10 Easy Ways I Make My Home Smell Like Fall -And You Can Too

Every fall, I find myself excited to fill our home with those signature cozy scents—it just makes everything feel right. There’s nothing like walking into a room that smells of cinnamon or fresh-baked pumpkin pie to really get that autumnal feeling going.

Being a wife and mama, making our house feel like a warm, welcoming space is super important to me. And while I do love a good scented candle for a quick fix, there’s a certain joy in creating that ambiance with natural elements from the season itself.

If you’re looking for ways to bring those delicious fall smells into your home, here are 10 easy ideas to get you started.

Fall Potpourri

I love getting crafty in the fall, and making homemade potpourri is one of my favorite projects. It’s super simple: just slice up some oranges, apples, or even pears and let them dry out in the oven on a low heat. Once they’re ready, I mix them with classic fall spices like cinnamon and cloves, maybe tossing in a few cinnamon sticks for extra flair.

Pine Cone Diffusers

Adding a cozy, spiced scent to pine cones is what I call smart decorating. After a quick bake in the oven to clean them off, I like to sprinkle them with a mix of my favorite autumn spices—cinnamon, clove, maybe a bit of orange zest.

These scented pine cones double as a nice, subtle diffuser when placed around the house. Whether they’re in a pretty bowl or strung up on a garland, they make every room feel a little more like fall.

Pomander Ball

Creating pomander balls is a great way to welcome fall into your home. Start with an orange and gently poke it with a toothpick or needle to ease the process of inserting cloves into the rind.

Not only does this craft add a nice touch to your space, but it also fills the air with a warm, spicy fragrance that’s just irresistible. The more intricate your patterns with the cloves, the more stunning they look as centerpieces.

Essential Oil Diffusers

As much as I love candles, sometimes I have to skip the open flame, especially with little ones running around. That’s where essential oil diffusers come in handy.

They’re a fantastic way to keep your home smelling great without the worry. You can find blends with classic fall scents like orange, cinnamon, or even woodsy aromas like pine and fir.

Just remember, if you’ve got furry friends at home, double-check that the oils you choose are safe for pets. This way, everyone can enjoy the cozy atmosphere worry-free.

Scented Baking Soda

Keep your bathroom fresh and clean while still using the scents of fall with a homemade baking soda scrub. Mix a cup of baking soda with essential oils that scream autumn—like sweet orange and cinnamon, or maybe tangerine and ginger.

Just store it in a glass jar, give it a shake, and you’re ready to go. Use it with a wet sponge in your sink, tub, or even the toilet to clean and naturally deodorize.

Bake a Pie

I love pie-baking days. There’s something about the smell of a fresh pie in the oven that makes the whole house feel more like home. I usually go for pumpkin because it just screams fall to me. Plus, it’s my most favorite dessert, ever, and a huge craving I’ve had all pregnancy long.

It’s not just the smell—though that’s pretty fantastic on its own—it’s the warm, comforting vibe it brings. Even if you’re not a fan of sweets, whipping up some herbed bread fills the house with those herby, homey scents that are so welcoming.

Cozy Evenings with a Crackling Candle

Lighting a candle with a wooden wick is one of my go-to moves when I want to add a bit of coziness to our home. There’s a particular joy in the sound of a candle that crackles like a tiny fireplace.

I adore the WoodWick’s Fireside Candle—it literally smells like you’re outside by a campfire. It’s a great way to bring some of that outdoor magic indoors, especially when the nights draw in early.

Plus, it lasts from fall right into winter, which is perfect for making those longer nights a bit brighter and a lot cozier.

Make Some Apple Cider

I absolutely love how the sweet scent of apple cider makes my home feel instantly warmer. If you’re like me, you’ll enjoy this easy trick: just add apple cider, an orange peel, a cinnamon stick, and a handful of cloves to your crockpot.

Let it simmer on low. It fills the house with that perfect fall fragrance and gives you a warm, tasty drink to sip on. It’s like a hug in a cup on those brisk autumn days!

Pumpkin Spice Everywhere

Ah, pumpkin spice—fall isn’t complete without it! Here’s how to keep it fuss-free at home: pop some water in your slow cooker along with pumpkin pie spice, a sprinkle of cinnamon, a splash of vanilla, and a bit of ginger. Let it simmer and spread that Thanksgiving aroma throughout your house.

Apples and Spice Simmer

Got some apple scraps from pie-making? Don’t throw them out. Instead, throw them in a pot with cinnamon sticks and a few pinecones, cover with water, and simmer. It’s a genius way to repurpose those leftovers and the smell is just divine.

As the steam rises, it carries the essence of autumn right through your home, making everything feel just a bit cozier. Plus, it’s a neat little trick that keeps your home smelling great without much effort!