As the days grow shorter, the leaves turn golden and the nights draw in, autumn is one of the most atmospheric times of the year. It’s also when we naturally spend more time indoors, so now is the perfect opportunity to create a cosy, welcoming haven at home.
At Acres Estate Agents here in Sutton Coldfield, we see first-hand how the right touches can make a home more comfortable and also more appealing to prospective buyers. With energy efficiency and cost savings still top of mind, there are plenty of ways to keep your home snug without breaking the bank. Below we’ve gathered some of our favourite ideas – from simple décor tweaks to more practical upgrades – to help you transform your space this season.
Rugs – Simple Yet Impactful
Rugs remain a timeless favourite for adding warmth and personality. Whether your home features hard flooring or carpet, a rug can instantly bring softness underfoot and a sense of comfort. A boldly patterned or textured rug can act as a piece of “floor art,” creating a striking focal point.
Layering rugs – think a smaller patterned rug over a larger neutral base – creates a luxurious, deep-pile effect. It’s also a great way to zone open-plan spaces or add definition to a seating area. With thousands of styles, colours and price points available, there’s a rug for every room and budget.
Extra tip from Acres: If you’re planning to sell, a well-placed rug can make a room look bigger, warmer and more inviting in photographs and during viewings.
Add Warmth and Character With Lighting
As daylight fades, lighting becomes more than just functional – it shapes how a room feels. Instead of relying on a single ceiling light, create a “layered” lighting scheme with floor lamps, table lamps and wall lights. This lets you adjust the ambience to suit your mood, whether it’s bright and energising for working or soft and golden for relaxing evenings.
Warm-toned LED bulbs are energy-efficient yet give a cosy glow. Dimmers are another simple but effective upgrade, enabling you to control brightness and atmosphere at the touch of a switch.
Extra tip from Acres: Highlighting artwork, architectural features or even a fireplace with subtle spot lighting can add depth and sophistication – perfect for making your home memorable to visitors or viewers.
Comforting Colours, Textures and Scents
Colour and texture can completely change the feel of a room. Autumn is the perfect time to introduce richer shades – think deep rust, warm ochre, forest green or burgundy – through cushions, throws and accessories. If you prefer neutrals, layer textures instead: chunky knits, soft velvets and tactile weaves all add warmth and interest.
Throws are wonderfully versatile, doubling as a cosy cover on cold evenings and an attractive accessory during the day. You can also refresh your home affordably by swapping cushion covers, updating lampshades or adding a seasonal centrepiece to your dining table.
And don’t underestimate scent: diffusers, scented candles or simmering citrus-and-spice on the hob can create a welcoming autumnal aroma.
Cosy Curtains and Clever Draught-Proofing
Curtains are more than decoration – they’re a frontline defence against heat loss. Thermal-lined curtains or blinds can cut heat escaping through windows by up to 25%. Door curtains are another traditional yet effective way to stop draughts in their tracks, especially in porches, hallways or conservatories.
You can also upgrade simple touches like draught excluders, door seals and even keyhole covers to retain more warmth. Combined, these small changes can make a noticeable difference to your comfort and your heating bill.
Extra tip from Acres: Buyers are increasingly asking about energy efficiency. Simple upgrades like thermal curtains and draught-proofing can be attractive selling points and a conversation starter during viewings.
Create a Sleepy Sanctuary
Cooler weather is the perfect excuse to refresh your bedroom. Switching to a higher-tog duvet and flannelette sheets helps maintain the ideal temperature for sleep. Layering with blankets and throws gives you flexibility on nights when the temperature fluctuates.
Consider upgrading pillows or adding a mattress topper for extra comfort. Blackout or thermal curtains can also keep bedrooms warmer and darker for a deeper sleep.
Smart Heating and Energy-Saving Tips
It’s not just décor that makes a home feel snug. A modern, programmable thermostat or smart heating system can save money and keep rooms at exactly the right temperature. Heating only the rooms you use regularly and lowering the temperature slightly in unused areas can add up to significant savings.
Bleeding radiators, adding reflective panels behind them and checking insulation in your loft are all quick wins to improve efficiency.
Create Inviting Social Spaces
As we move indoors for autumn, our living and dining areas often become the heart of the home. Rearranging furniture to create a more intimate seating layout, adding a statement centrepiece or hanging a new piece of artwork can breathe fresh life into familiar spaces. If you have a fireplace, dressing the mantel with seasonal decorations or lighting the first fire of the year can create an instant focal point.
Don’t Forget the Outside
Your home’s exterior sets the tone before anyone even steps inside. A swept driveway, a few potted evergreens by the front door and warm outdoor lighting make for a welcoming approach – something prospective buyers always notice. Clear gutters, check roof tiles and seal any gaps now to prevent leaks or draughts later in winter.
Bringing It All Together
With a few thoughtful touches, you can make your home feel warmer, more stylish and more energy-smart this autumn. From rugs and lighting to curtains, bedding and energy efficiency, these changes don’t just enhance your comfort – they can also add real appeal if you’re thinking of selling.
At Acres Estate Agents we’re always happy to chat about ways to make your home stand out in today’s market. Whether you’re looking to sell, buy or simply get some inspiration, feel free to get in touch with our friendly team in Sutton Coldfield.
Want more tips and advice? We love being able to help! Acres Estate Agents are your local, family owned and run property experts for the Sutton Coldfield and Great Barr areas. Call your local office on the numbers below or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to find out how we can help you.
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If you would like to discuss selling your home, please get in touch with us This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call any of our busy, helpful teams/offices:
Four Oaks 0121 323 3088
Sutton Coldfield 0121 321 2101
Walmley 0121 313 2888
Great Barr 0121 358 6222
Lettings 0121 312 4997
Mortgages 0121 387 1616
Thank you for reading this article, and your interest in Acres and our property for sale.
Nigel & Jayne Deekes – Acres Partners
