How To Decorate With Pumpkins

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When fall rolls around, pumpkins instantly become the star of seasonal decorating. They bring warmth, charm, and a festive touch to any space, whether you prefer a farmhouse style, a modern minimalist approach, or something in between. The great thing is, you can decorate with pumpkins in countless ways—indoors and outdoors, with real or faux varieties, in both large and small displays. From creating a cozy tablescape to designing an eye-catching porch, pumpkins offer endless versatility. Let’s look at the different types of pumpkins you can use, where to buy them, and creative ways to decorate with pumpkins this season.

Table of Contents

What Types of Pumpkins Should You Decorate With Indoors?

Pumpkins come in a variety of materials, which makes them adaptable for any style of home décor. Indoors, you’re not limited to real pumpkins—you can get creative with decorative versions that add long-lasting charm.

Real pumpkins: Small pie pumpkins, minis, and heirloom varieties add natural color and texture.
Plastic pumpkins: Lightweight and inexpensive, these are easy to move around and can be repainted to suit your style.
Foam pumpkins: Perfect for DIY projects, since you can cut, carve, or paint them.
Metal pumpkins: Add a rustic or industrial feel. Look for wire or galvanized versions.
Glass pumpkins: Great for elegant and modern spaces. Mercury glass pumpkins in particular create a soft, glowing effect.
Ceramic pumpkins: Available in a wide range of colors and finishes, perfect for coordinating with your existing décor.
Plush pumpkins: Soft, cozy fabric pumpkins in velvet, linen, or knit add warmth and texture—ideal for coffee tables or mantels.

By mixing different textures and materials, you can decorate with pumpkins in a way that feels layered and intentional.

What Types of Pumpkins Should You Decorate With Outdoors?

Outdoor decorating with pumpkins has its own set of considerations since you’ll be dealing with weather, durability, and longevity.

Real pumpkins: Always a classic for porches and garden beds. Just remember, carved pumpkins only last about two to three days before they begin to rot. For longer-lasting displays, choose uncarved pumpkins. You can leave them natural or paint them for extra flair.
Plastic pumpkins: Perfect for durability. They won’t rot and can withstand rain and wind.
Ceramic pumpkins: Sturdy and decorative, though better suited for covered porches or patios.
Metal pumpkins: Often designed as lanterns or lantern-style cutouts. These can hold candles or fairy lights and look beautiful at night.

When you decorate with pumpkins outdoors, consider mixing real and faux. The real pumpkins add authenticity, while faux ones provide longevity throughout the entire season.

Where to Find Pumpkins in Bulk

If you’re planning to decorate with pumpkins throughout your home and garden, buying in bulk is the way to go. Here are a few sources to consider:

Local pumpkin patches and farms: Not only do you support local growers, but you’ll also find unique heirloom varieties.
Wholesale clubs: Stores like Costco, Sam’s Club, and BJ’s often sell pumpkins by the bin during the fall season.
Craft stores: Michaels, Hobby Lobby, and JoAnn often carry multipacks of faux pumpkins in different sizes and materials.
Dollar stores: A great place to score smaller faux pumpkins for fillers and DIY projects.
Online retailers: Amazon, Etsy, and Walmart carry bulk sets of decorative pumpkins, from velvet minis to realistic faux options.

Buying in bulk ensures you’ll have enough pumpkins to tie your seasonal style together across multiple spaces.

5 Ways To Decorate With Pumpkins

1. Table Centerpiece

Pumpkins make beautiful and easy centerpieces. Fill a dough bowl, tray, tiered stand, basket, trough, or planter box with an assortment of pumpkins in different shapes, sizes, and colors. Add a few fall leaves, eucalyptus sprigs, or candles to round out the look. This creates a cozy, seasonal focal point for your dining table, kitchen island, or coffee table.

2. Mantel & Fireplace Decor

The fireplace is the heart of many homes, and it’s a perfect spot to decorate with pumpkins. Place a set of two or three larger pumpkins on either side of your hearth for balance. On the mantel, create a vignette of smaller pumpkins mixed with candlesticks, books, or garlands. Play with varying heights by stacking pumpkins on books or using them as toppers for candleholders.

3. Porch Decor

For outdoor curb appeal, pumpkins can flank your front door in pairs or trios. Stack them on porch steps, scatter them along your walkway, or tuck them into flower beds and planters. You can even combine them with mums, hay bales, and lanterns for a classic fall porch display. Painted pumpkins are another fun way to make your porch festive without carving.

4. Jar or Bowl Filler

Mini pumpkins are perfect as filler decor. Drop them into glass apothecary jars, clear bowls, or vases for an instant seasonal accent. You can mix in pinecones, acorns, or faux leaves for extra texture. This is a simple way to decorate with pumpkins in smaller areas like side tables, bookshelves, or bathroom counters.

5. Flower Pot or Vase

Pumpkins double as planters with a little creativity. Use a plastic trick-or-treat pumpkin pail as a vase, or cut the top off a foam pumpkin and insert faux floral stems directly into it. For a quick update, buy ceramic pumpkin-shaped planters that can be reused year after year. Popular combinations include pumpkins filled with mums, faux succulents, berry stems, or fall leaves. These pumpkin pots work beautifully indoors or out, depending on the style you choose.

Conclusion

Pumpkins are one of the most versatile seasonal accents, and they can be styled in countless ways to fit your home. Whether you choose real or faux, rustic or elegant, simple or elaborate, it’s easy to decorate with pumpkins both indoors and outdoors. From creating stunning table centerpieces to welcoming guests with a festive porch display, pumpkins add charm and warmth to your space. This fall, try mixing different sizes, materials, and styles—you’ll be amazed at how quickly pumpkins transform your home into a cozy autumn retreat.

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