Autumn is a time of warm colors, crisp air, and a welcoming atmosphere. It’s the perfect season to spruce up your barn and stalls with some seasonal décor that reflects the beauty of the fall. Whether you’re preparing for a barn event or want to enjoy the cozy feeling of autumn while caring for your horses, there are plenty of simple and affordable ways to decorate.
Here are some easy and fun autumn touches that can bring charm to your barn while keeping it safe and practical for you and your horses:
1. Pumpkins & Gourds
Pumpkins are the quintessential symbol of fall and are perfect for adding a pop of color to your barn. You can place pumpkins and gourds along the edges of stalls, near barn doors, or on tables in tack rooms. Ensure to keep them in areas where horses can’t nibble on them, as some pumpkins may not sit well with your equines’ stomachs. Opt for larger pumpkins to reduce the chance of them getting knocked over.
For a creative twist, try stacking pumpkins in a corner or carving out a barn logo or horse silhouette for a personalized touch.
2. Hay Bale Displays
Use small hay bales to create decorative displays around your barn. Stack them near entranceways or in corners to add a rustic autumn vibe. For safety, ensure that any hay used for décor is kept away from open flames or heating elements. You can add touches like scarecrows, pumpkins, or dried corn husks to your hay bales for a festive, farm-inspired look.
Photo Source: Lili Cambal Photography
3. Fall Wreaths
Hang autumn-themed wreaths on your Barn Entry Doors, Dutch Doors, or stall fronts. Wreaths made of twigs, dried leaves, corn husks, and faux berries bring a splash of color and seasonal flair. They’re easy to find in stores, and you can even make your own! Just ensure they’re fastened securely and placed where curious horses can’t pull them down.
If you want a more natural look, create a DIY wreath using horse-safe materials like hay or non-toxic plants.
Photo Source: Hello-Hayley
4. Seasonal Lanterns
Lanterns are a charming way to add a cozy glow to your barn during autumn. You can place battery-powered lanterns or flameless candles around the barn to create a warm, inviting ambiance. These look great when placed on hay bales, mounted near entryways, or arranged on a table in your lounge area. The key is to opt for flameless options to avoid fire hazards.
Photo source: Be Right Back by Mary
5. Dried Corn & Cornstalks
Dried corn and cornstalks are classic autumn decorations that give a harvest feel to your barn. You can hang dried corn on stall doors or arrange cornstalks along the sides of walkways. Keep them in places that are out of your horse's reach to avoid any mess or accidents. Cornstalks are also great for creating decorative arches near your barn’s entrance.
Photo Source Pinterest
6. Autumn Banners and Signs
Adding seasonal banners or signs with messages like "Welcome to Fall" or "Happy Harvest" can bring a joyful spirit to your barn. You can hang these signs on barn doors, over the tack room, or outside your barn’s courtyard. Choose signs made from weatherproof materials if they’ll be placed outdoors.
Photo Source: Lushome
7. Plaid Blankets & Throws
Bring some autumn warmth to your tack room or lounge area by adding cozy, plaid blankets or throws. These can be draped over benches, hay bales, or chairs, creating a welcoming space for you and your fellow equestrians to relax. Stick to colors like deep reds, oranges, and earthy browns to tie into the fall theme.
For a bonus, have a couple of horse-sized blankets in fall colors ready for your horses’ photoshoots!
Photo Source: Bronte by Moon
8. Dried Flower Bouquets
Dried flower bouquets featuring sunflowers, wheat, or wildflowers can add a natural touch to your autumn décor. Place these bouquets in vases in your tack room, office, or barn aisle. These flowers bring the beauty of the outdoors inside and are easy to maintain. Be sure to use non-toxic flowers and keep them well out of reach from your horses.
Photo source: Youtube Tutorial
9. Rustic Wooden Crates
Wooden crates can be both decorative and functional in your barn adding a rustic feel. Stack them near stalls or in your tack room and fill them with autumn-themed items like small pumpkins, faux leaves, or seasonal flowers.
Photo source: Civil Jungles
10. Autumn Garland
A simple way to enhance your barn’s atmosphere is by hanging autumn garland. Whether you choose faux leaves, acorns, or mini pumpkins, garlands can be draped across stall fronts, barn doors, or along the walls of your tack room. They’re lightweight and easy to hang, making them a quick but effective way to dress up the space.
Photo Source: A cottage in the city
We hope these autumn décor ideas bring a cozy, seasonal charm to your barn, creating a warm and welcoming environment for both you and your horses. Whether it’s a few pumpkins by the stalls or a rustic autumn garland along the barn doors, small touches can go a long way in capturing the beauty of fall.
If you’re looking for more inspiration on how to prepare for fall, check out our blog - 5 Tips to Prepare Your Horse Barn for Fall.
