Five Ways I Cozy Up the Home in October

October always feels like the moment when autumn truly arrives. The evenings draw in, the air cools, and suddenly all I want is to create a warm, inviting nest indoors. The good news is you don’t need to redecorate or spend a fortune to make your home feel cosy — often it’s about using what you already have, adding a few natural touches, and creating little rituals that make ordinary evenings feel special.

Here are five of the ways I love to cosy up our home in October.

1. Layering with Blankets & Textiles

There’s nothing quite like draping a few extra throws over the sofa or adding a chunky knit blanket to the end of the bed. It instantly makes a room feel warmer and more inviting. I like to gather blankets we already have, rotate lighter summer ones out, and bring in heavier textures — wool, fleece, or cable knits. Even just a folded blanket in a basket by the fire or tucked in a corner chair makes you want to sit and stay awhile.

pillows and a blanket on an armchair — Photo by Photo By: Kaboompics.com on Pexels.com

2. Soft Lighting & Lamps

October calls for softer, warmer light. Overhead lighting can feel harsh, so I rely more on lamps, fairy lights, and candles. I especially love turning on lamps in corners of the house around 6 p.m. — it sets a cosy atmosphere for the whole evening. The glow makes everything feel calmer and more settled, perfect for winding down after a busy day.

white mug — Photo by Ana M. on Pexels.com

3. Bringing Nature Indoors

One of the easiest (and free!) ways to decorate for October is by foraging on your walks. A jug filled with branches of colourful leaves, a bowl of conkers, or a vase of dried grasses all add texture and seasonal beauty. I also love arranging a few pumpkins (from the garden, market, or shop) on the mantelpiece or kitchen counter — they bring instant October charm without feeling overdone.

4. Seasonal Scents & Little Rituals

For me, cosiness is as much about scent as it is about looks. Lighting a candle in the evening, simmering a pot of apple peels with cinnamon on the stove, or baking something spiced fills the house with a feeling of comfort. It’s not just décor — it’s an atmosphere. In October, I reach for warm, spicy fragrances: apple, clove, cinnamon, smoky woods.

5. Creating Corners of Calm

Every home has busy spaces, but I love to carve out one or two little cosy corners for reading, journaling, or just sitting with a cup of tea. It doesn’t have to be elaborate — a chair with a lamp, a small stack of books, and a blanket is enough. Having that designated spot encourages me (and everyone in the house) to slow down and savour a little quiet time on darker evenings.

a table with candles pumpkins and a candle holder — Photo by Nati on Pexels.com

Cosying up your home in October doesn’t need to mean spending money or chasing a Pinterest-perfect aesthetic. It’s about creating warmth, comfort, and a sense of belonging for you and your family — whether that’s through lighting a candle, arranging leaves in a jug, or simply piling the sofa with blankets. Small touches go a long way, and they’re what make October evenings feel magical.

If you’d like a peek at how I’m cozying up our own little house this season, come and join me over on Instagram. I share real-life snippets — the glow of a candlelit corner, a vase of freshly foraged branches, the stack of throws on the sofa ready for a family film night. Nothing staged, just everyday comforts that make home feel like home.

I’d love to see how you cosy up your own space too — tag me in your autumn home posts so I can cheer you on and share the inspiration with our community.

Chat soon,

Ciara x