Do you love the look of real pumpkins in your home for Fall, but aren’t sure just how to use them as decor?
I styled our bookshelf with a combination of real and faux pumpkins for a display that honors the round, classic Fall vegetable. Pumpkins are just cute, aren’t they?!
If you caught last Monday’s post you saw I went to the Found Cottage Mercantile Market. While I was there I picked up the most incredible heirloom pumpkins from a local farm.
Early Pumpkins
Keep Some Pumpkins Inside
They were meant for my front porch and they’ll get there eventually, but in the mean time I wanted to enjoy them inside. There just too pretty to only see when we’re coming and going from the house.
I took all the real pumpkins along with a few faux pumpkins I had collected and made a big pile. Then I waited for inspiration to hit.
Thankfully it did!
Make Room for Your Fall Decor
We have two large bookshelves that hold books of course and lovely things.
This Fall I decided they would hold pumpkins as well.
I cleared off several items to make room for the pumpkins.
Let’s be realistic, I know I’ll just store these pretty things in a box until after the New Year because before you know it it’ll be Christmas and you and I will want all our happy Christmas decor out front and center.
By the way, our plywood floors in this room are tough as nails and holding up beautifully.
You can read more about how we installed them here.
Styling Tip:
Turn your books with the spin facing away from you if you want a more neutral look to your shelf styling.
For this shelf display I wanted the pumpkins to stand out so I choose light book covers to display. Books with lighter, neutral colors help direct the eye to the beautiful muted tones of the pumpkins I selected.
Transforming Thrifted Faux Pumpkins
Before I started styling I had to paint the faux thrifted pumpkins.
Well, I didn’t have to but I certainly wanted to paint them. Most of the time I think paint is therapy and look for any excuse to haul out my paint brushes. I covered them in light pastels so the base color of orange came through just tiniest bit. This adds some depth to the painted faux pumpkins.
In the photo they look white, but in person they show more dimension. This was a fun job with little worry. Nothing has to be perfect and nothing truly is, especially nature.
Shelf Styling with Pumpkins for Fall
If you’re wondering how to style your shelves with pumpkins go with simplicity. It’s easier on you and usually ends up looking more polished and refined.
- Start by placing the larger pumpkins on the lower shelves of your bookshelf.
- Make you way up the shelf adding the larger pumpkins first. Once you’re at the top shelf you should have your smallest pumpkins.
- For diversity and to add interest, sneak in a smaller pumpkin here and there on the lower shelves.
I love the organic, natural look and feel of real pumpkins.
Although the display won’t last very long it is always a beautiful sight. Just like a real Christmas tree, real pumpkins are even more precious because of the temporal state.
Here are a few of the best deals i found online for faux pumpkins. Click each to shop!
Styling shelves with pumpkins is a lovely way to bring nature inside and celebrate the slow change of seasons.
Do you mix real with faux pumpkins for your Fall decor?
I love to hear form you. Let me know in the comments below!
MORE FALL INSPIRATION
- Save Money with a Thrifted Fall Table Setting
- Pottery Barn Inspired Fall Porch
- How to Successfully Repot a Ficus Tree
SAVE IT FOR LATER
Pin this image to your Pinterest account for later!
Maria! The pumpkins look beautiful on the shelves! Love the whole space.
Thanks Marie! I’m enjoying them inside before I bring them outside for Fall decor.
What a world apart from the bright orange pumpkins I picture for Halloween. I love how classy you made this. Great job.
Thank you Rachel! I do love the bright orange pumpkins as well though. 🙂
I’m obsessed with pumpkins! So, needless to say, loved seeing your amazing shelves filled with so many different shapes and sizes of them! The color combination looks perfect in your space! I also like to enjoy mine indoors before taking them outside!
I’m obsessed with them as well Donna! I want to plant a garden full next year. lol Thanks for your kind words.
your bookshelf with pumpkins looks amazing! What a great way to decorate your home for Fall. Simply beautiful.
I really appreciate that Meagan, thank you. I’m enjoying them inside for a little while longer. 🙂
The shelf styling with pumpkins for fall is the perfect way to add some sweetness to your home décor! These cute and Fall-appropriate plants will add a touch of whimsy to any room.
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I completely agree with you Emma, thanks for your comment!
The pumpkins look lovely on the shelves, and I love the muted colors. Thanks for sharing it with us at Thursday Favorite Things.
Hi Pam, thanks so much!
I can’t get enough of pumpkin anything for fall. These look great! Pinned
Thanks so much Cindy!
I love everything on these shelves…especially all of the interesting and unique pumpkins! So many great styling tips and inspiration! Really great blog post! ~Missy
Thank you Missy, I really enjoyed putting it all together. Sometimes it’s easy to overthink design but it should be fun!