10 Inspiring Home Improvement Projects for a Cozy Fall

• Difficulty: Easy
• Time: 30 minutes - 1 hour
• Materials: Mirror, wall anchors appropriate for the mirror's weight, a level, a stud finder, and a drill

A well-placed mirror can make a surprising difference in the fall. It reflects the limited natural light, which may make rooms feel brighter and more open. Finding a spot near a window could maximize this effect. Or you could just hang it wherever you’d like to admire yourself a little more. The most important thing to do here is to make sure the mirror is safe. Find wall studs with a stud finder for the best support. Use wall anchors that are strong enough to hold the mirror if there isn't a stud where you wish to hang it.

• Difficulty: Easy
• Time: 30 minutes - 1 hour
• Materials: Cable management box, drill, screws (if mounting).

We tend to use our entertainment spaces more when we spend more time inside. A mess of tangled cords can make a space feel cluttered. A simple cable management box neatly hides power strips and excess cables, creating a cleaner look for those cozy movie nights. We've even helped people tuck their Wi-Fi router inside one to keep it out of sight, and it seems to work fine without hurting the signal. You could go for a simple, off-the-shelf box, or perhaps get a more stylish chest-like one and drill the holes yourself. This is a perfect project for a beginner, as it requires minimal tools and effort.

• Difficulty: Intermediate
• Time: 30 minutes - 1 hour
• Materials: Child-safe light fixture, bulbs (LED recommended), mounting hardware, screwdriver, and circuit tester.

Lighting in a children’s room does more than brighten things up; it can set the mood for play or winding down at night. Fixtures shaped like clouds or favorite animals, for example, can make the space feel more inviting. When choosing lighting, safety should always come first. Look for well-made, cool-touch options. If you’re swapping a ceiling fixture, always shut off the power at the breaker and test the connections with a circuit tester before starting. If you feel at all unsure about the wiring, it’s a good idea to bring in a pro for this one.

• Difficulty: Easy-Intermediate
• Time: 15-30 minutes
• Materials: Decorative tree, assembly hardware, wall anchors (if needed for stability).

A decorative tree may make a room look taller and more natural. It also serves as a great backdrop for seasonal decor, from Halloween through the winter holidays. Assembly is usually pretty straightforward. For instance, a fake olive tree can look great in a lot of different settings and offer a special touch. Just make sure the tree is sturdy, especially if you have kids or pets. For extra protection, it could be a good idea to attach it to a wall.

• Difficulty: Intermediate
• Time: 2-3 hours
• Materials: Shelves, a level, a drill, wall anchors, and a stud finder.

Using simple wall shelves to show off seasonal items like tiny pumpkins, candles, or your favorite fall books is a great idea. A solid result comes down to precise leveling and a secure attachment to the wall. Use a stud finder when possible, and appropriate anchors when not. Set up your shelves so that they are evenly spaced for a balanced, cozy look. You may also use odd numbers or groups of three to make things look more interesting.

Difficulty: Intermediate

Time: 1-4 hours (will depend on the number of frames)

Materials: Picture frames, a level, measuring tape, picture-hanging wire, and nails or hooks.

A gallery wall with family photos or seasonal art prints gives any area a warm, personal touch. Planning is the key to a beautiful gallery wall. We learned this the hard way for years. Before you hang your frames, put them on the floor to see how you like them. You may also use paper cutouts of your frames to see how the pattern will look on the wall before you drill holes.

• Difficulty: Advanced
• Time: from 15 minutes to 1 hour per switch, depending on skills
• Materials: Dimmer switches, wire nuts, voltage tester, screwdriver.

You can regulate all of your lights with dimmer switches, which let you set the right mood for any event. This endeavor also involves working with electricity; therefore, safety is very important. Before you start, make sure the breaker box is turned off. If you're not sure, this is obviously a job for an electrician because the wiring can be more complicated than a regular switch.

• Difficulty: Easy-Intermediate
• Time: 1-3 hours
• Materials: Curtain rods, brackets, heavy drapes, a drill, a level, and appropriate anchors.

Heavy curtains made of materials like velvet or thermal-lined cloth may make a space feel very warm and inviting. They also keep some heat in, which might help with your heating costs and keep drafts out. The most important thing is to make sure that the brackets for the curtain rod are strong enough to hold up the fabric.

• Difficulty: Easy
• Time: 30 minutes - 1 hour
• Materials: Curtain holdbacks, screws, a drill, and a measuring tape.

Curtain holdbacks are a tiny thing that can have a tremendous effect. They keep your curtains neatly pulled back so that as much natural light as possible can come into the room during the day. They also make your window coverings look more polished and fashionable. Pick a style and material that goes well with your rods and fall decorations.

• Difficulty: Easy-Intermediate
• Time: 2-4 hours
• Materials: Halloween decorations, outdoor-rated anchors and hooks, extension cords, and timers.

Taking a break from indoor projects. Halloween decorating is a chance to bring that cozy fall feeling to your home's exterior. Make sure that any decorations you put outside are safe from rain and wind. To avoid electrical risks, only use extension cables and timers for lights that are rated for outdoor use. This project is a fun way to get into the holiday spirit and make your home look more festive from the street.