You can embrace fall season, whether it’s home, school, or office, with my favorite fall door decorating contest ideas. Like other fall contests, this one will also bring people together, showcase creativity, and have a blast.
Let the fun begin with the 21 best DIY fall door decorating ideas to inspire everyone!
Why Organize Fall Door Decorating Contest?
Fall is all about warm colors, cozy vibes, and pumpkin-spiced everything. By organizing a fall door decorating contest, you can bring these elements to your space and add a touch of fun and excitement. It’s a great way to celebrate the season, get into the festive spirit, and create a sense of community.
For example, a fall door decorating contest in elementary school can encourage students to be creative and work together. In an office setting, it can bring colleagues closer and foster teamwork. And in a neighborhood, it can bring people of different backgrounds together and build relationships.
Moreover, organizing a fall door decorating contest is a cost-effective and easy way to decorate your space without spending too much time or money. With DIY skills, you can create stunning decorations within a budget and make your door stand out.
It’s also an excellent opportunity for individuals to showcase their talents and express themselves through art. Whether painting, crafting, or using different materials, there are endless possibilities to make creative and eye-catching fall door decorations.
20 Best DIY Fall Door Decorating Contest Ideas For Everyone
It’s time to get inspired and start planning your fall door decoration. Here are 21 of the best DIY ideas that you can use for your next fall door decorating contest:
#1. Pumpkin Patch Door:
A Pumpkin Patch Door is a classic fall door decorating contest choice. You’ll need craft paper in various shades of orange to create this. Begin by cutting out different-sized pumpkin shapes from the craft paper. You can add details to these pumpkins using a black marker – don’t forget to draw the lines that give pumpkins their character.
Cut out pieces from brown craft paper for the stalk and attach them to the top of your pumpkins. You can then arrange these paper pumpkins on your door to create a pumpkin patch effect. For added dimension, consider using double-sided tape to stick some pumpkins onto the door, giving the illusion of a densely populated pumpkin patch.
You can finish the decoration by adding a banner or a sign saying “Welcome to the Pumpkin Patch” or any other festive message. Remember, the key to nailing this design is maintaining the warm, earthy tones characteristic of a real pumpkin patch.
#2. Autumn Leaf Cascade:
An Autumn Leaf Cascade is a cool idea that brings the essence of fall to your door. This is one of the best ideas for fall decorations for the door!
Craft this design; you’ll need faux autumn leaves in vibrant reds, oranges, and earthy browns. Measure your door to determine the number of leaf strands needed. Vary the length of each strand to create a cascading effect.
Attach each leaf to the fishing line using a hot glue gun, spacing them evenly. Attach the strands to the top of the door frame, descending staggered like falling leaves.
Add a welcoming sign or fall elements like pumpkins or pine cones for a personal touch. The Autumn Leaf Cascade captures the spirit of fall and transforms your door into a picturesque autumn landscape.
#3. Harvest Wreath Door:
The Harvest Wreath Door is a charming and elegant decoration that captures the essence of the fall harvest. It features elements like corn, wheat, and other fall produce arranged beautifully into a wreath.
To create this wreath, begin with a sturdy frame like a grapevine wreath and gather the desired components, such as dried corn, wheat bundles, miniature pumpkins, and fall-colored leaves.
Attach these elements using a hot glue gun, creating a balanced and visually pleasing arrangement. Add a festive bow or a fall-themed sign for a finishing touch. Once completed, hang the Harvest Wreath on your door using a strong wreath hanger. This harvest-themed decoration will bring the bounty and beauty of fall to your doorstep.
#4. Spooky Halloween Theme:
Looking to win a Halloween door decorating contest? A spooky theme is always a hit! Get creative and add scary elements to your door decoration. One cool idea is to make a haunted house scene. Just grab black craft paper, markers, and scissors, and sketch and cut out shapes like an old house, graveyard, and creepy trees.
Add eerie details like cobwebs, bats, or a full moon for extra effect. You can choose a character-based design with witches, black cats, ghosts, or ghoulish pumpkins. Use craft paper, glue, and markers to cut out and stick your chosen characters on the door.
Try some 3D elements like fake spider webs, plastic spiders, or a hanging ghost for a spookier touch.
Read also: Categories for Halloween costume contest
#5. Door Decor for Thanksgiving:
The Thanksgiving Gratitude Door is a heartfelt and meaningful way to celebrate the season of giving thanks. This door decor for Thanksgiving is visually appealing and a way of fostering gratitude and positivity in the community.
Start with a base of brown craft paper to cover the door, serving as the ‘canvas’ for gratitude messages. Cut out leaf shapes from fall-colored craft papers like orange, red, yellow, and brown. These leaves will be ‘gratitude leaves.’
Invite everyone – students, colleagues, neighbors – to write something they’re thankful for on a leaf. Stick the leaves onto the door to create a beautiful ‘tree of gratitude.’ Add a banner or sign titled ‘Tree of Gratitude’ at the top. This decor cultivates gratitude and community spirit, reminding us of the good in our lives.
#6. Scarecrow Guard:
Looking for a front door decorating contest idea? How about a Scarecrow Guard? It’s a super fun and whimsical design that perfectly embodies the essence of fall. To create this awesome look, gather some burlap fabric, hay or straw, old clothes for the scarecrow’s body, craft paper for the face, and other fantastic details.
Create the scarecrow’s frame using hay or straw stuffed into old clothes and arrange it on your door. Cut out facial features from craft paper, or use natural items like eye buttons and a straw hat for the head.
Use double-sided tape to stick candy corn onto the scarecrow’s shirt for added autumn vibes. You can add other elements like fall leaves, pumpkins, or a mini scarecrow beside your guard.
#7. Fall Festival:
Transform your doorstep into a vibrant and festive Fall Festival with our door decor. Experience the joy of a fall fair right at home. Craft paper in various colors, markers, and a hot glue gun are all required to create this delightful design.
Make a fall fair scene using craft paper. Cut out shapes of Ferris wheels, pumpkins, candy apples, hay bales, and kettle corn stands. Arrange these elements on the door to create a panoramic view of a bustling Fall Festival.
Add details like twinkling lights, colorful banners, and tiny paper people enjoying the festival to make the scene come alive. For a 3D effect, create small paper mache pumpkins and place them at the base of the door.
#8. Cozy Knit Patterns:
Cozy Knit Patterns is a delightful and inviting door decor concept that brings the cozy essence of fall-knitted patterns to your doorstep. To create this charming piece, you’ll require a large knitted mat or rug in warm tones such as browns, oranges, or reds to perfectly complement the autumn season.
Stick the mat to your door using strong double-sided tape or adhesive hooks. Make a small wreath or banner using smaller knit pieces in different patterns and colors to add charm. You could even throw in dried flowers, autumn leaves, or mini pumpkins for that fall touch.
The Cozy Knit pattern door decor gives a warm welcome and perfectly captures the cozy indoor feel during those chilly autumn days.
#9. Chalkboard Autumn:
Chalkboard Autumn is a creative and customizable door decor idea that allows you to switch up the design every season. Start with a chalkboard or black foam board cut to fit your door’s size.
Using colorful chalk markers, draw autumn-inspired designs like pumpkins, leaves, and acorns or fall words like ‘thankful’ and ‘harvest.’ You can even add a seasonal quote or your family’s name to make it personalized.
The best part about this decor is that you can easily erase and change the design for each season, making it a versatile and fun option. It also lets you get creative and switch things up whenever possible.
#10. Classic Curb Appeal:
Sometimes, simplicity is the key to stunning door decor. The Classic Curb Appeal style incorporates classic fall elements like pumpkins, mums, and hay bales into your front porch or doorstep.
Place a large pumpkin on each side of your door, either carved or with a simple ‘welcome’ message written in marker. Add potted mums in warm autumn colors and stack hay bales to create a cozy fall vibe.
This decor style is easy to achieve, budget-friendly, and showcases the classic beauty of autumn, making it a popular choice for many homeowners.
#11. Fall Fairy Tale Door:
The Fall Fairy Tale door is a whimsical and enchanting decor idea that brings all the magical autumn vibes to your doorstep. You only need some craft paper in fall colors, markers, and a hot glue gun to craft this amazing design.
First, cut out shapes like fairies, mushrooms, cute little forest animals, and falling leaves from the craft paper. Then, simply arrange these elements on your door to create a charming fall fairy tale scene. You can use markers to add lively details to the fairy and animals.
For a touch of magic, don’t forget to sprinkle some glitter on the fairy’s wings and the tips of the mushrooms. And if you’re feeling extra adventurous, why not add a fairy door at the base of your real door?
#12. Vintage Fall:
Adding a touch of vintage charm to your doorstep, the Vintage Fall door decor is just right for those who adore that nostalgic autumn vibe. Gather some old window frames or shutters and fall-inspired decorations like pumpkins, corn stalks, and garlands.
First, paint the window frames in warm fall colors like brown or orange. Then, arrange them on your door and use small nails or adhesive hooks to secure them. Add some pumpkins and corn stalks around the frames and hang garlands of dried leaves or twigs for vintage flair.
This decor is perfect for those who love a rustic and cozy fall feel, making it a top choice for many homeowners.
#13. Enchanted Forest:
Get ready to experience the enchantment of an Enchanted Forest right at your doorstep with this amazing door decor idea. You will need some craft paper in fall colors, scissors, and a hot glue gun.
Cut out shapes like trees, animals, and leaves from the craft paper. Choose warm colors like brown, red, orange, and yellow to capture the true essence of fall. Arrange these elements on your door to create a captivating forest scene transporting you to a magical world.
For an extra touch of charm, add fairy lights or lanterns to light up the forest and create a warm and inviting atmosphere. This decor idea is perfect for those who adore fantasy and nature, and it’s one of the most unique and creative options for fall door decor.
#14. Harvest Bounty:
Celebrate the bountiful harvest season with this vibrant and colorful door decor idea. To create this look, you’ll need a variety of fall produce, such as pumpkins, gourds, corns, and sunflowers.
Start by arranging these elements on both sides of your door or in a small wagon near your doorstep. To complete the look, add hay bales, a scarecrow, and a sign that reads ‘Harvest Time.’
This door decor idea is perfect for those who love the natural beauty of fall and want to showcase it in all its colorful glory. It’s also a great way to support local farmers by using their produce as part of your decor.
#15. Rustic Sunflower Door:
Sunflowers are a classic symbol of fall, making them the perfect choice for a door decor idea. The Rustic Sunflower Door incorporates natural elements like sunflowers, burlap, and twine to create a charming rustic look.
First, wrap your door with burlap or add a burlap wreath as a base. Then, attach some faux or real sunflowers in a cluster using twine. You can also add some twigs, pinecones, and leaves to add more texture and depth to your design.
This door decor idea is simple yet elegant, bringing together the warmth of autumn and the charm of rustic style. It’s also budget-friendly and easy to create for those who enjoy a DIY project.
#16. Owl’s Nest Door:
The Owl’s Nest Door decor is a playful and charming idea for those looking for something unique this fall. This decor is about crafting an adorable owl family and their cozy nest on your door. You’ll need some brown and white craft paper, scissors, glue, and a few branches to picture this design on the door.
Firstly, cut out shapes representing owls, including their eyes and wings, from the craft paper. Don’t forget to create different-sized owls to represent a family. Then, secure the branches onto your door in a nest using glue or a hot glue gun.
Place your owl cut-outs on and around the nest, creating a delightful scene of an owl family. You can also create and hang a ‘Welcome to our nest’ sign on your door for added charm. This decor idea is perfect for individuals who love to infuse whimsy and creativity into their fall decor.
#17. Apple Orchard Entrance:
If you love the fresh scent of apples in autumn, the Apple Orchard Entrance is a must-have door decor idea. You only need real or fake apples, a basket or crate, and burlap material.
Cover your door with burlap or utilize a burlap wreath as a foundation. Next, meticulously arrange the apples in a basket or crate and position them near your doorstep. For an organic touch, consider incorporating dried leaves or twigs.
This door decor idea is simple yet captivating, perfect for those who want a traditional and timeless autumn vibe. Also, it’s a budget-friendly solution that takes just a few minutes to set up.
#18. Golden Autumn Glow:
Get ready to capture the golden glow of autumn with this awesome door decor idea. All you need are some faux pumpkins, leaves, and flowers in warm shades like yellow, orange, and red.
Start by decking out your door with a wreath of dried leaves or twigs. Then, arrange the faux pumpkins and flowers around the wreath to create a jaw-dropping fall display. Add fairy lights or lanterns for extra charm and coziness.
This door decor idea is perfect for showing off the natural beauty of autumn stylishly and elegantly. Also, it’s super versatile—you can mix colors and elements to match your style.
#19. Fallen Leaves Pathway:
Transform your front doorway into a picturesque pathway with the Fallen Leaves Pathway door decor. This idea involves creating a colorful and inviting entrance using fallen leaves.
Start by sweeping or raking fallen leaves towards your doorstep, leaving enough space for walking. You can also add some pumpkins or lanterns along the sides of the path for added charm. For an extra touch of whimsy, sprinkle some glitter on the leaves to create a sparkling effect.
This door decor idea is perfect for those who enjoy outdoor activities and love to embrace the natural beauty of fall. It’s also a budget-friendly option that requires minimal effort but yields maximum impact.
#20. Candy Corn Colors:
The Candy Corn Colors door decor draws inspiration from the timeless autumn confection, candy corn. To execute this decorative idea, you will require craft paper in white, orange, and yellow, scissors, and a hot glue gun.
Begin by cutting out large triangles from the craft paper, ensuring an ample amount to cover the entirety of your door. Then, meticulously arrange and affix the triangles to your door using the hot glue gun, following a pattern miming the color gradient of candy corn – white at the top, orange in the middle, and yellow at the bottom.
To enhance the texture and depth of your door decor, consider incorporating a wreath of fall leaves or a bundle of dried corn stalks on the sides.
If you want to decorate your home front door, the below video may help.
How Do You Organize a Fall Door Decorating Contest?
To organize a fall door decorating contest, here are some basic steps you can follow:
Step 1. Set a date and establish participation guidelines:
Set a specific date for the contest and decide who is eligible to participate (e.g., only employees, residents of a neighborhood, etc.). Also, consider setting certain rules or themes to guide participants. For example, you can have a ‘spooky’ theme for Halloween or a ‘harvest’ theme for Thanksgiving.
Step 2. Spread the word:
Use various communication channels (e.g. social media, emails, flyers) to promote the contest and encourage participation. You can also create a sign-up sheet or online form for participants to register.
Step 3. Create a judging system:
Determine how winners will be selected (e.g., by popular vote, judges’ scores, etc.) and establish clear criteria for judging (e.g., creativity, use of materials, adherence to theme). In addition, decide on the prizes for winners, including gift cards, seasonal treats, or a trophy.
Step 4. Gather prizes:
Consider contacting local businesses for donations or creating prizes to motivate participants. Remember, your prize selection doesn’t have to be extravagant; even small tokens can be appreciated.
For example, if the contest runs at an elementary school, you could award winners with gift cards or vouchers to a local ice cream shop or bookstore.
Step 5. Establish submission and voting procedures:
Decide how participants will submit their entry (e.g., photo, in-person) and how voting will take place (e.g., online, physical ballots). Consider using a platform like SurveyMonkey or Google Forms for online voting to collect and tally votes. Make sure to communicate these procedures clearly to all participants.
Step 6. Announce winners and celebrate:
Once the contest ends, announce the winners and recognize all participants for their efforts. Consider hosting an awards ceremony or distributing prizes to the winners. This is also a great opportunity for a community gathering and bonding over the festive season.
Step 7. Share photos and memories:
Take pictures of all the participants’ door decorations and share them on social media or in a newsletter to showcase the creativity and effort put into each entry. This can also serve as inspiration for future contests and bring a sense of pride and accomplishment to the participants.
Organizing a fall door decorating contest is fun and engaging to bring people together and celebrate the season.
FAQs on Fall Door Decorating Contest Ideas
How to win a fall door decorating contest?
To increase your chances of winning, consider incorporating elements such as creativity, use of materials, and adherence to the theme. Also, pay attention to details and put effort into designing visually appealing and unique door decor.
In the case of virtual voting, promoting your entry on social media and encouraging friends and family to vote can also make a difference. You can also buy votes from a reputed vote seller.
Read also: How to win a door decorating contest?
Can I use store-bought decorations for the contest?
Yes, you can use store-bought decorations for the contest. However, incorporating DIY elements or personal touches can make your entry stand out and showcase creativity.
Is there an age limit for participating in the fall door decorating contest?
This would depend on the specific guidelines and rules the contest organizer sets. Some contests may be open to participants of all ages, while others may have a specific age range.
It’s best to check with the organizer beforehand to confirm age restrictions. For example, if an elementary school hosts a contest, it may be limited to students and their families.
How do you judge a fall door decorating contest?
To judge a fall door decorating contest, consider using a scoring system that evaluates factors such as creativity, use of materials, and adherence to the theme. You can also have a panel of judges who collectively decide on winners or opt for the popular vote, where participants and/or the public vote for their favorite entry.
Conclusion:
These 20 fall door decor ideas will inspire and add warmth, charm, and creativity to your home’s exterior this autumn. From classic wreaths to whimsical creations, there is something for every taste and style. So go ahead and pick your favorite idea or mix and match different elements to create your unique design.
