8 Ideas for Cozying Up a French Country Bedroom for Fall
In today’s post: If you enjoy creating a warm fall home, you will love these 8 ideas for cozying up a French Country bedroom for fall.⇒
Do you still decorate for fall even after your kids have grown?
Decorating our home for fall has taken a somewhat different turn in recent years. In the past it was influenced by our kids’ excitement and revolved around showy outdoor pumpkin displays, a chorus of assorted mums and the occasional chunky bale of hay.
Add a few scarecrows in? All the better!
These days, however, with the kids grown and living on their own, I still enjoy seasonal styling, but it now adheres more closely to my personal aesthetic and pays far more attention to concept and function than merely tossing about a boatload of fallen leaves.
French Country Bedroom
What I look at most as the seasons change is what I can do to make my home more gracious and comfortable to meet the needs of the upcoming season and the weather changes that inevitably come along with it.
As summer turns to fall, that means adding warmth, and what better place to start than cozying up the bedroom?
I no longer follow the obvious color palette of the season but instead add decor that matches my preferred tones. Yet there are plenty of ways to add a cozy autumn feel and today I’m sharing 8 ways to incorporate the season in a French Country bedroom.
Quilted Coverlet
Most of the year I keep a simple comforter on the bed, but as temperatures drop it’s fun to add a quilted coverlet, with floor length sides.
It has always bothered me that our bed frame cannot accommodate a bed skirt, but a brilliant flowing coverlet adds volumes of fabric from mattress to floor that dress the bed in a welcoming way.
It’s like adding draperies to an exposed window or silk tights to bare legs. A lovely quilted top magnifies the coziness, and in crisp white it’s in tune with our existing color palette.
Tufted Upholstery
A pretty tufted chair feels a bit cozier than the cane back one we often keep here in warmer weather. Upholstery has a way of adding lush warmth and we have these chairs sprinkled about the house.
(I’ve added a pair to the breakfast room which you can see in this post of my neutral fall tablescape.)
They’re so comfortable, I’m thinking of getting several more and doing the entire dining room with them.
Craft Pumpkins
On my bedside table I keep a few items for convenience, a clock, a lamp, and a small antique silver repousse box that holds my vitamins and pills.
I love to use beautiful objects for everyday routines and I had fun adding in a few craft pumpkins for autumn flair. They sit well with my elegant vintage pieces and gently hint at the season.
These white craft pumpkins are something I’m having real fun with this year. You can try a bowl full on a table for a slightly stronger statement.
Velvet Pumpkins
Another nod to fall I added to this room is the trio of charming velvet pumpkins, above, in colors that work well with my decor. The berry tones are rich enough for fall, yet still coordinate with my floral linens.
Velvet, in general, is a fabric that oozes coziness, and the rich luster of the colors adds a beauty all its own.
Use a few scattered about or a full display of many you’ve collected over the years. I pull these out every year and each time find new ways to display them.
Fresh Flowers
You can add all the pumpkins and other warm touches, but ultimately, nothing makes me happier than waking up to fresh flowers and keeping them next to the bed is a real treat! Even a white bouquet exudes a sense of warmth brought by all living things, or pick soft warm colors to drive the point home even further.
Family Photographs
Along with fresh flowers, my very favorite cozy touch is a display of family photographs and I keep a selection atop a chest of drawers in our bedroom.
I’m crazy about gilt wood frames and I found the 2 beauties in the middle, below, on a ski trip to Megève, France. The tone of the gilding adds its own warmth and I love the ornate curves of the French designs.
Full disclosure: I don’t ski (terrified of heights!) I shop while the rest of the family skis, hence the frames… 😉
Teapots and Teacups
What could be cozier than a steaming cup of tea?
I’m a huge fan of teacups and teapots and they are scattered around the house, but in the fall you’ll actually see me use them and they add a very homey note to a room.
I collect china cups and silver tea sets and use them as flower vases when not serving tea.
Wool Throw Blanket
A soft woolen blanket is another warm touch, thrown over a chair or almost anywhere else in the space.
A lightweight throw in a pretty jewel tone works well for this room, but a heavier throw in a lovely plaid could be all the more cozy. I use throws throughout our home!
Of course you can still use bales of hay and bright orange pumpkins. But in my French-inspired rooms I prefer a softer touch.
And maybe someday there will be grandchildren in our lives and the stoop will once again host a family of scarecrows and a trail of candy corn!
Resource Guide
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What a pretty bedroom, and the bedding is gorgeous Lory! The tiny velvet pumpkins are just perfect with your colors!
Thanks so much, Amy! I really enjoyed being on this tour…:-)
Lory, I love the fun colors in your room and I love that coverlet! The tufted chair with the pretty purple throw is exquisite. Happy fall!
Thanks, Kim! Happy fall right back to you… 🙂
Lory, The coverlet really is stunning!! I love your nods to fall and think they are a lovely compliment to your space. xo
Thank you, Amanda! I was so happy with the coverlet… 🙂 What a pleasure it was working with Soft Surroundings!
Lory….I have always adored your bedroom!…So many gorgeous details and furnishings…love the tufted chair and the deep purple throw that adorns it. The coverlet is a wonderful solution to you not being able to have a dust ruffle…I have that same situation and love what you did!
Always a treat visiting you!!!….Happy Fall!
What a lovely comment, Shirley! And how funny you have the same situation with the bed skirt. I actually would love to replace our bed and get something lighter and softer, but for now the voluminous coverlet hides a multitude of sins… 🙂
Lory! I absolutely loved your tour. Thank you for giving us a peek around!! My favorite part was just reading your tour. You have such a descriptive style of writing. I feel like I’m being led around by you with a glass of tea in my hand. Well done! Happy Fall!
Thank you so much, Emily! That actually means a lot to me. I do sometimes worry if my writing style will resonate with people, but I write the way I speak and I’m glad you appreciated it… 🙂
Your decor is just stunning Lory and I love how much care you put into every single touch!
Oh, thanks so much, Janet! It’s nice that the effort comes through… 🙂 Thanks especially for including me on this tour. I really enjoyed participating!!
Lory, your bedroom is so beautiful, and inviting as well! I love the colors you’ve used for Fall, and the tufted chair is a beauty! So happy to be on this fabulous tour with you!
Thank you, Cindy! It’s funny because our bedroom really is a bit stronger in color than the rest of our home, and yet still has all that white. I’ve been thinking about painting the dark furniture, but need to practice on some smaller pieces first. Thanks for stopping by!
The bedding looks so beautiful in this space. I love the vibrant colors you have used, yet it still remains a soft space. I love your take on fall.
Nancy
Thanks so much, Nancy! I wonder if I’ll look back and think I was nuts to use so much white for fall, but for now it felt right. So fun blog hopping with you!!
Your bedroom is just gorgeous and you certainly have an eye for exquisite detail. The coverlet is perfect!
Thank, Donna! I so appreciate the kind words! Thanks for visiting… 🙂
Oh the bedding is so pretty, Lory! And that chair & cabinet are to die for. You have a beautiful room! So happy being on this tour with you.
Hugs, Jamie
Thank you so much, Jamie! Funny, the cabinet is also from Soft Surroundings but they don’t have it anymore. If it ever comes back I can add the link it. I use it as a vanity… lol! Happy fall!!
I love how your pumpkins go with your bedding! So cute! Thanks for sharing your Fall home tour with us!
Thank you, Angelina! Yes, I just couldn’t do orange in that room. Glad you enjoyed!!
What a lovely space, Lory! And those jewel toned velvet pumpkins are so beautiful!!
Thanks, Rachel! I think I’m the last person on earth to get velvet pumpkins and then I couldn’t decide on color. I finally ordered them right before the shoot (in fact literally shot half the room before they arrived). But I was so happy with them when they came… 🙂
You have a beautiful bedroom, Lory! The colors are so pretty and I love how the pumpkins fit right in. I have a similar bed in my bedroom and I really like your idea of the coverlet. It flows so beautifully down the sides of the bed.
Shelley
Thanks, Shelley!! It’s funny, I always think of myself as using really pale colors, but compared to all the whites out there, it’s actually pretty colorful… 😉 Thanks for stopping by!!
So many pretty, pretty details Lory! I love your taste, and your Frenchy things. You pulled it all together so beautifully.
Thanks so much, Anita!
I love the fun colors in your bedroom! The coverlet works perfectly for you and is so pretty! And that chair adds the perfect touch! Enjoying the tour…hugs…Debbie
Thank you, Debbie! I so enjoyed blog-hopping with you!!
Your bedroom is gorgeous and I love your bedding. Soft Surroundings is one of my favorites. I am a collector f tea cups. I also have many that were my grandmother’s on booth side.
Cindy
Thank you, Cindy! Isn’t it so much fun to have things that our grandparents owned? I sometimes wonder at how I didn’t appreciate them when I was younger, but fortunately, they weren’t lost. Thanks for visiting!!
I love the bedding. I tried finding it on Soft Surroundings. Which one is it? I enjoy your blog so much!
Thanks,
Paula
Thank you so much, Paula! I’m so sorry but the bedding which is this: Soft Surroundings 68733 SANTORINI SKIRTED COVERLET doesn’t appear to be offered anymore on their website.
I try to add sources to all my posts, but the problem is when these companies discontinue the items, it’s impossible to go back and update all of the posts. Here’s a similar one but it doesn’t have the matelasse top: https://rstyle.me/+9rRt5nnGdjImDie-JuTY3g
Hi Lory,
The violet covered teacup sure would look nice in my bedroom! I decided to perk up my room with a bit of amethyst this year and added a couple of pillows in that color. To blend everything I crocheted a throw in the same color. It’s so very different from what’s featured everywhere, I just love it. I’ve gotten rid of more teacups and teapots than I can count, but I can’t remember if I had one with violets. I keep looking for a purple transferware teapot but haven’t found one yet. The tray makes such a nice setting. Everything looks so inviting in your home, your pictures have my husband ready to paint our kitchen cabinets!
Thanks for your kind words! Your bedroom sounds lovely. Here are a few transferware options you might consider:
https://rstyle.me/+psm81oEy8032Sr15o5Bipw
https://rstyle.me/+X19S55G4pKrKTi7LlzEa-w
https://rstyle.me/+8umEb1sIZHsNFfyTRvOCrg
https://rstyle.me/+YdZPmJ9buRMJvjs6wJC4rw
I love your blog as your suggestions usually tie in with things I already have and I realize I can change the decorating by shopping the house! One example is I will be putting a small white metal tray on the guestroom bed and adding some dried lavender and tea cups, etc. on it. All things I have. I love to decorate and move my treasures around. Thanks.
This is so great to hear, Eileen! So glad you’re inspired… 🙂
White coverlets make a bed! Especially in the summer heat.
A lovely shade of green and it’s a favorite of mine. A little green seems to warm a room.
So pretty. I love the bedding in your setting.