Autumn home ideas: Upgrades to consider now

Autumn is a great time to start thinking about the home improvements you’ve been putting off. School holidays are over, Summer is coming to an end and it’s a fresh season to get little jobs ticked off.

As the temperatures start to drop and evenings get darker, time at home begins to feel slightly different. We’re spending more time indoors, reaching for the heating on cooler mornings and evenings, and looking for ways to make our homes feel warm, comfortable and inviting.

From upgrading your window dressings to improving your home’s comfort and getting your outdoor space ready for the colder months, a few considered changes can make a big difference.

If you’re thinking about making some improvements before winter arrives, here are some autumn home upgrades worth considering now.

Think about practical upgrades

Practical jobs around the home are important to finalise before the coldest months kick in. Some important things to consider are:

Draught-proofing

Check around your doors, windows and other potential entry points for cold air to seep in. Draught excluders and sealant are some inexpensive ways to prevent heat loss and keep the temperature of your home more comfortable in Autumn.

Prepare your garden

It’s unlikely you’ll spend as much time in your gardens throughout the colder months, so giving it a tidy, cleaning your Awnings and pergolas before putting them away and getting covers for your outdoor furniture will help keep your outdoor area cleaner and protected throughout harsher weather.

Introduce thermal blinds & shutters

Your windows can have a big impact on how a room feels throughout the year. Most homes have standard double-glazed windows, and there are studies that say that 18% of heat loss within a home can be through windows.

For Autumn and winter where the temperatures start to drop, it’s vital to try and prevent as much heat loss as possible throughout your home and you can do this with a range of window dressing upgrades.

Plantation shutters are a particularly versatile option, providing an additional insulating barrier at the window. Independent testing has shown that well-fitted plantation shutters can reduce heat loss through windows by up to 28%, while honeycomb blackout blinds can reduce heat loss by up to 32%.

Combining shutters with thermal window coverings, such as honeycomb blinds (whether that’s through an integrated blackout shutter or by installing a blind behind the shutter, can further improve insulation, helping to keep rooms warmer in winter and cooler in summer.

Opening your shutters throughout the day in the Autumn and Winter, particularly when the sun is shining, can allow natural sunlight warm your home. Then at nighttime, when the temperature drops, closing both blinds and shutters then helps to reduce heat loss and trap the warmth inside your home.

Another option, for bedrooms especially, is thermal blackout blinds such as pleated blinds with side channels. These can be worth considering if you want greater control over early morning or evening light but also temperature control of a room.

Choosing made-to-measure window dressings also means your blinds or shutters can be designed around the exact size and shape of your windows, rather than trying to make an off-the-shelf solution work and having more gaps for heat to escape or cold air to enter.

Make your home feel warmer and more comfortable

Autumn is the perfect excuse to make your interiors feel a little bit cosier. As days become shorter, it’s a good time upgrade lighting and soft furnishings to make time at home, all that cosier.

Lighting

Large floor lamps and those for smaller side tables give your home a softer, comfortable atmosphere rather than solely relying on overhead lighting. For workers who need help with getting up during the darker mornings, sunrise alarm clocks have become a popular addition to bedrooms over the last few years

Upgrading your living space and bedrooms with cosy lamps, could help you and your family adapt easier to the new seasons, reduce early morning grogginess and boost your moods in the duller seasons.

Soft furnishings

If you’re not looking to make big changes to your interiors, upgrading soft furnishings such as new throws, cushions, rugs, seasonal flowers or even rearranging your current furniture can make all the difference.

Autumn is the perfect time to swap out lighter summer fabrics and throws, introduce warmer tones and layers to your living spaces and bedrooms. Sometimes even choosing autumnal-fragranced candles can help your home feel more inviting through the seasonal changes.

Plan ahead for the colder months

Autumn doesn’t have to mean making big changes to your home. Sometimes, a few simple upgrades can make your space feel warmer, more comfortable and better prepared for the months ahead. Whether you’re tackling practical jobs, refreshing your interiors or considering new window dressings, getting started now means you can enjoy the benefits throughout autumn and winter. If you’ve been considering upgrading your windows, our range of bespoke shutters and blinds can be designed around your home, helping you make the most of every season.

Need advice on how to start your Autumn renovations? Get in touch with our team to discuss your windows and find the right thermal solution for your home.