12 Easy Ways to Cozy Up Your Home for Fall
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Fall is a magical time of year when the world around us seems to slow down, inviting us to enjoy the simpler pleasures of life. The changing leaves and cooler temperatures call us to bring warmth and comfort into our homes.
If you're looking to transform your home into a fall sanctuary, you've come to the right place. I’m sharing all of the best tips and tricks on how to make your home cozy for fall, including fall home decor ideas. These easy home updates are sure to make your space feel warm and welcoming all season long!
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Throw Blanket / Bouquet / Throw Pillow / Mug / Pumpkin Candle / Slippers / French Oven / Diptyque Candle / Plate / Candle Holder / Cookbook
1. Embrace the Colors of Autumn
Bring the coziness of fall into your home with a warm, earthy color palette. Think deep oranges, olive greens, rich reds, and golden yellows—these shades instantly evoke the autumn season.
Swap out your textiles with throw pillows, blankets, and curtains in these cozy colors. You can also incorporate them through vases, candles, and small decorative pieces.
Warm neutrals are another way to refresh your apartment for fall. A neutral throw pillow can add a sense of coziness to any space (even if it’s not plastered with an orange pumpkin).
You can also add some seasonal color through nature-inspired elements like flowers, leaves, gourds, and twigs. For your dining space, opt for dinnerware and linens in warm, autumnal tones.
Go warm when it comes to metal accents too—copper, bronze, and gold are your best options for fall.
2. Layer Cozy Textures
Creating a warm, inviting space this fall is all about layering different textures. Think soft, plush materials that make you want to curl up and stay awhile. Velvet, wool, faux fur, and knit accents are all cozy options.
Throw Blankets and Pillows
Start with throw blankets and pillows in materials like wool, knit, or fleece which will keep you extra warm as temperatures drop.
Go with rich, autumnal hues or warm-toned neutral. Take inspiration from your current home decor to give you ideas, or start with a patterned throw or pillow and build your color scheme around it.
Add these accents to your bed, sofa, chair—anywhere you crave some extra coziness during the fall season. This throw blanket would add a beautiful fall touch to a neutral-colored couch or chair. The mossy green color also looks incredibly chic.
Rugs and Carpets
Area rugs are another excellent way to play with textures. A plush, oversized rug in a warm hue can anchor a room and create a soft surface to sink your feet into.
No need to invest in a new area rug—consider adding a small rug in front of your kitchen sink, a runner for your hallway, or a mat for your entryway.
Curtains and Drapes
Swap out your light summer curtains for something heavier and more insulating. Velvet or thick cotton drapes will not only help keep out the chill but also enhance your cozy fall decor.
Don’t overlook the practicality of heavier curtains either—they can help to reduce drafts, making your space more energy-efficient as you rely less on heating. Layer them with sheer panels if you want to maintain some light during the day while still achieving that cozy, insulated feel.
3. Bring the Outdoors In
Autumn is a season of abundance, and there's no better way to celebrate than by bringing the beauty of nature indoors. Here is how to make your home cozy by incorporating nature into your decor:
Dried Florals and Grasses
Create elegant arrangements with dried pampas grass, wheat stalks, or your favorite fall flowers. These add a touch of rustic beauty without the need for constant upkeep. Arrange them in minimalist vases or vintage vessels for fall.
Wood Accents
Warm up your home with wooden touches like wood cutting boards, rustic trays, or carved bowls. These add warmth and a natural texture that pairs beautifully with fall decor.
Autumnal Wreaths
Welcome the season with a fall-inspired wreath on your front door or above your mantel. Opt for one made with dried leaves, pinecones, or warm-toned blooms.
Branches
Display branches or twigs in large floor vases. Birch branches or curly willow can bring height and interest to any room with minimal effort.
Pumpkins and Gourds
Get creative with pumpkins and gourds, thinking beyond the usual orange. Choose creamy white, golden yellow, or sage green varieties to match your decor. Group them on your dining table, sideboard, or even by the fireplace for a chic, seasonal vibe.
4. Indulge in Fall Scents
Nothing sets the mood for fall quite like the right scents. Scented candles and diffusers can instantly turn your home into a warm, inviting retreat. Notes of cinnamon, amber, pumpkin, or vanilla capture that quintessential autumn vibe. This pumpkin candle is packaged in a beautiful orange glass and smells divine. It would add a nice pop of color to a more neutral-colored space. I also love this Feu de Bois candle from Diptyque that is a classic scent for fall. You also can’t go wrong with a taller candle placed in an elegant candle holder.
Place scented candles around your space, or opt for a diffuser to create a continuous, subtle fragrance that fills your home all day long.
Find a go-to fall fragrance that feels like home and make it your seasonal staple—it’s an easy way to keep your space smelling amazing.
Lately, I’ve been loving the extra cozy touch of burning incense to scent my home.
5. Add Warm Lighting
Soft, warm lighting is key when it comes to creating an inviting fall atmosphere. Start by incorporating string lights—thankfully, they’re not just for the holidays! Drape them across your mantel, weave them through a bookshelf, or hang them around a window for a warm glow.
Candles are another must-have for fall; their flickering light adds warmth and creates the perfect ambiance for an autumn evening indoors. Try placing them in clusters on your coffee table, along your dining table, or in lanterns by the fireplace.
Add floor and table lamps throughout your space for even more lighting. Choose lampshades that diffuse the light for a softer glow, and select bulbs with a warm tone to enhance the cozy atmosphere. I especially love portable lamps—they’re handy for easily adding extra light wherever you need it.
Finally, don’t forget the impact of natural light. As the days grow shorter, make the most of the daylight by keeping curtains open during the day.
6. Light Up Your Fireplace
Nothing says fall quite like the warmth and ambiance of a crackling fireplace. If you’re lucky enough to have a traditional wood-burning hearth or even a modern electric one, make the most of it during the cooler months. Be sure to arrange some comfortable seating nearby, like a cozy armchair or a plush sofa draped with blankets—an inviting spot to curl up with a good book or enjoy a warm drink.
If your fireplace isn’t in use or purely decorative, you can still make it a focal point by filling it with candles of varying heights or stacking it with neatly arranged books. Adding a stylish fireplace screen or a decorative mantel arrangement, complete with fall-themed decor like pumpkins, leaves, or autumnal garlands, can also elevate the cozy factor.
Even if you don’t have a fireplace, you can recreate the warmth with a virtual one displayed on your TV or by placing a cluster of pillar candles on a tray to mimic the glow. The key is to create the cozy, comforting vibe that a fireplace naturally brings to your space!
7. Transform Your Bedroom into a Retreat
Your bedroom should be a sanctuary where you can relax and unwind. To create a cozy fall retreat, you’ll want to start by investing in high-quality bedding. Soft, plush sheets and a cozy comforter can make a world of difference, especially during the colder months. Drape a soft throw blanket over the end of your bed or a nearby chair. A luxe knit blanket or faux fur throw can instantly add warmth and texture to your space.
Introduce a few decorative pillows in fall-inspired fabrics. Choose colors and patterns that complement your existing decor while adding a seasonal touch.
Don’t overlook your nightstand either—add a vase of dried flowers and a fall-scented candle to give it a seasonal touch.
8. Dress Your Dining Area
Fall is the perfect time for gathering with loved ones for a delicious meal. To infuse your dining space with seasonal warmth, begin by dressing the table with rich, autumnal table linens, woven placemats, and rustic serving dishes.
You can elevate the ambiance even more with candlesticks in metal holders—perfect for dining by candlelight as the days grow shorter. For a finishing touch, create a centerpiece featuring seasonal blooms, pumpkins, or fall foliage.
9. Set Up a Cozy Reading Nook
For a fall home refresh, transform a corner of your living room or bedroom into a cozy reading nook. A comfortable chair or chaise lounge is essential—look for one that invites you to sink in and stay awhile. Elevate the comfort even more with a soft throw blanket or two, perfect for bundling up on those chilly fall evenings.
Next, consider adding a small side table where you can keep your favorite books and a cup of tea within arm’s reach. Soft lighting, such as a table lamp with a warm glow, can make this reading nook even more inviting.
Read More: 40+ Fall Bucket List Ideas to Make Autumn Unforgettable
10. Create a Fall-Themed Coffee Station
Transform your morning routine by setting up a fall-themed coffee station that’s both functional and festive. Start by selecting a few fall-themed mugs, and display them on a mug tree or hang them from hooks for easy access.
Elevate your coffee game with fall-inspired syrups and spices. Cinnamon, pumpkin spice, vanilla, and caramel are perfect for creating that cozy autumn flavor in every cup.
Keep your essentials organized and accessible. A wooden tray can hold your coffee pods, beans, or ground coffee. If you’re a tea lover, include a selection of fall-flavored teas.
To complete your coffee station,, add a few fall-themed decorative accents like a cozy candle or a few gourds. If you’re looking for more detailed guidance on creating an at-home coffee station, check out my dedicated blog post for all the tips and tricks you need!
Read More: How to Create a Stylish Home Coffee Station
11. Spruce Up Your Kitchen
Get your kitchen ready for fall with small seasonal touches. One of the easiest ways is to update your kitchen linens. Towels, aprons and even oven mitts in autumn motifs and rich colors instantly make your cooking space feel like fall.
Add a festive touch to your kitchen table with a bowl of seasonal fruits like apples or pears, or a vase filled with dried flowers. For your countertops, showcase a wooden cutting board—it’s already incredibly practical, but the warm tones make it perfect to put on display.
For fall cooking, a Dutch oven is a game-changer. It’s basically a thick cooking pot that’s perfect for making stews, soups, and several other cold-weather dishes. Grab a seasonal cookbook for new recipe ideas too. Each season I like to buy a new cookbook, and the Half Baked Harvest Every Day cookbook has been on my wishlist since I love discovering simple and healthy recipes. You can also find several seasonal cookbooks with recipes tailored to fall and winter.
This gorgeous plate set is the perfect way to update your dinnerware. I can imagine myself enjoying a warm cup of tea and a slice of apple tart on a fall day with them.
Finally, don’t forget to refresh your kitchen with soft, warm light. Under-cabinet lighting or a small, yet stylish lamp can make your kitchen feel more inviting as you prepare your favorite autumn recipes.
12. Invest in Stylish Loungewear
Shorter days and dropping temperatures mean it’s time to cozy up indoors more often. Make your time at home extra special by investing in loungewear that’s as comfortable as it is chic.
You can’t go wrong with soft cashmere joggers paired with a coordinating pullover. This look is perfect for relaxing or running errands when comfort is a priority.
Consider adding a cozy robe or a wrap to your wardrobe too. Swap out that silk kimono from summer with a cashmere or plush cotton option.
Don’t forget about stylish slippers! I love the structure and style of these cream-colored teddy flats.
Whether you’re settling in for a fall movie marathon or enjoying a quiet evening with a good book, loungewear is essential for a cozy, stylish season.
Read More: 50 Best Fall Movies to Cozy Up With This Autumn
With these 12 tips on how to make your home cozy, you can curate a space that’s warm and inviting for fall. Whether you’re entertaining guests or enjoying a quiet night in, these simple changes can transform your home into a cozy haven that you’ll love spending time in all fall long.
During early September, I like to spruce up my space for the season. I normally avoid anything too holiday-themed like Halloween decor, which can feel a bit tacky and only last a few weeks. Instead, I use these fall decorating ideas that complement my current decor.
How do you plan to cozy up your home for fall? Let me know in the comments below.
