As the leaves turn golden and the crisp autumn air settles in, it’s time to prepare our homes for the upcoming holiday season. Week by week, room by room, we’re transforming spaces into warm and inviting retreats, just in time for fall festivities. Welcome back to this seasonal series where we take simple, achievable steps to refresh our homes before the holidays begin.
Last week, we focused on the kitchen, the heart of every home, but today, we’re shifting our attention to the bedroom—a personal sanctuary that deserves just as much seasonal love. While I don’t typically overhaul my bedroom décor with the changing seasons (aside from turning up the heat!), this year, I found inspiration in my college-bound kiddo’s new bedding. That small update made me realize it was time for a refresh of my own. And let me tell you—just a few intentional changes made all the difference in creating a cozy, fall-ready retreat.
Simple Ways to Make Your Bedroom Cozy for Fall and the Holidays
There’s something special about transitioning a space to match the season. With the right touches, your bedroom can go from a simple resting place to a warm, welcoming haven. Here are some effortless ways to elevate your bedroom or guest room for autumn and beyond.
1. Layer for Comfort and Warmth
Layering is the key to a cozy and inviting bed, especially as temperatures drop. Personally, I like to start with a soft top sheet, add a quilt or coverlet, and finish with a lightweight down comforter. This combination offers versatility, keeping you comfortable on chilly fall evenings while still being breathable enough if you tend to run warm. The layered look also adds depth and dimension, making your bed feel extra plush.
2. Swap in Seasonal Textures and Pillows
If you want an instant seasonal upgrade, try incorporating pillows with autumn-friendly fabrics like velvet, faux fur, or flannel. I “borrowed” a deep navy velvet pillow from my living room, and it just so happens to be an exact match to my bedroom walls. The small swap brought a whole new level of coziness and made the space feel more cohesive. Sometimes, it really is the little things that bring the most joy!
3. Experiment with Darker Sheets
This was a total game-changer for me. I’ve always been a fan of crisp white sheets (sometimes with a subtle pattern), but I recently ventured into uncharted territory—navy blue sheets. Let me tell you, crawling into bed feels like slipping into a soft cocoon. The deep color adds warmth and richness to the space, making it feel instantly cozier.
If you’re hesitant, I get it—I was too! But the moment I pulled back the covers, I knew I had made the right choice. I found my navy sheets at Marshalls for a great price, and they’re 100% cotton, which is always my go-to for breathability and comfort.
(P.S. If you’re in the market for new sheets, check out this sheet buying guide from Good Housekeeping for tips on quality and material.)
4. Add Seasonal and Natural Accents
One of the simplest and most beautiful ways to bring fall into your bedroom is by incorporating natural elements. In November, try adding dried leaves, wheat stalks, or autumnal sea grass to a bedside vase. These subtle touches bring warmth and a seasonal feel without overwhelming the space.
Then, when December rolls around, transition to fresh-cut evergreen branches or small pine sprigs placed in water. Unlike dried leaves, evergreens can last for weeks (or even months if refreshed regularly), making them the perfect low-maintenance holiday décor. Simply tuck them into vases, arrange them on a nightstand, or even place a few small branches on your headboard for a festive, organic touch.
5. Create a Guest-Ready Space
Even if you don’t have a designated guest room, preparing a cozy sleeping space for holiday visitors is always a good idea. When family or friends stay overnight, I like to temporarily transform one of my teenagers’ bedrooms into a welcoming retreat. This means fresh sheets, extra blankets, a bedside lamp, and maybe even a small seasonal candle for a warm, inviting atmosphere.
If you’re expecting guests, here are a few quick additions that make a difference:
Fresh, fluffy towels placed in the room
A small dish for jewelry or personal items
A carafe of water on the nightstand
A spare phone charger (a thoughtful, much-appreciated touch!)
A little effort goes a long way in making overnight guests feel at home.
A Cozy Bedroom for the Holiday Season
This year, I was only planning to add some natural accents to embrace the season, but my navy sheet purchase sent me into full-on cozy mode. The combination of seasonal textures, layered bedding, and moody hues turned my bedroom into a restful retreat, perfect for fall and winter.
If you’re looking for a few more ways to make your bedroom holiday-ready, check out these fellow bloggers who share incredible ideas for cozy seasonal décor:
- Katie of Miss Dixie
- Jennifer of Dimples & Tangles
- Julie of Less Than Perfect Life of Bliss
- Pam of Simple Details
- Shelley of Crazy Wonderful
- Becky of This Is Happiness
And don’t forget to join us next Tuesday, when we shift our focus to sprucing up the living room! Plus, swing by tomorrow for November’s edition of My Five Favorites, where I’ll share even more ideas to help you enjoy the holiday season without the stress.
Sources & Shop the Look:
Wall color: Benjamin Moore Gentleman’s Grey 2062-20 (the same color I used in our recent bathroom makeover)
Bedding: Navy sheets | White coverlet | Down comforter | Duvet (Bloomingdales years ago) | Navy velvet pillow (similar) | Pom pom bedskirt
DIY Projects: Nailhead trim headboard | Wood-mounted photo art | Ikea hack wall lights
Happy decorating, and enjoy falling into the holidays!
