has 30 warm LEDs inside tiny 3D acorns, which will create the coziest vibes ever, whether you drape them across a mantel, wrap them around a banister, or weave them into a centerpiece. Bonus: they're battery-powered with a built-in timer, so you can set them and forget them. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "These were very cute mixed among a string of fake leaves on my mantel. I think they would also work well mixed among filler in a vase. They are not very bright, but they are not supposed to be." —wildebeast

Get them from Amazon for $14.97 (available in three styles).

11. A pack of 200 window leaf clings to make your windows look like they're framed by peak foliage. The double-sided design means the leaves look vivid from both inside and out, and they stick without glue or residue, so you can easily peel them off and reuse them year after year.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "These clings look like the real thing! I used to hang real leaves, but that led to all sorts of issues. These leaf clings have all the natural beauty of real fall leaves, but are so much easier to hang, move, and enjoy! There is nothing phony or tacky looking about them. They easily enhance the area they adorn with true autumn splendor!" —Raymond

Get the 200-piece set from Amazon for $6.99.

12. A harvest bounty loaf pan that'll make even a simple banana bread look bakery-level. The cast aluminum bakes evenly and captures every tiny detail of the pumpkins, pinecones, and leaves on top, so your loaf comes out looking like you spent hours on it, even if it was a boxed mix. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I was worried that the cake would break when unmolded, but after a 15-minute cooling period, I turned it over and it popped out, in perfect shape! Lovely and very impressive. This pan is amazing!" —Edit Purple

Get it from Amazon for $29.49.

13. A string of maple leaf lighted garland to give your mantel, windows, or banister a warm, glowing upgrade. The 9-foot strand comes with 50 orange bulbs tucked behind dense clusters of faux maple leaves, creating a layered lighting effect that will brighten up your space on moody days. It's also connectable, so you can link several strands together if you want to go all out. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I love these pretty lights — and I love that they are orange! They are plug-ins, so I can leave them on all day! No battery worries! I have them draped around my China. I keep them on all day, through Halloween and Thanksgiving! My hubby loves them, and I’ve received so many compliments. They are well-made and full." —Peggymag

Get it from Amazon for $17.49 (also available in a two- and three-pack).

14. A mushroom candle will bring a smidge of cottagecore aesthetic to your interiors. Made from 100% beeswax, these hand-poured cuties will add a soft, flickering glow to ledges, tabletops, and that one spot on your bookshelf that needs just a little something. 

Shop of Happy Gifts / Etsy

Shop of Happy Gifts (an Etsy star seller!) is a woman-owned small business in Ukraine that creates gorgeous, giftable candles. Want to add more to your mix? There's another mushroom version and some terribly cute pine cones.

Promising review: "Exactly as advertised! All came in perfect condition." —Christian Flashman

Get two from Shop of Happy Gifts on Etsy for $12+ (available in three pairs or as a set of six).

15. A black cat "pumpkin keeper" print so you can adorn your walls with some extremely adorable seasonal art. Frame it in black to keep it more modern, use a wood if you want earthy and warm, or use white if you want it to seamlessly blend into the wall.

Hello Cloudy / Etsy

Hello Cloudy is a small business based in France that makes adorable cat prints for the home.

Promising review: "Beautiful print! Got here just in time for autumn decorating and will look perfect on my wall :)" —James

Get it from Hello Cloudy on Etsy for $11.01+ (available in three sizes). 

16. A mini pumpkin waffle maker, because why have regular waffles when you can instead have seasonal ones? The nonstick surface heats evenly to give you perfectly golden waffles in minutes, and its compact size makes it just as easy to store as it is to use. Bonus: it also works for hash browns, chaffles, and other "waffled" creations if you want to get creative. 

Amazon, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "This thing is incredible. I just mix up a batch of waffle batter and keep it in the fridge, and in the morning, I plug this in while pouring my coffee. It reaches temp in about a minute, and then I'll pour in the batter, and the waffle is done about another minute later." —Rick

Get it from Amazon for $13.89 (available in 17 styles).

17. A set of four beaded leaf coasters to bring a little autumnal magic to your table. Plus, they're absorbent and practical, so no worrying about those pesky drink rings. 

Amazon

Promising review: "These are exactly what I’d hoped for. The colors are perfect and the bead work is well done. So pleased with the purchase. They're beautiful." —Kelly

Get them from Amazon for $22.99.

18. A tea towel for making your kitchen look like an autumn farmers market. Glances at the golden marigolds, splashes of greenery, and cute little pinecones will remind you it's fall. Hang it on your oven, drape it over a bread basket, or just use it to look adorable while wiping up spilled cider (because let's be real, it's bound to happen).

Sally Elshorafa / BuzzFeed

Get it from Rifle Paper Co. for $20.

19. A pumpkin spice latte bath fizz to make your whole bathroom smell like the drink of the season. Drop this latte-shaped bath bomb into the tub and watch it fizz into sweet, spiced clouds.

Amazon

Two Sisters is a small business that specializes in unique bath fizzes. Each bath bomb is handmade in the U.S. and vegan, cruelty free, eco-friendly, and stain free. 

Promising review: "It dissolved quickly and the smell was pleasant (not overwhelming like some bath bombs)." —Megan 

Get it from Amazon for $8.99 (available in nine styles). 

20. A white pumpkins wall art piece for adding a soft, seasonal touch without overwhelming your walls. The muted palette and textured brushwork will make it easy to layer into an existing gallery wall, or let it stand out on its own by hanging it on a wall that doesn't currently have any art on it. 

Wayfair

Promising review: "This has beautiful neutral colors that look great with any decor!" —Julie

Get it from Wayfair for $30.99+ (available in four sizes).

21. A bag of citrus harvest potpourrito make your home smell like you've been baking all day when, in reality, you haven't lifted a finger. With scents of orange zest, nutmeg, and pumpkin, it's basically fall in a bag. Plus, it comes with a fragrance vial to keep those scents going strong. 

amazon.com

Promising review: "This is the best potpourri I've ever had! 10 out of 10. There are no giant fillers and plenty of orange slices. The scent is fantastic. It came with an extra bottle of oil. The photo doesn’t do it justice. I love it so much I’m buying the Christmas one after posting this review. Awesome company. I love it." —Franny

Get it from Amazon for $25.99 (available in 12 scents). 

22. A Staub pumpkin cocotte that isn't just cookware — it's a vibe. Whether it's sitting on your stove top or taking center stage at a dinner party, this dish brings serious autumn energy without being over the top. 

Amazon, www.amazon.com

This 16-ounce dish comes with a removable lid and carrying handles. You can also run it through the dishwasher for easy cleanup.

Promising review: "I love how adorable this Staub pumpkin cocotte is. I wanted something small for my dips that I could use to bake in the oven, but it also had a fall feel to it, and this is perfect. The size fits perfectly on a table. When using it in the oven, I noticed that my food cooked evenly as well. I mean, it's a Staub piece of cookware, so it has to be great, right?" —Jennifer Sikora

Get it from Amazon for $36.62+ (available in two sizes and three colors).

23. A rainy autumn bookmark for getting lost in a book when the weather begs you to stay in. Plus, it'll look so good casually peaking out of the top of your latest read. 

Rustic Pages Co.

Rustic Pages Co. is a woman-owned small business in Knoxville, Tennessee. The shop has bookmarks, art prints, and lightroom presets.

My colleague Mallory Mower is a big fan of these bookmarks: "I own this! I read year-round and have taken to collecting bookmarks to shake things up throughout the year. Literally, I have *seasonal* bookmarks. The idea started with this one specifically! I loved having it so much in the fall that I ended up buying some of the shop's other seasons as well. They're strong, with a great quality print, and so fun to see every time I open up a book."

Get it from Rustic Pages Co. on Etsy for $5.50.

24. A set of flameless LED candles to create some ~eerie~ ambiance without dealing with the whole "open flame" thing.

amazon.com, amazon.com

Promising review: "These are amazing! The real wax surrounding the bulb makes them look and feel pretty authentic — much nicer than the plastic stuff I was seeing at the store. The remote works beautifully, and it's nice that you can choose flicker or steady light. I think I'll order another set to use during the winter holidays, too! Again, these are much nicer quality than any other electric candles I've seen, and the remote makes managing the lighting super easy." —Amazon Customer

Get the set of 12 from Amazon for $17.99.

25. A Ouija Board welcome mat so all guests, ghosts, and ghouls know they can come on in (but mostly ghosts and ghouls tbh).

amazon.com, amazon.com

Promising review: "This mat was perfect this Halloween, it adds the perfect amount of subtle eeriness, and it held up really well under our covered doorway. I'm sure this will last for at least another three years. The ink is clear and the words are legible (which was a concern I had prior to it arriving). But, despite the inexpensive price tag, it's actually a well-made mat that's true to the provided picture." —Morgan Benedict

Get it from Amazon for $22.93.

26. A table runner with a cool look thanks to the fall leaves pattern. Dinner guests will be like WOW ARE WE OUTSIDE and you'll have to show them that, no, it's just a runner.

amazon.com

Promising review: "I really like the uniqueness of the runner. The fall leaves in the design are beautiful. I placed it against my ruby red tablecloth, although it looks just as good without. It was a good choice. I’ve received several compliments. Very nice." —Loretta M

Get it from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in three lengths and two types of placemats).

27. A jersey knit duvet cover setthat's as cozy as your favorite sweater. The rich pumpkin color is the perfect way to bring warm, inviting tones to your bedroom.  

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

And if you're looking for a great duvet to fill this cover, here's a down alternative duvet that reviewers love! 

Promising review: "I have been looking for a terracotta jersey knit duvet cover forever and took a chance with this one. The color is great, a dark terracotta/rust color. It’s soft, but if I had to be nit-picky it isn’t as soft as other jersey knit fabrics I have felt. Shipping was surprisingly fast and the size was perfect for my queen bed. Overall I am happy with my purchase." —Sarah

Get it from Amazon for $44.18+ (available in five sizes and 10 colors).

28. A bottle of spiced apple cider to make your kitchen smell like simmering mulled spices in minutes. Just mix an ounce of the concentrate with hot water for a perfectly balanced cup of cider, or use it in baking, glazes, or sauces when you want apple-forward sweetness. 

Amazon

Mountain Cider Co. is a small business in Vermont that's been making a 100% pure apple cider concentrate for over 30 years. 

Promising review: "This cider concentrate is delicious and easy to mix. I follow the instructions of one ounce of concentrate to seven ounces of water. I use my measuring cup to measure and cold bottled water from my fridge. I prefer it cold, but I’m certain it would be delicious hot. I ordered the smaller bottle, but am thinking of ordering the larger bottle and an ounce pump to make larger quantities. The spices are perfectly blended and do not overwhelm the apple flavor. I can barely tell this is spiced apple cider. I wish I could give it more than five stars. You can also use this for baking recipes." —Olivia Ellsworth 

Get it from Amazon for $22.99+ (available in two sizes). 

29. A set of warmly tinted string lights specifically designed for curtains and window treatments. Because what's better than stargazing from the comfort of your own couch?

amazon.com

The lights are waterproof, have eight light settings controlled by a remote, and can be used indoors or outdoors. Layer the light strings with sheer curtains to create a cozy haven. And BTW, some reviewers noted that these curtains can be tricky to hang up by yourself because the lights get tangled, but many shared a hack: Don't untie the long lights from each other until you've already hung up the curtain.

Promising review: "I am so in love with these lights! They were so easy to put up (took me about five minutes). They add such beauty to my room. I am so happy with this purchase." —Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $17.49+ (available in five colors and 300 or 600 LED) and the sheer curtains for $9.95+ (available in 16 sizes and 20 colors).

30. A pumpkin pouf that's both adorable and actually functional. Whether you're using it as an extra seat, a footrest, or just a statement piece by the fireplace, it's sure to bring a big dose of fall to your home. 

Wayfair

Promising review: "I love this pumpkin! It's a great little seat or ottoman. The fabric is robust and fluffy and the filling is firm yet soft. My wife loves it and so do our cats, so if you find something that doesn't love it, that thing is probably the problem." —Ikkus

Get it from Wayfair for $85.99+ (originally $153.99; available in five styles). 

31. A cotton muslin throw to instantly warm up your living space. Lightweight and breathable, it's designed for comfort without feeling too heavy, and the textured weave with tassels adds a hint of farmhouse charm. It's the ideal companion for those crisp autumn evenings. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "It’s 6 a.m. and I am sitting outside on my covered patio…it is a lovely cool morning, so I am actually covered with the throw as I write this review. It is exactly what I had hoped for. The color is true and complements all my accents perfectly. This is a quality product." —Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $23.99 (available in 10 colors).

32. A nonslipautumn leaf rug, because even your bathroom can embrace the fall festive spirit. The warm tones of yellow, brown, and rust will bring autumn energy to your bathroom, while the soft, absorbent microfiber keeps your feet happy and dry. Plus, it's machine washable.

Amazon

Promising review: "I love fall and I love decorating my house for EVERY season. This is one of my favorite rugs so far. It’s soft and soaks up the water well. The colors on this rug are so beautiful, and it just pulled everything together. I would recommend this to anyone." —Mercedes 

Get it from Amazon for $20.99. 

33. A burgundy berry wreath to make your front door the prettiest on the block. The burgundy berries, mixed magnolia, and maple leaves are the right mix of colors to transition from fall to early winter, so you can leave it up without feeling like you've got to swap front door decor every other week. 

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Gorgeous wreath!! It exceeded my expectations. It's well made, quality materials, and substantial – not flimsy. All it needs is a little fluffing out of the box and it's ready to hang! Very pleased with my purchase." —Gloie

Get it from Amazon for $38.69+ (available in 12 styles). 

34. A mushroom stool that's toad-ally charming for fall, because why settle for a regular stool when you can instead have one that looks like it popped right out of an enchanted forest?

Target

Promising review: "I got the cream version of this stool, and it far exceeded my expectations. It is large enough to use as a stool for guests on game night, a footstool that I can use to cross my legs on, and to add a nice decor to a space. It is easy to clean with a handheld vacuum and has stayed a nice cream color. The base is a dense, firm material while the top is very squishy and nice to sit on." —Bri

Get it from Target for $96 (available in rust red or cream).

35. A garland branch light in several different styles to add a touch of enchantment to your home. Perfect for hanging above a mantel, draping over a bookshelf, or adding a bit of natural charm to your space, these battery-operated lights create a warm, inviting glow that feels like you've stepped into a forest. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Used this as a garland for my fireplace mantle. So beautiful and soft looking year-round." —Bonnie

Get it from Amazon for $27.99+ (available in 11 styles).

36. A foldable sleeper chair is the definition of multitasking: by day, it's a comfy chair for reading, scrolling, or ignoring your inbox; by night, it unfolds into a legit bed for movie marathons, unexpected guests, or dozing off. Its compact design makes it ideal for small spaces.

amazon.com, amazon.com

Promising review: "This is such a comfortable chair or bed! I was very happy with my purchase. You won’t go wrong if you are looking for comfort or if you need to save space. I highly recommend this." —danny

Get it from Amazon for $119.99+ (available in two sizes and eight colors).

37. A set of wooden serving spoons if you aspire to have your home be a cottagecore dreamscape. This set of six is just what your kitchen needs for that perfect rustic touch. 

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Absolutely love these. The packing was spectacular and the utensils are so adorable. They look just lovely in my autumn decor. I would definitely purchase these again!!!!" —Noelle Lynn

Get them from Amazon for $29.99.

38. And a fuzzy ottoman so you have a favorite place to kick up your feet after a long day of prancing around the pumpkin patch. Whether you're using it as an extra seat, a footrest, or a spot to set down a tray of snacks, this ottoman's got that "casual but stylish" vibe down. 

Anonymous / Wayfair, Wayfair

Promising review: "Really nice. The softest ottoman I’ve had. The orange is very nice and exactly what I was looking for. Unfortunately, the cat has claimed it as his own. Unexpected bonus? Getting the hair off this is easier than any of my other furniture." —Anonymous

Get it from Wayfair for $40.99+ (available in 34 colors).

Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.

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