10 Ways to Create a Cozy Home this Fall
It’s that time of the year again, time to cuddle up with a blanket and start getting cozy. Now, here in South Florida, it is still very hot out and will likely stay that way for a bit longer but that will not stop me from making it feel like an autumnal escape inside my house. Us cozy girlies like to stay cozy year-round but in the Fall we have the perfect excuse to amp up the coziness levels.
Fall is all about embracing comfort, slowing down, and savoring the simple pleasures that make life special. Whether you’re hosting friends, curling up with a good book, or just enjoying quiet moments with loved ones, creating a cozy fall atmosphere in your home will elevate the experience.
So here are 10 ways to transform your home into the cozy autumn retreat of your dreams for all the fall activities this season.
1. Embrace Warm Lighting with Candles and Lanterns
ABOVE ALL THINGS, DO NOT TURN ALL THE BIG LIGHT!!!
I’m just kidding, but for real, let’s try to keep the big light usage at a minimum this fall. Lighting is crucial when it comes to setting the mood and creating a cozy atmosphere, and fall is the perfect time to switch to softer, warmer lighting options.
Candles and lanterns are a simple yet effective way to add a soft, inviting glow to any room. I have a combination of real fall-scented candles and battery-operated candles along with a few lanterns. Don’t overthink where you are placing the candles, but of course, beware of fire hazards!
I popped my battery-operated candles on my bookshelves and also used them to layer other fall/Halloween decor. You can also add lanterns on the floor or tabletops, and add a rustic charm that perfectly complements the cozy ambiance. I love admiring all the soft lighting around the house when the sun starts to set in for the day.
For a particularly cozy touch, scatter candles of varying sizes on your mantel, coffee table, or dining room table. Just be mindful of safety—never leave candles unattended!
2. Reach Ultimate Comfort with Throw Blankets and Pillows
One of the easiest ways to instantly cozy up your home is by adding layers of soft, plush textures. Throw blankets and pillows are perfect for this! Now, you don’t have to go out and buy a million fall-themed pillows and blankets. I like buying pillows and blankets I can use year-round. For fall, I like to use my darker tone and thicker blankets and pillows.
You can drape a chunky blanket over your couch or favorite armchair and snuggle up with a cup of tea or coffee and your favorite book. Now this sounds like the perfect evening at home!
As a fun DIY, you can try making your own chunky blanket!
3. Bring in Fall Scents
To no one’s surprise, as a lover of all things cozy, I love candles! Nothing makes me feel more at home and cozy than lighting a candle. Scents are incredibly powerful when it comes to setting the mood in your home. Bringing in the comforting aromas of fall is an instant way to create a cozy atmosphere.
There are a few different ways to fill your space with the scents of the season. While I tend to lean towards candles, there are also diffusers and simmer pots. This fall, I will be making my own stovetop simmer pot.
To make your own stovetop simmer pot, add sliced apples, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and orange peel to a pot of water. Bring the water to a simmer and let it simmer on the stove to fill your home with the cozy scent of fall.
I also love baking and cooking fall recipes to bring in the cozy scents of cinnamon rolls or a pot roast. Yum!
Some of my favorite fall scents are cinnamon, nutmeg, apple, pumpkin, vanilla, chai, and cedar wood.
4. Incorporate Natural Elements
It’s time to bring that outdoor charm inside by incorporating natural elements into your décor. Pumpkins, pinecones, dried leaves, and branches. We are channeling our inner Meg Ryan and bringing a giant pumpkin home from the store this fall!
You can also use the smaller pumpkins and pinecones to make a beautiful tablescape for your mantel, coffee table, or dining room table. This fall, I opted for a fall tablescape on my dining room table with a few pumpkins spread out throughout the house. Pinecones also make a great filler for a decorative bowl or even to create your own DIY wreath using branches, berries, and seasonal flowers.
5. Use Cozy Fall Colors
Playing with colors is usually the easiest way to change the ambiance of a room. For fall, I like to bring in warm, earthy tones that evoke the changing leaves and the cozy warmth of a fireside evening. Rich colors like deep red, burnt orange, golden yellow, and dark green are perfect for creating a seasonal look that feels both inviting and sophisticated.
You don’t have to overhaul your entire décor—small touches can make a big impact. Consider swapping out your usual throw pillows, blankets, or rugs for ones in fall tones. You can also incorporate these colors through art, curtains, or even simple table settings. These subtle changes will make your home feel more seasonal and cozy without a lot of effort. Keep this mind when you are adding blankets and throw pillows throughout your home also!
6. Set the Mood with Soft Music
I am a firm believer that music can really set the tone for any occasion and fall is no exception! The sounds in your home are just as important as the sights and scents when it comes to creating a cozy fall atmosphere. Fall is the perfect excuse to pull up Spotify and make the perfect fall-inspired playlist with soft, acoustic tunes, instrumental music, and some Taylor Swift to play in the background while you’re cooking, reading, or hosting guests.
I love classical music, jazz, or folk music for all the cozy fall vibes. During the day though, I always have a cozy fall ambiance video on the TV with a crackling fire or maybe some rain sounds to make me feel all the cozy feels. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just enjoying a quiet evening at home, the right music will enhance the cozy fall atmosphere.
7. Swap Out Bedding for Cozy Fabrics
As the weather cools down, it’s the perfect time to swap out your lightweight summer bedding for something cozier. Flannel sheets, a heavier duvet, and layered blankets can transform your bedroom into a fall retreat. Look for bedding in rich fall colors or seasonal patterns like plaid. I usually pick a neutral tone or deep dark green so that I can use my bedding year-round.
Adding layers to your bed not only makes it warmer for those chilly nights but also gives your bedroom a more luxurious, inviting feel. Top off the look with a chunky knit throw to create a cozy, lived-in aesthetic that makes you want to dive right in.
8. Create a Cozy Reading Nook
There’s something about fall that makes us want to curl up with a good book and a cup of tea. In all honesty, I like to do this all the time despite the season but at least fall gives me a good excuse. Setting up a cozy reading nook is easier than you might think—all you need is a comfortable chair, a warm throw, some good lighting, and of course a good book!
Choose a spot near a window to take advantage of natural light during the day, or add a soft, warm lamp for evening reading. Surround yourself with a few of your favorite books, and don’t forget to have a small side table for your tea or coffee and a fall candle.
My cozy reading nook is my go-to spot for unwinding after a long day and for days when I want to binge-watch my favorite show, get lost in a good book, or play a cozy game.
9. Use Rustic and Vintage Décor
Fall is the perfect time to embrace a rustic, vintage aesthetic that adds character and warmth to your home. There is also something quintessentially fall about going antique shopping, no? Maybe it’s just me. Look for unique, old-fashioned pieces like wooden furniture, antique lanterns, or vintage baskets. These items not only bring a cozy, lived-in feel to your space but also add charm, uniqueness, and personality.
For example, you could place a vintage lantern on your coffee table or display a rustic wooden tray with candles and pinecones as a centerpiece. Incorporating these types of décor pieces gives your home a timeless, cozy atmosphere that feels welcoming and homey.
10. Add a Touch of Hygge
Hygge, the Danish concept of coziness and contentment, is all about enjoying the simple pleasures in life. Fall is the perfect time to embrace a hygge lifestyle by focusing on comfort, warmth, and mindfulness. Create a hygge atmosphere by indulging in little rituals that make you feel relaxed and happy.
Think about things like sipping a hot drink by the fire (TV fireplaces count), wearing your favorite cozy slippers, or spending time with loved ones over a homemade meal. Hygge is about creating moments of joy and connection, and it’s a wonderful way to fully embrace the coziness of the season.
Fall is a season of warmth, comfort, and coziness. Creating a cozy atmosphere in your home allows you to fully embrace everything it has to offer. From adding warm lighting and layered textiles to incorporating natural elements and soothing scents, there are so many simple ways to transform your space into a cozy autumn retreat.
By focusing on the little details—like soft music, cozy bedding, and hygge-inspired moments—you can make your home a place where you, your family, and your guests will love spending time. So grab a cup of tea, light a candle, and start creating your perfect cozy fall atmosphere today!
Thank you for reading and I wish you the best cozy fall this year!
