17 DIY Fall Wreath Ideas That Look Store-Bought

My first diy fall wreath cost me forty dollars at a craft shop and fell apart by November. The next year I made my own for under fifteen, and it looked better, so I never bought one again. This list has the 17 wreaths I have actually made, from grapevine and maple leaves to a plaid scrap wreath sewn from old shirts, with honest costs and the little tricks that make them look store-bought. (see also: fall-front-door-decor) (see also: fall-table-decor-ideas) (see also: budget-autumn-decor) Save this idea before you start, because you will want the list open while your glue gun warms up.

Budget at a glance: most wreaths here cost $5 to $18, and the whole set of supplies for your first three wreaths comes to under $40 if you shop the craft store sales.

Start with the Base

1. Grapevine Wreath with Faux Maple Leaves

I reach for grapevine wreath with faux maple leaves whenever I want the room to feel finished but my budget is tight. A grapevine base with faux maple leaves is the wreath I recommend to every beginner, because it forgives mistakes. First, tuck leaf stems into the grapevine, working around the circle in one direction. Then hot glue the stems that feel loose. Finally, add a small bow at the bottom and hang it with a ribbon loop. The first time I tried this I skipped measuring and had to redo the whole thing, so now I measure twice. It takes minutes, costs very little, and it makes the whole space feel looked after.

Cost: ~$14 | Time: 45 minutes

2. Burlap Ribbon Bow on a Plain Twig Wreath

This one is simple, cheap, and it gets compliments every single time someone walks in. A big burlap bow can make a plain twig wreath look finished in five minutes flat. First, loop the burlap ribbon into a wide bow with two tails. Then wire the centre tightly so it holds its shape. Finally, hot glue the bow to the bottom of the wreath and trim the tails at an angle. I set this up on a Sunday afternoon and my mum asked where I had bought it, which still makes me smile. Step back, check it from the doorway, and tweak one thing until it feels right.

Cost: ~$9 | Time: 20 minutes

3. Mini Pumpkin Wreath with Hot Glue

Mini Pumpkin Wreath with Hot Glue works because it uses things you probably already have lying around the house. Mini pumpkins glued around a foam ring make a wreath that looks straight out of a shop window. First, wrap the foam ring in burlap so no white shows through. Then hot glue the pumpkins around the ring, alternating colours. Finally, fill the gaps with dried moss and hang it with a wide ribbon. My first attempt looked lopsided, so I stepped back, moved one piece, and suddenly it clicked. That is the whole trick: one small change, done well, beats a trolley full of new decor.

Cost: ~$16 | Time: 50 minutes

4. Dried Wheat Wreath for the Front Door

If you only try one idea from this list, make it this one. It is quick, cheap, and it shows. A dried wheat wreath is golden, simple, and lasts all season without shedding much. First, cut the wheat into small bundles of five or six stems. Then wire each bundle to a wire frame, overlapping them in one direction. Finally, tie a twine bow at the bottom and trim any stems that stick out. I use this setup every day now, and the part that helped most was keeping only what I actually reach for. Live with it for a week before you change anything. You will know fast if it earns its spot.

Cost: ~$11 | Time: 40 minutes

5. Felt Leaf Wreath in Warm Autumn Colours

Felt Leaf Wreath in Warm Autumn Colours looks far more expensive than it is, which is exactly the point on a tight budget. Felt leaves in rust, mustard, and burgundy make a soft wreath that survives rain and little hands. First, cut leaf shapes from felt in three warm colours. Then hot glue them onto a foam ring, overlapping each row slightly. Finally, add a few felt acorns and a loop of ribbon for hanging. I almost skipped this one because it sounded too simple, and now it is the thing guests notice first. Keep the total low, reuse what you have, and let the room stay easy to tidy at the end of the day.

Cost: ~$10 | Time: 60 minutes

Add the Autumn Colour

6. Pinecone Wreath Sprayed Gold

Pinecone Wreath Sprayed Gold is one of those small changes that makes the whole table feel ready for the season without a big spend. Spraying pinecones gold turns a free garden find into a wreath that looks expensive. First, collect pinecones and let them dry fully for a day. Then spray them gold in light coats, letting each coat dry. Finally, wire them onto a grapevine base, packing them tightly so no gaps show. Last year I rushed this and it fell apart by dinner, so this year I gave it ten extra minutes and it held. It takes minutes, costs very little, and it makes the whole space feel looked after.

Cost: ~$8 | Time: 55 minutes

7. Plaid Fabric Scrap Wreath

I reach for plaid fabric scrap wreath whenever I want the room to feel finished but my budget is tight. A plaid fabric scrap wreath uses up old shirts and looks wonderfully homemade in the best way. First, cut the fabric into strips about two inches wide. Then tie each strip around a wire frame, pushing them close together. Finally, fluff the strips out and trim any that hang too long. I learned this the cheap way: the bargain version did the same job as the fancy one, so I stopped overpaying. Step back, check it from the doorway, and tweak one thing until it feels right.

Cost: ~$6 | Time: 60 minutes

8. Apple Slice and Cinnamon Wreath

This one is simple, cheap, and it gets compliments every single time someone walks in. Dried apple slices and cinnamon sticks make a wreath that smells like autumn every time the door opens. First, dry apple slices in a low oven until firm. Then wire them onto a grapevine base in a loose ring. Finally, tuck cinnamon stick bundles between the slices and add a twine bow. I made the mistake of buying the pricey version first, then found the same look for a few dollars at a thrift shop. That is the whole trick: one small change, done well, beats a trolley full of new decor.

Cost: ~$9 | Time: 50 minutes

9. Eucalyptus and Berry Hoop Wreath

Eucalyptus and Berry Hoop Wreath works because it uses things you probably already have lying around the house. A simple metal hoop with eucalyptus and berries is modern, light, and very easy to hang. First, wire small eucalyptus sprigs along the bottom half of the hoop. Then tuck in red berry picks to add colour. Finally, tie a ribbon at the top and hang it from a small nail or hook. The first time I tried this I skipped measuring and had to redo the whole thing, so now I measure twice. Live with it for a week before you change anything. You will know fast if it earns its spot.

Cost: ~$13 | Time: 30 minutes

10. Corn Husk Wreath with a Twine Bow

If you only try one idea from this list, make it this one. It is quick, cheap, and it shows. Corn husks layered around a ring make a pale gold wreath that suits a farmhouse door perfectly. First, soak the husks in warm water for ten minutes so they bend without cracking. Then fold each husk over the ring and glue it in place, overlapping as you go. Finally, tie a twine bow at the bottom and let it dry overnight. I set this up on a Sunday afternoon and my mum asked where I had bought it, which still makes me smile. Keep the total low, reuse what you have, and let the room stay easy to tidy at the end of the day.

Cost: ~$7 | Time: 55 minutes

Finish with the Details

11. Acorn Cap Wreath on a Foam Ring

Acorn Cap Wreath on a Foam Ring looks far more expensive than it is, which is exactly the point on a tight budget. Acorn caps glued in tight rows make a textured wreath that people always want to touch. First, collect plenty of acorn caps and sort out the broken ones. Then hot glue them onto a foam ring in neat overlapping rows. Finally, spray the whole wreath with clear sealant so the caps stay put. My first attempt looked lopsided, so I stepped back, moved one piece, and suddenly it clicked. It takes minutes, costs very little, and it makes the whole space feel looked after.

Cost: ~$5 | Time: 75 minutes

12. Sunflower Wreath with a Rustic Bow

Sunflower Wreath with a Rustic Bow is one of those small changes that makes the whole table feel ready for the season without a big spend. Faux sunflowers around a grapevine base make the cheeriest wreath on the street, and it takes half an hour. First, trim the sunflower stems to about four inches. Then push them into the grapevine all the way around, facing outward. Finally, wire a burlap bow to the bottom and hang it up. I use this setup every day now, and the part that helped most was keeping only what I actually reach for. Step back, check it from the doorway, and tweak one thing until it feels right.

Cost: ~$15 | Time: 35 minutes

13. Sweater Sleeve Wrapped Wreath

I reach for sweater sleeve wrapped wreath whenever I want the room to feel finished but my budget is tight. Wrapping a foam ring in an old sweater sleeve makes a cosy, knitted-looking wreath for almost nothing. First, cut the sleeve off an old jumper you no longer wear. Then pull it over the foam ring like a sock, smoothing out wrinkles. Finally, stitch the ends closed and add a few felt leaves for colour. I almost skipped this one because it sounded too simple, and now it is the thing guests notice first. That is the whole trick: one small change, done well, beats a trolley full of new decor.

Cost: ~$4 | Time: 40 minutes

14. Paper Leaf Wreath for a Kid-Friendly Door

This one is simple, cheap, and it gets compliments every single time someone walks in. A paper leaf wreath is the perfect rainy-afternoon project, and children love helping with it. First, cut leaf shapes from coloured card in reds, oranges, and yellows. Then glue them onto a cardboard ring, overlapping each row. Finally, let it dry flat, add a ribbon loop, and hang it where little hands can reach it. Last year I rushed this and it fell apart by dinner, so this year I gave it ten extra minutes and it held. Live with it for a week before you change anything. You will know fast if it earns its spot.

Cost: ~$5 | Time: 45 minutes

15. Magnolia Leaf Wreath Dried at Home

Magnolia Leaf Wreath Dried at Home works because it uses things you probably already have lying around the house. Magnolia leaves dry to a beautiful bronze green, and a wreath made from them looks like it cost a fortune. First, gather fresh magnolia leaves and press them flat overnight. Then wire them onto a frame in overlapping layers, all facing the same way. Finally, add a simple ribbon and hang it in a sheltered spot. I learned this the cheap way: the bargain version did the same job as the fancy one, so I stopped overpaying. Keep the total low, reuse what you have, and let the room stay easy to tidy at the end of the day.

Cost: ~$7 | Time: 60 minutes

16. Berry Branch Wreath with Wire Frame

If you only try one idea from this list, make it this one. It is quick, cheap, and it shows. Red berry branches on a wire frame make a bold wreath with almost no effort at all. First, cut berry branches into pieces about eight inches long. Then wire them onto the frame, working around in one direction. Finally, fill any thin spots with extra sprigs and tie on a hanging loop. I made the mistake of buying the pricey version first, then found the same look for a few dollars at a thrift shop. It takes minutes, costs very little, and it makes the whole space feel looked after.

Cost: ~$12 | Time: 30 minutes

17. Harvest Vegetable Wreath with Faux Gourds

Harvest Vegetable Wreath with Faux Gourds looks far more expensive than it is, which is exactly the point on a tight budget. Faux gourds and dried corn on a grapevine base make a harvest wreath that lasts for years. First, wire the largest gourds onto the base at even spacing. Then fill the gaps with dried corn, leaves, and small berries. Finally, add a plaid bow and hang the wreath where it gets noticed. The first time I tried this I skipped measuring and had to redo the whole thing, so now I measure twice. Step back, check it from the doorway, and tweak one thing until it feels right.

Cost: ~$18 | Time: 50 minutes