While some of us lament the end of summer, autumn can be a wonderful time of year. Not only is it full of rich colours as the leaves begin to fall but there’s the excuse to switch to all that comforting, warming autumnal food once the evenings begin to get a little chillier. Of course, there’s also the prospect of spooky Halloween fun and the dazzling fun of Bonfire night.
If you just want a cosy night in and need to relax a little, autumn is the perfect time to experiment with low level lighting, warm throws and comfy cushions. Here are just a few things you might like to include as you settle down for the evening:
Lower the Lighting
Once the nights draw in, you might not want to turn on the bright, main living room lights. Treat yourself to something more subdued if you want to create a cosy atmosphere. You might want to rethink your whole lighting altogether and bring in some new lamps with warm or soft bulbs as well as quirky lamp shades that cast different amounts of light across walls and floors. There are some great tips in this lighting article from the Telegraph.
If you want something that’s the epitome of cosy, on a cold autumn night, keep the lights off altogether and substitute them with some beautifully scented candles.
Comfy Clothes
You can’t be comfortable if you are still in your work clothes. As autumn gets under way, it’s always a good idea to check out what’s in the wardrobe. Something lose but warm is the name of the game for the perfect cosy session. The good news is there are a number of good choices available to you; from lounge wear to fleece Pyjamas or just your favourite old pair of jeans and a cosy jumper, don’t forget those fleece socks from last Christmas tucked away in the back of your sock drawer.
Snuggle Under a Warm Throw
If you want to stretch out in front of the TV as the latest autumn storm passes through, a warm throw is indispensable. You’ll need to match it with some comfy cushions and don’t forget a nice, handy side table to put your evening glass of wine or cup of cocoa on. Autumn is usually a time when some great new series start on TV or you may simply decide to spend the weekend binging on the latest box set or catching up on your favourite author’s latest offerings.
Put Your Feet Up
Another way to get cosy is to invest in a good foot stool. There’s nothing better if you’ve been running around all day at work than settling down and putting your feet up. Go for something that’s well cushioned rather than hard on the calves and is big enough to stretch out.
You might be happy to learn that rocking chairs are also making a comeback and there are plenty of different, funky designs to choose from. They’re a great way to sit in front of the fire and relax reading, listing to music or having a cosy chat.
Set the Right Mood
Getting cosy is all about setting the right mood and much will depend on your own character and your location. The key is to avoid unwanted distractions so that you can hunker down and relax without having to worry about anything. Things don’t work so well if you are getting up and down like a yo-yo or if there’s simply too much going on. That means you need to pick the right time and ensure everything is prepared before you settle down on the sofa for the evening. Autumn is the perfect season to indulge a few guilty pleasures and let the rest of the world go by outside.
