By Dave and Mary

Fall Decorating with Scarecrows:

Bringing Harvest Charm to Your Porch

There's something undeniably heartwarming about a scarecrow in autumn. Long before they became whimsical porch decorations, scarecrows stood tall in fields, guarding crops and symbolizing the harvest season.

Today, they're more about charm than utility, but the nostalgia remains. Whether playful, rustic, or elegant, scarecrows bring a touch of tradition and a lot of personality to fall porch decorating.

If you're considering giving your porch a seasonal refresh this year, scarecrows are one of the most versatile and welcoming additions you can make. Here are some ways to use them thoughtfully, along with tips for styling them so your home radiates fall cheer from the moment guests arrive.

Make or Buy a Scarecrow for Decorating?

We are huge fans of building your own scarecrow. If you haven't seen our "how to build a scarecrow" tutorial yet, please do so. Otherwise, when you build your own you can make sure it fits perfectly with your overall porch theme. Not only that but you can make them any size you want as well.

Buying a full size scarecrow is not often the easiest to find. They are are often available at places like Track Supply or Farm and Fleet, and sometimes Hobby Lobby. Otherwise, it's hit and miss at places like Lowe's.

front entrance fall decorating ideas

Choosing the Right Scarecrow Style

Not all scarecrows are the same?and that?s where the fun begins. By picking a style that complements your home, you can create a cohesive and inviting fall look.

    Rustic Farmhouse Scarecrows: These often wear plaid shirts, denim overalls, and straw hats, paired with burlap details. They give an authentic ?harvest at the farm? vibe, perfect for a country-style porch.

    Whimsical or Family-Friendly Scarecrows: With big smiles, bright fabrics, and playful details, these bring a fun, storybook feel. Kids love them, and they?re great for adding cheer to smaller porches or family neighborhoods.

    Elegant Porch Scarecrows: For those who prefer subtle decor, look for scarecrows in neutral tones?cream, soft gray, muted orange. These can be paired with lanterns, white pumpkins, and mums for a polished look.

The beauty of scarecrows is that they work equally well standing tall, sitting comfortably, or peeking out from unexpected corners.

front entrance fall decorating ideas

Placement Ideas: Where Scarecrows Shine

Scarecrows are more versatile than most fall decorations because they can fit into both grand displays and subtle accents. Placement is key to making them feel intentional rather than random.

For Full-Size Scarecrows


If you've chosen a life-size scarecrow, here are a few placement ideas that make the most sense:

Against the Back Wall of the Porch

    A standing scarecrow at the rear of your porch creates a backdrop that sets the stage for other decor. Add hay bales, pumpkins, or a fall-themed wreath around it, and it becomes the focal point of your porch.

Tied to a Porch Column

    This gives the charming effect of the scarecrow ?standing guard.? Secure it with twine or raffia for a rustic touch, and surround the base with mums or gourds to soften the look.

In the Front Yard, Just Ahead of the Porch

    A scarecrow in the yard works almost like a greeter. Positioned with a small bale of straw or a rustic sign, it adds depth to your outdoor decor and invites visitors up to the porch.

front entrance fall decorating ideas

For Smaller Scarecrow Crafts and Images

Smaller scarecrow accents are wonderful for layering in charm. Try these placement ideas:

In Porch Windows

Mini scarecrow faces, sticker, window clings or cutouts in the windowpanes bring festive character without taking up floor space. They also look inviting from the street.

On Tables

Small seated scarecrows perched on side tables or even the dining set add personality. Pair them with lanterns, plaid napkins, or pumpkin centerpieces for a cozy vibe.

On Porch Railings

Use scarecrow garlands or tie small plush scarecrows to railings with raffia or burlap bows. It creates continuity across your porch without overwhelming the overall look.

front entrance fall decorating ideas

Pairing Scarecrows with Other Fall Decor

Scarecrows shine brightest when they're part of a layered fall arrangement. A porch decorated with just one scarecrow can feel incomplete, but paired with harvest elements, the effect is magical.

    Pumpkins and Gourds: Stack them in varying sizes near your scarecrow for a rich, colorful harvest display. White pumpkins pair especially well with neutral or elegant scarecrows.

    Hay Bales and Corn Stalks: These add height and texture, making the scarecrow feel at home. Place a hay bale under a sitting scarecrow for a natural seat.

    Autumn Flowers: Mums, marigolds, and ornamental kale bring life and color. Choose warm shades like golden yellow and burnt orange to complement a rustic scarecrow.

    Rustic Signs: Wooden signs with "Happy Fall" or "Harvest Blessings" tie the whole theme together and make your porch feel more personal.

The Welcoming Effect of Scarecrows

What makes scarecrows so special in fall decorating is their personality. Pumpkins and flowers are beautiful, but a scarecrow smiles back at you?it adds warmth, character, and a sense of play. Children often wave at them, neighbors smile when they pass, and guests immediately feel the cozy welcome of the season.

More Fall Porch Decorating Ideas

front entrance decorating ideas Front Entrance Fall Decorating Ideas

Decorating your front door / entrance area is the funnest part of fall.

Decorative Front Door Wreaths
Decorative Front Door Wreaths

Front door wreaths are fabulous for capturing your eyes, drawing attention to your front door, and welcoming your friends and neighbors to your porch!

how to build a scarecrow
How to Build a Scarecrow

Learning how to make a scarecrow is pretty easy and fun for all ages.

Fall Apple Porch decorating
Decorating with Apples

If you're looking for a fresh twist on seasonal styling, try these fall apple decorations for front porches to celebrate autumn's charm.


Mary and Dave, Founders of Front Porch Ideas and More
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Hi! We're Mary and Dave, lifelong DIYers, high school sweethearts, and we both love porches. You've come to the right place for thousands of porch ideas.
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At no extra cost to you, we earn a commission by referring you to some products on merchant sites. See our disclosure policy.
We, Front Porch Ideas and More, confirm, as stated on our privacy policy, that we do not sell personal information.

All content here is solely for presenting ideas. We recommend consulting with a licensed, experienced contractor before you begin your project.
We make no guarantees of accuracy or completeness of information on our site or any links to other websites contained here.


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