Pine Cones in Fall Decor: 20 Best Creative Ideas
I absolutely love fall decorating. There’s something magical about transforming my home into a cozy autumn retreat, and one of my favorite elements to work with is pine cones. They’re free, they’re everywhere, and they bring such natural beauty indoors.
Over the years, I’ve discovered countless ways to use pine cones in my fall decor. Today, I’m sharing twenty of my absolute favorite ideas with you. Whether you’re a seasoned decorator or just starting out, these projects will inspire you to see pine cones in a whole new light.
If you are looking to add some awesome fall shirts into your wardrobe this year, click on the images below. Use code FALL15 for a 15% discount on top of our current fall price while supplies last. That is a total of 40% OFF!!!! We ship to the USA and Canada.Â
SHOP THE LOOK!
1. Create a Stunning Centerpiece
I start with the basics. A simple bowl filled with pine cones makes an instant centerpiece. I like to mix different sizes and add some mini pumpkins or acorns for texture. Sometimes I’ll toss in a few cinnamon sticks too. The scent is incredible.
You don’t need anything fancy here. A wooden bowl works perfectly. So does a vintage dough bowl or even a wicker basket. The pine cones do all the work for you.
2. Make Scented Fire Starters
This project combines beauty with function. I melt some wax, add essential oils like cinnamon or orange, and dip my pine cones. Once they dry, I arrange them in a basket near the fireplace.
They look gorgeous, they smell amazing, and they actually help start fires. My guests always ask about them. It’s one of those projects that feels impressive but takes maybe thirty minutes to complete.
3. Design a Wreath for Your Front Door
Nothing says fall like a handmade wreath. I hot glue pine cones to a foam wreath form, filling in gaps with dried leaves or berries. Each wreath turns out unique.
The trick is varying the sizes of your pine cones. Small ones fill spaces nicely while larger ones create focal points. I usually spray paint some of them gold or copper for extra interest.
4. Fill Glass Hurricanes
I have several glass hurricane vases in different sizes. Filling them with pine cones creates instant fall ambiance. Sometimes I nestle a pillar candle in the center.
The glass shows off the pine cones beautifully. I’ll layer them with cranberries or add some fairy lights for evening glow. It’s simple but so effective.
5. String Them Into Garland
This takes a bit more time, but it’s worth it. I use a drill to make holes through the base of each pine cone, then string them on jute twine. The garland drapes beautifully over mantels or doorways.
You can make it as long or short as you need. I like to add dried orange slices between some of the pine cones. The contrast is really pretty.
6. Create Place Card Holders
For Thanksgiving dinner, I hot glue a small pine cone to a clothespin. Then I clip name cards to them. Your guests will love this personal touch.
You could also write names directly on the pine cones with a metallic paint pen. Either way works great. They double as party favors too.
7. Fill a Decorative Tray
I keep a wooden tray on my coffee table. In fall, I fill it with pine cones, small white pumpkins, and battery-operated candles. It pulls the whole room together.
The tray corrals everything nicely. Without it, the arrangement would feel scattered. With it, everything looks intentional and styled.
8. Make Napkin Rings
Hot glue small pine cones to jute rope or ribbon, form a ring, and you’ve got custom napkin rings. I make a full set each year.
They’re rustic and charming. They also photograph beautifully for those Instagram-worthy table shots. Your dinner table will look like something from a magazine.
9. Design a Candle Ring
I arrange pine cones in a circle around the base of pillar candles. It frames the candle perfectly and adds texture to the display.
For safety, I make sure the pine cones aren’t touching the flame. I also use LED candles sometimes. They give you the ambiance without any fire risk.
10. Craft a Fall Swag
I wire pine cones together with fall leaves and berries to create a swag for my mailbox or porch post. It’s like a wreath but longer and more casual.
The asymmetrical shape feels very organic and natural. I love how it moves slightly in the breeze. Neighbors always compliment it.
11. Fill Apothecary Jars
Large glass jars look beautiful filled with pine cones. I have three different sizes on my kitchen counter. They add height and visual interest.
The clear glass lets you see all the natural texture. Sometimes I’ll add a burlap ribbon around the lid. It’s that perfect blend of rustic and refined.
12. Create Ornamental Picks
I attach pine cones to floral wire or wooden skewers. Then I stick them into potted plants or flower arrangements. They add instant fall flair.
This works great for transitioning summer planters into fall. Your mums and ornamental kale suddenly look more intentional and designed.
13. Make a Ladder Display
I have a decorative ladder in my living room. In fall, I hang small baskets filled with pine cones from the rungs. It’s vertical decorating at its finest.
This works especially well in small spaces. You’re using wall space instead of floor space. Plus, the ladder itself becomes part of the decor.
14. Design Gilded Accents
I spray paint pine cones with metallic paint—gold, copper, rose gold, or silver. These become jewel-like accents throughout my home.
Just a few gilded pine cones mixed with natural ones creates sophisticated contrast. It elevates the whole look from purely rustic to something more elegant.
15. Fill a Wooden Bowl on Stairs
I place a large wooden bowl filled with pine cones on a stair landing. It’s an unexpected spot that adds character to an often-overlooked space.
The bowl also serves a practical purpose—it helps define the landing area. And it catches everyone’s eye as they go up and down the stairs.
16. Create Window Box Arrangements
My window boxes don’t have to go empty in fall. I fill them with pine cones, dried cornstalks, and small pumpkins. It extends my decorating to the exterior.
From inside, they frame the windows beautifully. From outside, they boost curb appeal. It’s a win-win situation that takes maybe twenty minutes to set up.
17. Make Mini Pine Cone Trees
I hot glue small pine cones to foam cone forms, working from bottom to top like scales. These little trees are adorable grouped on a mantel or shelf.
You can leave them natural or spray paint them. White ones look like they’re snow-covered. Green ones mimic traditional Christmas trees but with a fall twist.
18. Design a Tiered Tray Display
Tiered trays are having a moment, and I understand why. I fill mine with pine cones, miniature pumpkins, and small signs. Each level tells part of the fall story.
The height creates visual drama. It also lets you display more items in a small footprint. I change mine up every week or so to keep it fresh.
19. Create Chandelier Decorations
I tie pine cones to fishing line and hang them from my dining room chandelier at varying lengths. It brings the fall theme right over the table.
This works best with simple chandeliers. You don’t want to cover up a beautiful fixture. The pine cones should enhance it, not hide it.
20. Fill a Dough Bowl
My favorite piece is an antique dough bowl. In fall, I heap it with pine cones, adding in some bittersweet branches and dried hydrangeas. It sits on my dining table all season.
The long, shallow shape is perfect for a table centerpiece. You can see across it to talk to guests. And it runs the length of the table without taking up too much space.
Collecting and Preparing Your Pine Cones
Before you start decorating, you’ll want to collect and clean your pine cones properly. I gather mine on nature walks. Look under pine, spruce, and fir trees.
Bring them home and check for bugs. I bake mine in the oven at 200 degrees for about thirty minutes. This kills any insects and helps the cones open up fully.
Let them cool completely before using them. Some people like to clean theirs with a brush. I usually skip this step unless they’re really dirty.
Where to Find Pine Cones
If you don’t have access to trees, don’t worry. Many craft stores sell bags of pine cones. You can also find them online. Sometimes I’ll buy a bag just to get specific sizes I need.
Parks and nature preserves are great sources too. Just check the rules first. Some places don’t allow collecting. Always respect the environment and never strip an area bare.
Making Your Decor Last
Pine cones are incredibly durable. I’ve had some of mine for years. Store them in a cool, dry place when you’re not using them. A plastic bin works perfectly.
Keep them away from moisture to prevent mold. And check them periodically for signs of insect activity. As long as you take care of them, they’ll last season after season.
Combining Pine Cones with Other Elements
Pine cones work beautifully with so many other natural materials. I love pairing them with acorns, nuts, dried leaves, and berries. Pumpkins and gourds are obvious companions.
Don’t forget about candles, burlap, and plaid ribbon. These add warmth and texture. And fairy lights make everything magical, especially for evening ambiance.
The Cost-Effective Beauty of Pine Cones
Here’s what I love most about decorating with pine cones—they’re essentially free. A walk in the park costs nothing but gives you armfuls of decorating material.
Even if you buy them, they’re inexpensive. And they’re reusable year after year. Compare that to disposable decorations that you throw away after one season.
Final Thoughts
Pine cones have become one of my go-to decorating elements for fall. They’re versatile, beautiful, and bring the outdoors in. Every home can benefit from their natural texture and warmth.
I hope these twenty ideas inspire you to look at pine cones differently. Start with one or two projects and see where your creativity takes you. Before you know it, you’ll be spotting decorating potential in every pine cone you see.
This fall, embrace the simple beauty of nature. Your home will feel cozier, more inviting, and completely ready for the season. And you’ll have the satisfaction of creating something beautiful with your own hands.
If you love home decor and interior design as much as I do, check out these other articles I think you might like.Â
Best Fall Coastal Decor: Bringing Autumn Warmth to Your Beach Home
