If you’re wondering how to make your house smell like fall, you’ve come to the right place! 🙂 Since I love the smell of Maple Bacon Pancakes cooking on the griddle and how this pumpkin-pie-scented playdough makes the whole house smell good, I thought I’d share some of my favorite natural ways to bring the smell of autumn indoors. 🙂
The other day, our daughter and I decorated for fall while our boys (Mickey & our three teenage sons) were at the high school football game. We wanted to surprise everyone—and we did. Within a few days of decorating, each of our kids told me that fall was their favorite season. They love the way the house feels & smells like fall. I completely agree!
With four kids keeping us busy, I like finding simple DIY fall scents to bring that seasonal fragrance into our home. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering, getting ready for Thanksgiving, or just want to enjoy the season, these ideas will fill your home with all the cozy fall home fragrance vibes.
8 Ways to Make Your House Smell Like a Cozy Fall Farmhouse
Today, I’m sharing eight simple, budget-friendly DIY ways to make your home smell like fall without needing to burn a candle 24/7.
1. Essential Oil Diffuser Blend
One of the easiest ways to bring fall home fragrance into your space is with essential oils. If you have a diffuser (I like the look of this one for fall), you can create a custom blend that captures the essence of the season.
In your diffuser, add:
This warm, spicy blend will make your home feel like you’ve just baked a fresh batch of cinnamon skillet cake. I keep my diffuser running in the kitchen or living room for a constant burst of cozy fall scent.
2. Fall Farmhouse Simmering Scent
If you want something that makes your house smell like fall and looks beautiful on the stove, try a simmer pot recipe for fall.
First, fill a saucepan with water and add:
Sliced oranges (take one orange & cut it into slices, leaving the rind on)
Cinnamon sticks
Cloves
Star anise (This is usually found in the spice aisle, where they keep dried herbs and spices. It is typically available in small jars or bags, either whole or ground, alongside other spices like cinnamon sticks, cloves, and nutmeg. If you can’t find it here, check the international food aisle.)
Once you’ve added everything into the pot, just let it simmer on low heat for 2-4 hours, depending on how strong you want the fragrance. Be sure to check the water level occasionally and add more water as needed to prevent the pot from drying out. The longer it simmers, the more the aroma will spread throughout your home, filling it with a cozy fall scent!OPTIONAL: You can do this in the crockpot, too. Just set it to low and make sure that you leave the lid off.
3. Cinnamon-Scented Pinecones
Pinecones aren’t just for decorating—they can make your house smell like fall, too!
Collect some pinecones (or buy them from a craft store) and spray them with a mix of water and a few drops of cinnamon essential oil.
Place them in a decorative bowl on the coffee table. They’ll look festive and fill the room with a subtle, spicy scent that lasts for weeks.
4. DIY Fall Candles
I love making my own candles because it’s so simple, and you can customize the scent however you like.
Melt some soy wax and stir in cinnamon, vanilla, and pumpkin spice essential oils.
Pour the wax into a mason jar, add a wick, and let it harden. Light it when the kids are settling down with their homework or when you’re winding down for the night. The soft glow and fall candle scent are so comforting.
5. Baking Soda Air Fresheners
This is such a great hack for freshening up small spaces like bathrooms, closets, or even the car.
Mix 1 cup of baking soda with 15-20 drops of Clove, cinnamon, and nutmeg essential oils.
Place the mixture in small jars, poke holes in the lids, and set them around the house. The baking soda absorbs odors, while the oils release a gentle fall scent.
6. Cinnamon Stick Centerpieces
Here’s a super easy way to decorate and add fragrance at the same time. Wrap cinnamon sticks around candles using some twine, and place them on the dining table or mantle.
As the candle burns, the heat from the flame will warm the cinnamon sticks and release their spicy fall aroma. It’s such a simple idea, but it adds a lot of charm to your fall home décor.
7. Fall Wax Melts
Wax melts are one of my favorite alternatives to candles, especially in a home with kids. You don’t have to worry about an open flame!
Melt some beeswax and mix in cinnamon, clove, and ginger essential oils.
Pour the mixture into a silicone mold and let it harden. Pop a melt into your warmer whenever you want the house to smell like fall without actually baking! If you DO want to bake, I suggest making this French apple cobbler!
8. Spiced Pumpkin Coffee Grounds
This one might surprise you, but coffee grounds can be great at absorbing odors and releasing a warm, earthy scent.
Mix used coffee grounds with ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice.
Put the mixture in fabric sachets or small bowls around the house (just out of reach of little hands). The grounds will help absorb any musty smells and give off a subtle, spicy scent at the same time.
Make some pumpkin pie hot chocolate while you’re at it!
These ideas will make your home smell like fall – in a natural way! You won’t have to resort to overpowering store-bought air fresheners because you’ll be bringing autumn indoors with these ideas. You’ll be creating a warm, inviting space with natural fall scents that will make everyone feel at home. 🙂