DIY Fall Lighting Ideas to Transform Your Home Inside and Out
By Tracy Knoedler, Co-Founder & Lighting Expert – 08/20/25
The days are getting shorter. Crisp fall air is just around the corner. At Birddog Lighting, we look forward to the decorative lighting opportunities brought about by the change of seasons. Our remarkable fall and Halloween selection offers just the right lighting to make your home feel as warm as a pumpkin pie fresh from the oven. Fall décor isn’t just about mums and hay bales, it’s about creating a glow that makes every evening feel special.
These DIY, or as we like to say LIY (Light It Yourself), ideas will help you transform your home inside and out. Discover our expansive list of brilliant autumnal projects you can tackle in a single afternoon. Whether you’re prepping for Halloween, hosting Thanksgiving, or simply embracing sweater-weather vibes, you’ll find inspiration here to make every corner shine.
1. Instant Fall Porch Glow-up
Nothing says fall is here quite like a glowing pumpkin face to welcome the season. Instead of carving (and re-carving) real pumpkins, hang a LED Neon Jack-O’-Lantern Sign for a warm, bright outline that lasts year after year. The smooth neon glow is vivid, and the LED design means it’s energy-efficient and weather-ready.
Light It Yourself
- Choose your mounting spot — front porch wall, entry gate, or even a large window.
- Thread heavy-duty clear fishing line through the two pre-drilled holes to create a secure, nearly invisible hang.
- Use outdoor-rated screws or hooks to hang the sign securely.
- Plug into a GFCI outlet for safety.
- Add an outdoor timer so it switches on automatically at dusk.
- For extra drama, outline porch railings or columns with Orange Neon Rope Lights.
2. Mirror Magic for Cozy Corners
Adding Low-Profile 12V LED Strip Lights behind a foyer mirror creates a sophisticated, ambient glow that feels welcoming and high-end. The slim profile means you’ll see the light, not the fixture — perfect for layering in with fall décor like wreaths or candles.
Light It Yourself
- Clean the back edges of the mirror to ensure the adhesive sticks well.
- Cut the strip to size at marked intervals.
- Peel and stick along the back perimeter for a soft halo effect.
- Connect to a dimmer for adjustable brightness, from bright everyday lighting to a softer glow for gatherings.
3. Roofline Lighting for All Seasons
Install color-changing RGB Neon Rope Lights once and your roofline is set for every season. Glow orange and purple for Halloween, red and green for Christmas, blue for a wintery holiday, and warm white when it’s simply time to shine. Change it all in seconds with a remote or app.
Light It Yourself
- Measure your roofline to determine total footage. Check out our Simple Hacks to Measure Outdoor Lighting for tips on making this simple and accurate.
- Install using weatherproof mounting tracks for straight, secure lines.
- Connect to an RGB controller for easy color changes.
- Seal any cut ends with a waterproof kit to keep them performing through rain and snow.
4. The Only turkey That Won't Dry Out
This turkey isn’t just for Thanksgiving Day — he brings a warm glow from the first crisp fall evenings straight through the holiday season. He adds instant cheer to wherever he hangs out ... the dining room, a front window, or even the kitchen (although he'd rather not). Bright, playful, and impossible to miss, he’s the easiest way to give your space a festive edge without lifting more than a finger.
Light It Yourself
- Pick a spot where he’ll stand out — above the table, on a mantle, or by the front door.
- Use the built-in hanging rings for simple, secure setup.
- Plug into a standard outlet and let the glow do the rest.
5. Framing Unique Features in a Warm Orange Glow
Outline a fireplace, porch, or pergola with Orange LED Rope Lights for instant fall warmth. Birddog Lighting’s 148-foot spools make it easy to cover large areas. They are conveniently cuttable every 19.5 inches for a custom fit.
Light It Yourself
- Measure the space you plan to run the lights.
- Use mounting clips or track to keep the rope lights straight and prevent sagging.
- If you know your exact measurements, opt for a custom-cut rope light for plug-and-play installation.
- Plug into a standard outdoor outlet.
6. A Haunting Twist to Your Seasonal Scene
The fireplace mantle is the heart of fall decorating, and nothing makes it pop like a glowing neon sign. Swap out the traditional mirror or picture frame above your fireplace for a neon statement piece — a witch on her broom, a trendy skeleton, or even a cheeky “BOO”. The crisp glow adds instant personality and transforms your mantle into a haunting centerpiece that guests won’t forget. Paired with pumpkins, garland, and candles, it creates a layered look that feels festive and modern all at once.
Light It Yourself
- Choose a central spot above the mantle for maximum impact.
- Use the built-in hanging rings for quick, secure setup with screws, hooks, or heavy-duty fishing line.
- Plug into a nearby outlet — no complicated wiring required.
Ready to bring these LIY ideas to life? Browse our full fall and Halloween decorations collection for everything you need to light it yourself — and keep the glow going long after the leaves have fallen.