While in summer the bedroom becomes a place to try to cool down and get some sleep in the heat, it comes into its own again, decor-wise, come fall. It's time to put back in those layers you stripped out on the hottest days of the year and turn your bedroom back into a cozy, cocooning sanctuary.

Layering your home for fall is the first way to usher in the change of season, and in the bedroom, this can start subtly and gradually, adding throws, pillows, rugs, and furniture to create a warm and welcoming sleep space. 'Long before central heating, interiors relied on layers of textiles to create warmth and protection from the elements,' explains textile designer Pat Giddens. 'Think bed drapes, fabric hangings, carpets, and heavy textiles to create softer, warmer, and more sheltered environments.'

'Rather than heating an entire space, layers of fabric can help create smaller, cozier environments that feel warm, comforting, and cocooning,' adds Pat, 'while also nurturing that childhood sense of whimsy we all remember from making tents, dens, and hideouts.'

These are the five key layers designers focus on when taking a bedroom out of summer and into fall and winter.

1. Soft, Tactile Lighting

The first layer to consider in your bedroom when making it extra cozy for fall is the lighting. Over the summer, natural light does a lot of the heavy lifting, but shifting into autumn and winter, you want to add soft pools of warm light to the room. And the fixtures you choose matter too – soft, fabric lampshades that will gently disperse the light are always a nice update at this time of year.

'Cozy autumnal interiors are all about depth, softness and atmosphere. I have a penchant for intricate layering, combining warm and tactile materials to craft an inviting and romantic atmosphere,' says interior designer Erik Munro. 'Lighting and layering are paramount. You need a strong base, then many added layers, cleverly lit with indirect, soft lighting. A well-designed interior should evoke a feeling within you – as you enter the room you feel a change right away, or a well-used favorite room unearths old warm feelings.'

'Lighting is a crucial element in adding warmth to a bedroom and shifting the mood as the days become shorter,' says interior designer Janie Hungerford. 'Introduce warmer, softer layers of lighting beside the bed or in other corners of the room, whether it’s in the form of candles, bedside lamps, or sconces. Being able to dim your lighting and using warm bulbs is key.'

2. Comforting Bedding

Comforting, warmer bedding is an essential layer going into fall. Draping a thick wool throw at the foot of your bed or replacing linen sheets with something softer will instantly make your bed feel cozier.

'The changing of seasons brings an opportunity to switch things up in your bedroom,' says Janie. 'Switching out your duvet for a warmer, heavier option and changing the color of your bed sheets is a fantastic way to create a fall experience. A heavier duvet feels more weighted and comforting, and a change in bed linens can make a big impact, as the bed is usually the main focal point in the room.'

Start with a neutral base, like an organic duvet cover in a warm beige or soft ochre. Then add a textural accent like a fluffy throw or a tapestry pillow, followed by a moody-toned sham or bolster.

3. Upholstered Headboards

An upholstered headboard is another way to add tactile layers to your bedroom and soften the room; plus, it is an easy switch that can make a big impact. Stylish statement headboards add a punchy dose of pattern or color, too, perfect for schemes in need of a little contrast.

'When designing this cozy and layered bedroom, our jumping-off point was this vintage Chinoiserie screen repurposed as a headboard', explains interior designer Caroline Levenson. 'From there, we layered textiles in a mix of pattern and texture – crisp cotton sheets, a soft wool blanket, a colorful kantha quilt folded at the bottom of the bed. Art, books, a plant or fresh flowers, and personal objects such as a bowl of seashells picked up on vacation all make this cozy sanctuary personal and hard to leave.'

4. A Cozy Seating Corner

Reading nooks are a huge fall trend this year, and the bedroom can be a perfect spot to add a dedicated corner for curling up with a book and a coffee. It doesn't have to take up a huge amount of space; just a big squishy armchair with a cocktail table to perch a read and a drink will create this little zone within the room.

'For our new home, we wanted our "launched" daughter's bedroom to be a cozy retreat for her when she comes home for visits and holidays and also serve as a comfortable guest room when needed,' explains photographer Jane Beiles. 'We achieved a sense of peaceful retreat by layering bedding to allow for each guest's personal "thermostat", mixing in a family heirloom (the bedside lamp belonged to my aunt, an interior designer, which adds a sense of history as well as a conversation point for guests, many of whom were acquainted with my relative), and adding a plush sofette so guests have a private place to enjoy their morning coffee, curl up with a book or get some work done.'

'We always fill the bedside water pitcher for our guests and clip fresh blooms from our garden to create a welcoming home away from home,' adds Jane.

5. Textiles as Art

Antique textiles look great draped on a bed, but they can also bring lived-in coziness and an extra layer to bedroom walls, too.

'I love using textiles as art,' states interior designer Laura Stephens. 'An antique fabric fragment or an old rug framed on the wall brings so much warmth and history into a space, and there’s something wonderfully autumnal about surrounding yourself with pieces that feel worn-in and storied as the nights draw in.'

'You don’t need to completely redecorate to introduce the look,' Laura adds. 'Try combining a striped chair with a checked cushion, or layering two contrasting patterns in the same warm palette. And if you have an old textile tucked away – a shawl, a scarf, or even a beautiful rug that is past its best on the floor – have it framed. It’s such an easy and affordable way to add real character and make a room feel more personal.'

Designing a cozy bedroom is more than just making your bed as comfortable as it can be. Covering your walls in soft, tactile fabrics will cocoon your sleep space; warm, ambient lighting will create an atmosphere; and a comfortable corner for contemplation will bring that all-important sense of nostalgia and charm.

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