When the temperatures start to fall and the days get shorter people naturally gravitate indoors. Make your home as cozy and comfy as possible with these simple ideas for fall decorating.
- Remember that fall decorating is all about warmth. Add color, texture and pattern wherever you can. Adding blankets, throws and accent pillows is a great way to do it.
- Cable-knit and sweater-style throws are as comforting as it gets. Toss one or two in warm fall colors over the back of a sofa or chair. You can also hang and display throws on a decorative ladder.
- Remove accessories that have a summery feel (like shells and wicker accents) and replace with heavier, darker accessories. Warm woods picture frames and boxes, silver or brass candlesticks, and candles in fall colors are great autumn accessories.
- Exchange linen and cotton accent pillows for cushions in fabrics such as ultrasuede, chenille, faux fur, velvet and wool.
- Switch out light window treatments such as sheers and linens for heavier draperies like velvet and brocade.
- Bring the outdoors in and make decorative displays. Clear glass vases and bowls full of pinecones or cranberries are simple and inexpensive.
- Use slipcovers to add warmth and softness to hard furniture such as dining room chairs.
- Use ribbon in fall colors to embellish plain items. Use double-sided tape to attach it to lampshades or roman shades; tie small pieces around candlesticks, accent glass doors in cabinets.
- Add an area rug to a bare floor to add softness and warmth.
- Switch out white lampshades for darker or warmer colors. Just make sure that they're not so dark it affects the amount of light coming through. Alternatively you can dress up the inside of a lampshade with fabric.
- If you haven't already, add dimmers to all of your lights. Soft, ambient lighting is not only warm and cozy, it's very flattering to the skin.
