We probably don’t need to point out that everyone loves autumn. It’s the season of cosiness, crunchy leaves underfoot, scarves, chunky knits and, of course, the return of pumpkin spiced everything. But perhaps, most importantly, it's when we start to feel the urge to hibernate, spend more time indoors wrapped in blankets, surrounded by candles with a bucket of hot chocolate (or even better, mulled wine). So to make cosying up your home super simple, John Lewis & Partners have put together the ultimate guide for making your home cosier than ever this winter...
1. Pile up the blankets and layer up the cushions
Such a big part of making your home feel cosier is just adding a load of texture. Blankets and throws are guaranteed to do this. Choose pieces that are similar in tone but different in texture, this deliciously chunky knitted blanket would look perfect piled onto a sofa or an armchair to soften the look and feel of your furniture.
Is there really such a thing as too many cushions? We certainly don’t think so, plus switching up cushions with the seasons is a really easy way to inject some winter warmth. John Lewis & Partners have a huge array of cushions, so you can choose from a range of fabrics (again all about that texture) - velvet, faux fur and chunky knit, all work really nicely together. You could even add extra comfort with a faux fur bean bag (yes they make bean bags for adults now).
Wool throws, cable knit cushion ,weave cushion , Mongolian sheep hair cushion all John Lewis & Partners
2. Keep things cosy underfoot
Cold floors and even worse, cold feet, just aren’t synonymous with cosy interiors. So if you have wooden flooring, stone or tiles make sure you throw down some rugs at this time of year. Sheepskin rugs will keep your feet toasty on chilly mornings, plus add plenty of, you guessed it, texture. John Lewis & Partners have a whole range of sheepskin rugs in plenty of sizes, colours and prices so there is something to suit every space and budget.
Faux fur cushions and faux fur throws , both John Lewis & Partners
3. Cut draughts with thermal lined curtains
When it comes to keeping in the warmth, thermal lined curtains can make all the difference since the main culprit for heat loss is usually the windows. Choose from over 500 different designs and, as part of their made-to-measure 7 day service, John Lewis & Partners can create bespoke, high-quality curtains with added thermal linings.
Lustre velvet pair lined eyelet curtains, John Lewis & Partners
4. Get the right lighting
This time of year is all about the flicking glow of firelight. But since having a roaring fire going at all times of the day isn’t very practical for the majority of us, you can recreate that cosy glow with some strategic lighting. Table lamps and floor lights will offer a much softer glow, very much in keeping with the whole warm vibe.
Use lamp shades to bring different materials and patterns into the room – switch out your current shade for this rattan shade or bring in some autumnal prints with this Morris & Co. number. If metallics are more your thing, opt for warm toned finished like copper, antique brass and brushed gold.
Mongolian sheep hair cushions, Meghan fluted back velvet armchair, 3 Pendant Ceiling Light all John Lewis & Partners
5. Add some Hygge vibes with plenty of candles
And just to further enhance that lovely cosy glow, dot plenty of candles around your home. Obviously candles with delicious festive, autumnal scents like Winter Spice or Frosted Spruce (just a few of our festive faves) will only add to the ambiance. But in rooms like the kitchen where you aren’t likely to want anything scented, try putting some simple rustic pillar candles inside lanterns instead.
Scented candles by John Lewis & Partners
6. Keep extra warm at night
There are few things less pleasing than being cold in bed, so unless you want to go to sleep looking like the Michelin man (we are talking at least six jumpers, bed socks and a hat) then a high-tog duvet and some warm bed linen is a must. For your winter duvet you are going to want to go for a 10.5 tog and if you really want to feel the warmth we say go for a 13.5 tog. If you want just that extra bit of luxury, you could always add a heated mattress topper too. Obviously, some super cosy pj’s and a fluffy hot water bottle are also only going to help the situation.
Deer duvet cover set, snooze cushion, Appin check throw, plain knit throw all John Lewis & Partners
The same goes for delicious hot drinks – and there are few things more cosy and warming than a huge mug of hot chocolate on a cold, wintery evening. Bring all the family together and make your own luxury hot chocolates, marshmallows, whipped cream, the whole shebang. And for the grown ups, there’s of course, delicious mulled wine. The festive foods don’t stop there, John Lewis & Partners have a huge selection of delicious goodies this year from gingerbread houses to Christmas gin that, if you can bear to part with them, would also make lovely gifts.
Sipsmith Lemon Drizzle gin, Tom Dixon low ball glasses, hammered stainless steel cocktail shaker, agate coasters all John Lewis & Partners
7. Make the dark mornings more enjoyable
The one downside to autumn – those dark mornings! It can be so difficult to drag yourself out of bed when it’s still pitch black outside, so try making your morning slightly more bearable with the Lumie Bodyclock – an alarm clock that wakes you with a gradually brightening light.
If caffeine is the only thing that will motivate you to get up then why not treat yourself to a coffee machine. John Lewis & Partners have a huge range, that all vary in style and price so you will be sure to find something to suit your caffeine needs and budget. Or, to make your caffeine hit feel all the more warming and festive, why not try Whittard’s hazelnut coffee, available exclusively at John Lewis & Partners.
Philips Hue Beyond LED Table Lamp available at John Lewis & Partners