Autumn Bedroom Decorating Ideas

As the summer weather cools and we move into autumn, we transition from the need for a cool home out of the sun and heat to the need for a warm refuge from the coming winds and rain. Warmth and comfort come not only from the insulating value of your bedding, but from the colours and mood created by your choices of décor. You’ll want to create a cosy place that matches the warmth of the look to the warmth of the room itself. This is truer of the bedroom than for any other room of your home. Guest room, child’s room, or master suite, you can use an autumn palette to create the ultimate in cosy comfort.

Try these ideas to guide you along the way:

Familiarise Yourself With Autumn Colours

Autumn tones are more muted than summer ones, with subtle contrasts and paler shades. Consider warm colours like rusty orange, vanilla, oatmeal, chestnut, and brighten things up with a buttercup yellow. Look to the treetops for inspiration! Let your eyes rest near the ground and you’ll find inspiration too, with the burgundy of fallen leaves, chocolate and burnt orange of earth and wood.

Add Autumnal Coloured Bed Sheets

. Shop the best autumn style bedding sets here.

To finish off your bedroom decor, consider choosing some bed sheets that match your autumnal theme. Deep oranges, browns, and reds help to match the changing scenery outside, and give you somewhere nice and cosy to hide in when the wind is blowing. Choose sheets that are 100% cotton to give yourself the best night's sleep.

Keep Cosy With Throws and Blankets

Shop bedding accessories here.

Throw blankets are a great way to bring a sense of motion and whimsy to a room, all while having a warm and comfortable item to snuggle under. Faux furs are not only rich to the eye, they are soft and warm and resist stains from coffee or tea – many modern ones can even be washed, in case it’s your hot chocolate that slips over the rim of your cup! Another great choice is a cotton or polyester blanket. These will take the chill off you without overheating. Knit throws and quilts are also great for a traditional touch.

Add Layers with Cushions and Pillows

Adding pillows can take a boring, stark room and add layers of comfort and ease to it. In the right colours and combinations, pillows can make a room special. Pay attention to the sizes, colours, and textures when choosing pillows, and avoid getting a bunch of the same items. Varying the colours and sizes of items that complement each other will have a much more pleasant effect than a phalanx of identical pillows lined up for inspection. That variety will not only be more comfortable, but it will look more inviting and cosier.

Hang a Custom Autumnal Wreath

A little bit of pure décor, with no purpose other than to evoke feelings of the season, a wreath can instantly transport the viewer into the warm feelings of holiday feasts, harvests, and happy times with family. Whether you choose one larger wreath or a few smaller ones (again, vary the sizes and choose complementary–but–different – colours), your wreath decorations will set the tone of your room and can anchor your other items, bringing them all together in a natural way.

Don’t just think dining or living room either; wreaths over a headboard can produce a beautiful effect.

Extra Stylish Autumn Storage

Storage functions as a place to put all of your smaller items, so they don’t clutter up your home. If you want the full benefit of a storage solution, then make sure that the storage itself is beautiful. For autumn, woven baskets lined in seasonal colours, crates and boxes reminiscent of harvest times and country cottages, and even chests and wooden boxes will all come together to hide your clutter and amp up your décor, all at the same time.

Use Soft Rugs

Wooden floors are often softened and made more comfortable by the addition of a rug, but even carpeted rooms can benefit from that additional layer of softness and colour. Rugs can also help to define a space. Defining the walking space in a room otherwise dominated by a bed is a great way to open it up to the eye and create a sense of greater space. You’ll also be able to play with pattern and colour, without locking yourself into a permanent floor covering; you can change out your rugs every season if you want to!

Get Cosy with Lighting

Lighting often goes unnoticed, but it can really make your room pop, or it can create a harsh and uninviting space. Brighter isn’t always better, either; look for lighting styles and colours (including bulbs) that intentionally match the mood you’re trying to achieve. For bedrooms, stay below 40 watts at the bedside, and choose a warm tone of soft-light option. They can be more expensive, but they are far better, so the value is there.

Treat Yourself to Scented Candles

For thousands of years, people have gathered around fires for warmth and security, so lighting a few candles has a deep and positive effect on people. Big, pillar candles add a sense of richness to the décor, while tealights can lighten and soften a room, easing the tension away with subtle flickering. If you prefer to avoid open flames, there are some excellent candles that run on battery power while looking like the real thing. For the scent, of course, the flaming candles are the best option. Place them in hurricane glasses or candle holders to ensure safety and increase visual impact.

Halloween is Perfect for Pumpkins

Want an easy way to say ‘autumn is here!’? Try placing a few small pumpkins or other gourds around, one here and there, or in little clusters. These small items should dry out and last quite a long time, but it is worth keeping an eye on them to prevent them from starting to rot. You can purchase pre-dried ones as well.

If you carve a pumpkin for the Halloween festivities, it’s best to display it outside, to prevent it from smelling up your home and attracting insects and other unwanted visitors.

Build Textures

When choosing items for your décor, always keep in mind texture. Variation is the key, with smooth and rough, various depths of fuzzy, and even a few shiny bits in amongst the matt and muted tones of your autumn palette.

Autumn is all about softness, nesting, curling up in a cosy den to rest through the winter storms. Your work and life might be busy and even stressful at times, but keep your bedrooms cosy and relaxing, and that stress can fall away, letting you rest and prepare for days to come.

When Should You Put Up Autumn Decor?

You are the boss of your own home, but if you’re looking for another opinion, our advice is to transition into autumn décor sometime in September or October. This lets you finish the summer season strongly, while giving yourself enough time to enjoy the autumn décor before holiday decorations take over. If you have a special day in those months, a birthday maybe, or an anniversary, why not use that as the marker, setting up your autumn decorations in preparation for it, or starting them just after, to mark the coming season?

You can also let Mother Nature tell you when to switch… keeping in mind she can change her mind often!

Signs That Autumn is Coming

You can keep an eye out for changing colours, pay attention to falling temperatures, migrating birds, and the shortening of days, to let you know when it is time to start your transition to autumn. By the time you need to rake leaves from your garden or step over them to walk the pavement, it is time to bring autumn inside your home, too.

Interested in other seasonal bedding? We have sets for spring, summer, and winter as well!

People Also Asked

How to make your bedroom autumnal?

Transform your bedroom into an autumnal haven by incorporating warm, earthy tones in your bedding and curtains. Add cosy textures like knitted throws and plush cushions. Introduce natural elements such as pinecones or dried leaves in decorative bowls. Use scented candles with fragrances like cinnamon or pumpkin spice to evoke the essence of autumn.

What are the colours for autumn decor?

Autumn decor embraces a palette of rich, warm hues. Think deep oranges, burnt siennas, and golden yellows reminiscent of falling leaves. Incorporate earthy browns, deep reds, and forest greens to capture the season's essence. Accent these with touches of muted purples and warm neutrals like beige and cream for a balanced autumnal aesthetic.

When to start decorating for autumn?

The ideal time to start decorating for autumn is typically early to mid-September. This timing aligns with the changing of seasons and allows you to enjoy your autumnal decor throughout the season. However, you can begin introducing subtle autumn elements as early as late August, gradually transitioning your space as the weather cools and leaves start to turn.

How to style your home for autumn?

Style your home for autumn by layering textures with cosy blankets and cushions in autumnal hues. Introduce natural elements like pumpkins, gourds, and dried wheat stalks. Swap out light summer curtains for heavier, warmer fabrics. Create inviting nooks with soft lighting and candles. Don't forget to appeal to the senses with autumn-scented diffusers or potpourri.

Which colour is best for autumn?

While autumn boasts a rich palette, the colour that best captures the season's essence is a deep, burnt orange. This hue evokes the warmth of autumn leaves and the cosy feeling of the season. It pairs beautifully with other autumnal colours and can be used as a striking accent or a dominant shade in your decor.

What are the four autumn colours?

Four quintessential autumn colours are burnt orange, deep burgundy, golden yellow, and forest green. These hues capture the changing leaves, ripening fruits, and the rich tones of the autumn landscape. Together, they create a warm, inviting palette that perfectly embodies the season's cosy and nostalgic atmosphere.

What is the true autumn colour pattern?

The true autumn colour pattern is characterised by warm, muted tones with a golden undertone. It includes rich browns, deep oranges, warm golds, and olive greens. These colours are often described as earthy and organic, reflecting the natural world during autumn. The palette avoids cool or bright tones, focusing instead on depth and warmth.

What month is best for autumn colours?

In the UK, October is typically the best month for experiencing autumn colours. This is when deciduous trees reach their peak colour change, creating a spectacular display of reds, oranges, and golds. However, the exact timing can vary depending on location and weather conditions, with some areas seeing colour changes from late September through early November.

Why do people decorate for autumn?

People decorate for autumn to celebrate the changing seasons and create a cosy atmosphere as days grow shorter. Autumn decor helps to bring the outdoors in, reflecting the beautiful colours and textures of nature. It also serves to prepare the home for increased indoor time, making spaces feel warm and inviting for the cooler months ahead.

How to decorate for September?

Decorate for September by gradually introducing autumnal elements. Start with subtle touches like changing throw pillows to warmer hues or adding small pumpkin accents. Incorporate dried flower arrangements or wheat stalks for a harvest feel. Begin layering textures with light throws and consider swapping out artwork for pieces with autumnal themes or colours.

When to start autumn decor?

Start your autumn decor in early September to align with the changing season. This allows you to enjoy the autumnal atmosphere throughout the season without feeling rushed. Begin by introducing small elements and gradually increase the autumnal touches as the month progresses, reaching full autumn decor by the equinox around September 22nd.

What is the colour of autumn in interior design?

In interior design, the colour autumn refers to a warm, rich palette inspired by the season's natural hues. It includes deep oranges, burnt siennas, golden yellows, and warm browns. These colours are often complemented by deep reds, forest greens, and muted purples. The autumn palette in interiors creates a cosy, inviting atmosphere that reflects the season's warmth and depth.

What colours should to avoid in autumn?

When creating an autumn palette, avoid cool, bright tones that clash with the season's warmth. Steer clear of icy blues, neon greens, and stark whites. Also, limit the use of pastel shades typically associated with spring. Instead, focus on warm, muted tones that complement the rich, earthy hues of autumn.

Which hair colour for autumn?

For autumn hair colours, opt for warm, rich tones that complement the season. Consider deep auburn, chestnut brown, or golden honey highlights. These hues reflect the warmth of autumn leaves and create a harmonious look with the season's palette. For a bolder choice, try a deep burgundy or copper red to capture autumn's vibrant spirit.

What are the golden colours of autumn?

The golden colours of autumn range from warm yellows to rich ambers. They include shades like honey gold, butterscotch, marigold, and deep mustard. These hues evoke the warmth of autumn sunlight and the rich tones of changing leaves. When used in decor, these golden colours add a luminous, cosy quality to spaces, perfectly capturing the essence of the season.

Can an autumn wear black?

Yes, those with autumn colouring can wear black, but it's best used sparingly and strategically. Pure black can be harsh against autumn skin tones, so opt for softer, off-black shades or deep charcoals. When wearing black, balance it with autumn-friendly colours near your face, such as warm browns or rich oranges, to complement your natural colouring.

What is a true autumn colour palette?

A true autumn colour palette consists of warm, rich hues with golden undertones. It includes deep oranges, burnt siennas, olive greens, warm browns, and golden yellows. These colours are often described as earthy and organic, reflecting the natural world during autumn. The palette avoids cool or bright tones, focusing instead on depth, warmth, and a harmonious blend of muted, rich colours.