Stylish Summer Decor Ideas That Can Be Easily Swapped Out After The Season
No one can fault you for being partial to summers. They're vivacious, magical, and positively teeming with life. Luckily, you can give your interiors a refresh to embrace this season in all its glory without undertaking elaborate renovations like repainting your house in summer-y tones. Such projects won't just be tiring for you but also commandeer a significant chunk of your income. The key is to focus on decor ideas that are budget-friendly, will last a few years, and can be easily swapped out after the season, allowing you to seamlessly changeover your house from summer to fall.
While daunting, changing your home decor according to the seasons has two benefits. One, your eyes won't get bored of the current theme and will appreciate a new decor scheme. Two, you'd be well-positioned to take advantage of the latest interior decor craze, including stealing Nate Berkus' easy decor idea to channel one of summer's hottest design trends. Remember, you don't have to go all out. Something as simple as displaying the colorful seasonal fruits in a gorgeous bowl in your kitchen or on your dining room table will set the tone. Summer-esque decor items and organic textures can be easily swapped out as the cooler months come closer. Need a nudge in the right direction? Here are a few decor ideas that are easily swappable. We have also included a few product recommendations to get your creative juices flowing and prepare your house for the next change of season.
Adorn your windows with seasonally-appropriate curtains
Curtains are one of the easiest summer decor items that can be replaced once the season is through. Available in a variety of materials, colors, and styles, you can easily hang up a material that reflects the season you're in. For example, summer-appropriate fabrics are cotton, linen, bamboo, grass, or paper cloth, or sheer materials like organza, voile, and chiffon, silk, and breathable synthetic fabrics. If you experience abnormally hot summers and need curtains that'll promote airflow, cotton and linen are your best bet. Similarly, if you want to let some light in on long summer days, a sheer fabric would be ideal. Once the season is over, you can switch them for heavier fabrics, like twill or velvet.
Consider the pros and cons of each material before buying your summer window treatment. For instance, if you're on a tight budget, choose polyester or synthetic blends. Alternatively, silk will give your room a luxurious feel, but it must be dry-cleaned. Check out SMILE WEAVER's 63-inch sheer curtains, which cost about $23 on Amazon and have an average rating of 4.6 stars. A customer opines they look "very pretty when they're hung up." Otherwise, consider Winston Porter's floral sheer curtains that cost about $20 (for a set of two) on Wayfair.
Embrace summer with fresh-cut seasonal flowers in a vase
Fresh-cut flowers in a striking vase can prettify your interiors and make them seem more inviting. But that's not the only reason you should display them. A 2005 exploratory flower study undertaken by a team of Dutch researchers linked florals with happiness. However, not just any old bouquet will make your interiors scream 'summer.' You must get vibrantly colored and brilliantly textured seasonal blooms to get your home summer-ready. Moreover, seasonal flowers are typically sustainably sourced and can be effortlessly swapped with fall blooms once the weather turns. To swap faux flowers, take them out the vase, give them a good wipe (gently, of course), and store them in an air-tight container. Avoid packing the containers too tightly, as this will hinder airflow.
Incorporate some summer blooms into neutral-colored vases that can be reused from season to season. Fill them with dahlias, caladiums, begonias, lilies, gladiolus, moonflowers, sunflowers, hydrangeas, lavenders, and roses for summer,then with daisies and chrysanthemums for fall. Display a single variety (or two), or craft stunning colorful bouquets using a variety of blooms. However, if you'd rather not change the fresh-cut blooms every few days, employ a few game-changing tricks that make artificial flowers look real. For instance, you must buy quality faux flowers to pass them off as real. We recommend ordering AmyHomie's artificial sunflower bouquet from Amazon. Credited with "bringing the sunshine indoors," these flowers cost about $23. In case you're partial to red roses, get PrimRue's fabric rose arrangement in a vase for about $60 from Wayfair.
Outfit your backyard with a hammock
Hammocks are synonymous with summers and are the ultimate relaxation tool. Just imagine enjoying the latest fiction (or nonfiction) while working on your tan, attending could've-been-an-email Zoom calls while lying back comfortably, or taking a nap while being lulled by the hammock's rocking motion. Moreover, they perfectly channel bohemian chic decor, helping you cinch your home's aesthetic. The best part, though? You don't have to necessarily take them down when the weather cools. Outfit your hammock with a cozy outdoor blanket in moody colors and continue to enjoy it.
In case you don't have one, check out Bellzacasa's heavy-duty double hammock. It's available on Amazon for around $30, can handle 500 lbs, is made of canvas, and decorated with fishtail knitting and tassels. Hang the hammock in your backyard, get a freestanding unit, or try TikTok's woodworking DIY if you lack perfectly placed trees. In case that's not a viable option, locate wood studs indoors and order Bungalow Rose's Ezekiah 1-person hammock chair from Wayfair for under $85. Buyers think it's the "perfect addition to [a] she-shed." Before purchasing, ensure a hammock's weight capacity is right for you. For instance, a single hammock is best for individuals and can handle 400 to 500 pounds, whereas a double can comfortably fit two people and hold 500 to 600 pounds.
Weave in coastal or nautical decor touches
Few things in life can match the joys of going to the beach during summers and floating around aimlessly in the cool blue waters. Sadly, it might not always be possible, giving you a serious case of beach blues. There are a few trendy ways to bring a summer coastal look into your home. For instance, something as simple as decorating it with conch shells, driftwood, sea glass, miniature pirate ships, and lighthouse showpieces can help set a beach-inspired theme in your home. Seasonal decorations are swappable since they can be boxed when the summer season gives way to autumn and brought out again next year.
If you really want to capture the essence of the beach, collect a little sand the next time you visit one and decant it in a mason jar before proudly displaying it. Put in tiny seashells and rocks, or even decorate the jar with family photos and other art to evoke warm memories every time you look at it. Striped textiles are a good nautical choice, too. The options are practically endless. Experiment with artwork, textiles, and natural elements that remind you of the coast for a unique look. Want to start small? Try hanging Stupell Industries' boating knot art in your home. It's available on Amazon and retails for about $26. Similarly, grace your coffee table with Birch Lane's Modern Bingham book stack. The "blue color of the books are very beautiful," and the hardback set is available for $75 on Wayfair. Box up the decorations when the summer season gives way to autumn and bring them out again next year.
Upgrade your bedding seasonally
Your bedding has a significant impact on your bedroom's vibe and feel. Fortunately, it's easy to change from season to season. In the warmer months, you'll sleep best with breathable sheets made of natural materials like cotton, linen, and bamboo. These materials helpkeep your mattress cool during toasty summer nights. Follow a similar logic for your pillow and duvet covers. Try to stay within the 200 to 400 thread count range for both the sheets and covers to maximize airflow without sacrificing comfort. As for the duvet, forgo it if you experience exceptionally hot summers. Otherwise, check its tog rating to pick the right option. To illustrate, one with a tog rating of 2.5 to 4.5 is ideal for hot weather, provided the filling is made of natural materials like down, wool, bamboo, or eucalyptus silk. Once fall comes around, simply swap your thinner sheets and blankets for heavier materials in deep and toasty colors.
When it comes to choosing your bedding design in the summer season, focus on light or cheery shades and funky patterns to brighten up your bedroom. We like Amazon Basics' cotton jersey 4-piece king-sized bedsheet. Costing around $39 on Amazon, these bedspreads "are comfy and don't shrink." Complement the sheets with Bedsure's quilt set. The lightweight summer quilt costs about $37 on Amazon and is manufactured sustainably. And once fall arrives, these will be super simple to pack up and swap for thicker materials.
Outdoor fabrics are easily swapped out
With the sun shining brightly, it's only fair that you'd want to head outside and enjoy your outdoor spaces. However, the outdoor pillows and cushions on your hammock or patio furniture should be summer-appropriate. Durable fabrics bursting with colors and covered in interesting patterns fit the summer narrative just fine. While you might automatically pivot to cotton and linen since they're the unofficial summer fabrics, they likely won't be able to withstand the relentless rays of the sun and occasional rain. The covers will lose their shine and resemble a washed-out version of their former selves. However, if you want to stick with these light fabrics, bring them indoors each night. Fans of durability will appreciate materials like canvas, polyester, and Sunbrella (manufactured of 100% solution-dyed acrylic). Once the season is over, they can easily be switched with winter-heavy and jewel-toned cushion covers. But don't worry, you won't have to buy all new accent pillows or seat cushions to pull off the switch. Instead, you can just pop new covers over them.
To create your summer design, follow a solstice-inspired theme to bring your seasonal decor idea to life. For instance, DFXSZ offers a set of 18 x 18 inch, 4 outdoor summer pillow covers in linen. The radiant tones and sun motifs are available for about $16 on Amazon. Alternatively, consider TQONEP Store's set of 4 summer-themed throw pillow covers. Available as 18 x 18 inch cases, these outdoor-friendly, waterproof covers are hailed by reviewers for being cute and vivid and are available for around $10 on Amazon.
Summer rugs add an easy but playful touch
Rugs are another decor staple that can (and should!) be swapped each season. That's because your high-pile, cozy (read: heat-retaining) rugs are best suited to winters. Summer rugs are often categorized as low- or middle-pile since they have short and tight weaves. Add colorful (pastels work), thematic, and playful rugs in your bedroom, living room, dining room, and patio to update your home's seasonal decor. They're also pretty easy to switch, since you can simply clean and roll them up for storage in a cool and dry spot.
Rugs made of cotton, sisal, or jute don't trap heat, making them great for summer. Eco-conscious individuals can select rag rugs for indoor use. Get PET (polyethylene terephthalate) rugs for your outdoor space since they're manufactured from recycled plastic bottles and are easy to clean and maintain. Take a look at Chardin home's 5 x 7 feet 100% recycled cotton chindi rug. Retailing at about $50 on Amazon, the colorful rug will brighten your indoors. In case you want something more visually stimulating, Ebern Designs' stain-resistant floral rug might be more your style. The 4 x 6 rectangular rug is "so bright it makes you smile," says one reviewer. It costs about $50 on Wayfair.
Dress up your dining table to set the mood
The simple act of dressing your dining table for the season can be a mood-booster. Simply apply a new tablecloth and see your dining area transformed. The change can be subtle or bold, depending on the cloth's color, design, and style. Layer it with a coordinating runner (this is optional) and complementary table linens, and you're set to host a summer party in minutes. Take your attempts up a notch and outfit the table with colored dinnerware and light sources (candles, tiki torches, tea lights, and lanterns all work) paired with fresh-cut seasonal flowers. Swapping this summer decor idea is as simple as taking off the linens and napkins off your dining table and replacing them with autumn-hued ones.
Invest in high-quality tablecloths like ones made of cotton and linen to get the most out of your invested capital. Pick fun patterns, colors, and themes to spread the summer cheer. Have a look at Maison d' Hermine's 100% cotton 54 x 54 inch tablecloth available on Amazon for under $40. The traditional motifs and vibrant hues are sure to attract the eye and become a conversation starter. Wow your guests with Benson Mills' summer and spring party-themed 16 inch x 12 inch spill-proof table runner. The polyester cloth retails on Amazon for approximately $13. Don't forget to add fun napkins like August Grove's 6-set cotton food & drink square napkin from Wayfair for under $30. The "beautiful, summery napkin will be a perfect addition to your dining experience," says one reviewer. A citrus fruit motif keeps things fresh and lively.
Give your guests a sunny welcome with beautiful wreaths
Even after all your efforts to give your home a summer season update, the exterior might still look the same (especially if you don't have a garden going). Borrow a page from your fall decor playbook and give your guests a sunny welcome with beautiful wreaths. The bright colors will enhance your house's curb appeal and make your front door (or wraparound porch or patio) look more warm. The only caveat? Use seasonal flowers (real or artificial) for an authentic appearance. Or you can jump off the floral and greenery bandwagon and go with elements that define the hot season for you, like seashells, driftwood, anchors, coral motifs, and more. Wreaths are a swappable summer decor since all you have to do is take them down and replace them with fall-appropriate flowers or designs.
Whichever route you choose, consider its pros and cons adequately. For instance, live blooms will need constant care and will die under the sun's glare. On the other hand, good quality faux flower wreaths will offer the same look as real ones but cost a pretty penny. Case in point, Primrue's handcrafted faux mixed assortment 24-inch foam wreath will cost around $72 on Wayfair. But the good news is users "love the colors for spring and summer." If you don't have issues with the wreath looking a little fake, TOKCARE's 18-inch silk sunflower wreath is available on Amazon for about $36. While at it, update your door mats, too.