With longer, cooler evenings upon us, it’s time to cozy up for the season ahead. But instead of focusing on the living room, let’s consider the bedroom. It’s your little oasis of relaxation and deserves special attention. Whether for a quiet read or a bedtime snuggle, your bedroom should be the coziest room in the house. Here are some of our favourite suggestions:

New Bed Linens. Nothing changes the look and feel of a bedroom more completely than new bed linens. For fall, think texture and layer upon layer of sheets, comforters, pillows, etc. The look should be lavish. But don’t think it has to be dark to be season-appropriate; light linens are just as cozy – the secret is in volume and a feeling of plenty. Include a variety of textures and complementary colours. The ensembles shown here fit the bill beautifully – and range from modern neutrals to geometric-inspired to traditional florals.

How to Choose Quality Bed Sheets. As important as your mattress for comfort, choosing the right sheets takes a little know-how. Here are the main points to evaluate:

• Fabric. Egyptian and Pima cottons are considered the highest quality materials. Egyptian is durable and luxurious while Pima is a little softer with more sheen. Look for 100% cotton in these choices or consider a high quality blend that guarantees smoothness and no pilling.
• Finish/Weave. Percale is a lightweight weave that produces crisp, cool, bedding; sateen is lustrous and extra-smooth while microfiber is wrinkle-resistant and extra-soft.
• Thread Count. This refers to the number of threads per square inch. While higher is often considered better, remember that a lower-count sheet in a higher-quality fabric may feel better than a high-count sheet in a low-quality fabric. Anything over 400/450 count is a good choice.
• Detailing. Look for details like deep pockets, tailored edges, strong elastic on fitted sheets and inverted, hidden zippers. These touches add to the fit, comfort and durability of your linens.

Add upholstered furniture. Upholstered pieces add instant coziness to a room. Consider a loveseat in gorgeous grey – go glam with a tufted tuxedo style or a more contemporary streamlined piece. If you have the space, a chaise or snuggler chair is the ultimate indulgence, perhaps showcased by a window for natural reading light. If your space is tighter, choose a bed-end bench. Continue the tufting theme or choose a trendy but timeless all-metal bench. There options are endless.

Update your rugs, draperies and throws. When you’re upping your cozy factor, add a new rug or draperies. Patterns add more depth and interest than plain choices. Consider a shag rug and indulge in silk, damask or even velvet draperies for the cold months. Don’t forget, you don’t need to go dark – white is warm when displayed plentifully; two layers of sheer draperies in creamy lace or champagne linen would be charming! HINT: Throws are the most affordable way to add coziness. Lay one or two across your bed, chair or bench. Faux fur is especially trendy, as is alpaca.

Paint with a rich colour scheme. Certain colour combinations add warmth and charm effortlessly. How about trying muted reds, yellows and oranges? The trick is to go soft rather than bold. Or perhaps something unique like chocolate brown, soft blue and white? Don’t overlook white either; shades of white with a creamy/ivory base are very inviting. In fact all neutral colour schemes are very cozy, providing you stick to warm rather than cool shades. HINT: Neutrals look good year after year and enable you to add colour and variety in your wall hangings and accessories.

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