Fall is the perfect excuse to start sticking pumpkins, mums, and random twigs into anything that looks remotely like a container!
They can really dress up your porch, doorway or walkway for the season.
And you can do a rustic fall planter or something more minimalist to fit your vibe.
The ones I put out look like I planned ahead and spent a ton of time making them, but really I just threw some fall foliage and pumpkins into a planter and called it a day.
Or maybe you want to go with a farmhouse look using wooden barrels or crates.
Or some bright pops of color in a metal wash tub.
You can even put some mums in a terracotta pot and it’ll look beautiful on your front step!
Anyway, there are tons of ways to style planters and mix textures that are easier than they look.
Here are some of my fave fall planters for welcoming autumn:
1. Pampas Grass Planter
Pampas grass has that big fluffy look that makes any planter feel like a showstopper.
Surround it with a few mums or marigolds and you’ve got both height and color working together.
A deep pot keeps the tall plumes steady, while the flowers at the base fill in the gaps.
This one is totally effortless but looks gorgeous on a front step or porch!
2. Wooden Barrel Planter
Nothing says “fall” quite like a chunky wooden barrel full of color and it has a beautiful farmhouse look.
Just plant some mums or kale (or both!) in the center, then stack pumpkins around the edges like little accents.
Yes, you can absolutely use kale in your planters! It has an amazing curly texture.
It ends up looking like the porch version of a harvest table.
3. Cascading Leaves
If you’re looking for something more dramatic, you can always plant ivy or sweet potato vines to trail down the side of the planter.
Then fill in the rest with tall flowers for some balance.
Stick with a simple pot so the leaves get all the attention.
And the more they spill the better it looks!
4. Dried Fall Foliage Planter
You don’t have to keep your flowers fresh to get a fall vibe.
Things like dried corn stalks, wheat, or even a bundle of branches makes a nice rustic planter (and one that will last all season!).
Just stick them in a sturdy pot and tuck in some dried leaves or hydrangea for color.
A few pumpkins wouldn’t hurt either.
5. Short Concrete Planters
Planters don’t have to be tall to look amazing.
Short concrete planters are nice and neutral so you can add in some compact fall plants like mums, drawf grasses, or pansies.
A couple of them lined up together on the steps can make your home look even more inviting.
And you can reuse them in the spring and summer as well (instead of trying to heft the concrete around).
6. Long Wooden Planter
Think of this one as a fall display box!
Instead of planting, just line it with potted mums, asters, or mini pumpkins and let them sit side by side.
So easy.
Add a few gourds or pinecones between pots for texture.
7. Bronze Planter
Bronze adds a touch of shine that feels warm and classy for fall.
Fill one with just mums, either in one color or pick two shades if you want a little contrast.
The metallic base makes even simple blooms look dressed up.
8. Window Planter
Window boxes are made for seasonal swaps, and fall is no exception.
Tuck in some mums, pansies, or trailing ivy so it spills over the edge.
Adding a few mini pumpkins or gourds between the plants makes the whole box pop.
It’s an instant way to bring autumn color right up to the windows!
9. Pumpkin Planters
Hollow out a few pumpkins and use them as natural pots!
And line the inside with a bit of plastic to help them last longer.
Then drop in mums or succulents and that’s it!
Group three or four together on the steps for a fun, layered look.
10. Wicker Basket Planters
A wicker basket gives that cozy farmhouse feel with zero fuss.
Line it with some plastic and pop in a mum, tuck in some dried leaves, and maybe tie a ribbon around the handle.
You can even just drop the pot of flowers in if you don’t want to get messy.
I love this idea because the basket itself does most of the decorating for you.
11. Galvanized Tub Planter
Super rustic!
Fill one with soil and a mix of mums, kale, and trailing ivy, or just pile it with pumpkins.
Either way, the size makes it a real statement piece.
All you really need is one tub on your step and it becomes a beautiful fall focal point.
12. Fake Fall Foliage Planter
Not every planter has to be alive to look good.
Grab some faux leaves, branches, or even fake pumpkins and arrange them in a pot.
Mixing in a few dried elements makes it feel more natural.
It’s a low-maintenance option that still brings plenty of seasonal color.
(And you can put it away for next year!)
13. Minimalist Planter
To create a minimalist fall planter, just pick two colors or one shade and stick with it.
It may sound boring, but it actually creates a bold look.
Greens and whites are crisp and modern but you can also do something like orange and yellow for a warmer look.
Plant some mums, grasses, or kale that fit the palette and let the colors do all the work!
Pick two colors and stick with them for a bold look. Greens and whites are crisp and modern, while oranges and yellows feel warm and traditional. Plant mums, grasses, or kale that fit the palette and let the colors do the work. Keeping it simple makes it feel intentional and stylish.
14. Terracotta Planter
A classic terracotta pot always works for fall.
The warm orange tones already match the season, so just drop in mums, grasses, or even a small evergreen for contrast.
Group a few pots of different sizes together to create a layered look on your steps.
It has a natural and earthy vibe that fits in with any decor style.
Bringing Your Porch to Life With Fall Planters
Fall planters are one of those simple swaps that make a porch feel cozy the minute you step outside.
Mix and match the ideas that catch your eye, and your outdoor space will be ready to welcome cooler days, crunchy leaves, and maybe even a few neighbors stopping to admire your handiwork!
