Lily Smith 

How to get cosy this autumn: 42 small, snuggly updates for your home and routine

Getting ready to hibernate? From puzzles to pyjamas, hooded blankets to bath salts, these little comforts will do the trick
  
  

Woman with cup of drink and book near fireplace at home, closeup
Hot take: warm up, slow down and embrace the season. Photograph: Liudmila Chernetska/Getty Images/iStockphoto

Autumn feels like the ideal time to slow down. There’s something about the crisper air and darker days that makes you want to spend evenings relaxing in your comfiest pyjamas (especially before the busy festive period takes over).

You probably already have a decompression ritual, even if it’s just taking a shower or sipping a hot drink before bed. But as the weather turns, it feels like the perfect time to tweak your evening routine. That could mean treating yourself to a new candle with a seasonal scent, upgrading your slippers to a warmer pair or swapping doomscrolling for an activity that helps you find calm.

If you’re in need of inspiration, we’ve rounded up our favourite autumnal pick-me-ups to help you recharge and get that cosy feeling, from an M&S hooded blanket to a delicious dark chocolate chilli chai.

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How to get cosy this autumn

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Home scents

Lush Twilight single-wick candle

£12 at Lush

Lush’s Twilight candle is scented with lavender and creamy tonka bean, so the fragrance is sweet without being sickly. Lush candles put out a great scent even when not lit, but this one smells so delicious you’ll find yourself holding it to your nose and sniffing it throughout the day. I burned it in the evenings to lull me into a relaxed state before going to bed.

Muji amber and sandalwood single-wick candle

£12.95 at Muji

If woody scents are more up your alley, then this Muji candle with notes of amber, sandalwood, patchouli and cassis could be for you. It comes in a burnt orange glass jar to add some seasonal, earthy tones to your home.

For more, check out the best scented candles, tested

WoodWick cinnamon chai candle

£10.99 at Yankee Candle £10.99 at Amazon

There’s something so atmospheric about a wooden-wick candle – the crackling sound it makes is reminiscent of a log burner. If you’re into warming spice scents, this cinnamon chai one will not disappoint.

Habitat confetti glass electric diffuser

£30 at Argos

This glass electric diffuser doubles up as a lamp that gives off a calming glow as the steam puffs out, and was one of our reviewer Kate Jacobs’ favourite electric diffusers from her tests. Just add water and a few drops of a diffuser oil to give your home an inviting scent.

For more, check out the best diffusers for your home, tested

Folkulture autumn bakehouse diffuser oils

£14.99 at Amazon

Spice scents can be a bit overwhelming, so before trying these bakery-inspired oils, I did wonder if I’d be left with a cinnamon-induced headache. I was pleasantly surprised to find they were all strong without being overpowering. The pumpkin spice latte oil has a coffee scent added to nutmeg, pumpkin and clove, while the fresher cranberry orange muffin and apple cider doughnut fragrances are sweet but fruity. The gingerbread cookie one has notes of cocoa, vanilla and ginger, and would also work well over the festive period.

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Rechargeable table lamps

Made Mirissa rechargeable terrazzo table lamp

£69 at John Lewis £69 at Next

When trying to create a cosy atmosphere, the big light is a no-no. This quirky rechargeable lamp is wireless, so you can plonk it anywhere for an instant cosy-vibe boost. It has a modern terrazzo finish, and the cute mushroom shape adds just the right amount of whimsy.

Cerise LED rechargeable table lamp

£24 at Dusk

Add a pop of colour to any room with this bright red table lamp. With a sleek and modern design, it stands at just 27cm tall and 16cm wide, ideal for homes with limited space. It works on a dimmer, so you can adjust the light to your liking.

Marble rechargeable table lamp

£105 at Pooky

This rechargeable lamp comes in black or white marble, with a remote control to turn it on and adjust the brightness. There’s also a range of lampshades to choose from (starting at £12.30), so you can customise it to suit your space.

Fanhao touch bedside table lamp

£37.99 at Amazon

You can change this lamp to neutral, white or warm light to suit the task at hand, whether you’re reading, getting on with work or trying to unwind. The circular head gives 360-degree lighting and is reminiscent of a Japanese paper light shade.

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Stay warm

Silentnight luxury heated throw

£45 at Silentnight £44.99 at Amazon

Heat the human, not the home, advises Martin Lewis. An electric blanket or heated throw can help you cut down on your heating bill in the colder months. In our test, this cosy option from Silentnight cost 2p an hour to run; it has nine settings to keep you at the perfect temperature. It comes in pink, grey, green, purple and navy.

For more, check out the best electric blankets and heated throws, tested

Ribbed fleece hooded blanket

£25 at M&S

The hooded design of this blanket means it will stay in place on your head and arms to keep you extra toasty. It also has a handy built-in pocket that could hold a hot-water bottle for an extra heat boost. It comes in cream and grey and in medium, large and kids’ sizes.

Super-soft long hot-water bottle

£45 at the White Company

The shape of this long hot-water bottle means it can be draped over your shoulders to soothe aches or laid over the entire length of your torso for extra warmth. The fluffy cover also makes it particularly appealing to snuggle up with.

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Hot drinks

Bird & Blend dark choc chilli chai

£8.15 at Bird & Blend

Spice up your evening cuppa with this unexpected but tasty loose-leaf blend. Dark chocolate adds depth to classic chai flavours, with a chilli kick that hits the back of your throat.

M&S Luxury Gold shortbread biscuit teabags

£3 at Ocado

I’ve been obsessed with this tea since I first tried it. Flavourings are added to give it an undeniable buttery, shortbread taste that will satisfy your craving for tea and biscuits.

Whitttard apple strudel hot chocolate

£11.95 at Whittard £17.99 at Amazon

If, like me, you have a sweet tooth and a pastry obsession, then this indulgent hot choc is sure to hit the spot. When taking my first sip, I was hit with the flavours of baked apple and cinnamon, swiftly followed by notes of buttery pastry and a sweet hint of creamy white chocolate. I’m not sure how they’ve done it, but it really does taste like an apple strudel.

Yorkshire Tea Bedtime Brew

£2.75 at Ocado £2.75 at Amazon

If you avoid caffeine in the evenings, then try Yorkshire Tea’s Bedtime Brew. It’s a decaf blend with hints of vanilla and nutmeg added to help you unwind. There’s something so calming about the flavour, I have one most nights just before bed.

Pierre c’est chic mug

£12.50 at Oliver Bonas

As we enter cosy season, you may be in need of a new mug. This jaunty little cat one will brighten up tea time.

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Cosy activities

West Yorkshire Spinners DK yarn, 1006 ball

£6.46 at WoolBox

Crochet hook

£4.41 at Hobbii

Crochet has risen in popularity in recent years, and for good reason: its repetitive rhythm makes it a great mindfulness activity, with a lovely piece to wear or display at the end of it. If you’re a beginner, check out our guide to the kit you need to get going. DK yarn is a good choice if you’re just starting out.

Michael Storrings Autumn by the Sea puzzle

£15.20 at Bookshop £15.03 at Amazon

Puzzles are another screen-free way to calm a busy mind. This 1,000-piece Michael Storrings jigsaw has a pleasingly autumnal seaside scene.

Nintendo Switch Lite

£198.87 at John Lewis £199.99 at Argos

There’s something about a handheld console that feels so much cosier – its portability means you can play curled up on the sofa. Nintendo is known for its cute and comforting games – Animal Crossing, Pokémon and Stardew Valley, to name a few – so the Nintendo Switch Lite is a good option to relax, particularly now that the Switch 2 is out and this older model has dropped in price.

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Self-care

Horace purifying face mask

£15 at Horace

This clay mask from men’s grooming brand Horace is made from almost 100% natural ingredients that work to reduce sebum and the appearance of pores. Horace recommends using it once a week, giving you a great excuse to plan a weekly self-care evening.

Laneige Cica sleeping mask

£30 at Lookfantastic £30 at Cult Beauty

As colder weather starts to take its toll, try this overnight mask designed for sensitive skin. Apply it at the end of your skincare routine and don’t wash it off until the morning for a boost of hydration.

Garnier Body Repair restoring moisturiser

£5.99 at Superdrug £5.99 at Amazon

A favourite of skincare expert Caroline Hirons, this maple-sap-enriched moisturiser is an antidote for rough and dry skin. “I’ve tried hundreds of body products on the market, from budget to luxurious, and this is the one I always return to. It’s light and absorbs quickly,” says Hirons. Incorporate it into your night-time skincare routine to keep your skin happy throughout autumn and winter.

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Shower and bath

Lush pumpkin spice latte shower gel

£8.50 at Lush

Love it or hate it, no scent encapsulates the season more than pumpkin spice. And though the lattes may not be for everyone, this shower gel from Lush is a bit of a crowd pleaser. The sweet and spiced scent is pungent, but not as overpowering as some other options on the market.

Sol de Janeiro Delícia Drench shower oil

£17.25 at Lookfantastic £23 at Space NK

This shower oil has notes of candied violet, whipped amber and sandalwood, creating an intoxicating gourmand and wood mixed scent. Water turns the oil into a milky texture that will leave your skin feeling nourished.

L’Occitane Eau des Baux shower gel

£14.40 at Lookfantastic £20 at Notino

After something seasonal but fresh? This L’Occitane shower gel mixes red peppercorn, cardamom and cypress to create a fragrance that’s not too feminine. It’s also a two-in-one body wash and shampoo, for those who appreciate convenience.

Cowshed sleep bath salts

£24 at Lookfantastic £24 at Cowshed

Cowshed’s sleepy bath salts are made of Himalayan crystals and sea salts mixed with aromatic oils. The citrusy melissa and lemon myrtle oils give off a relaxing scent to help you decompress, while neroli and squalane oils will leave your skin feeling soft.

Neom wellbeing bath oil

£31.50 at Lookfantastic £45 at Neom

The jasmine, lavender and sandalwood scent of this bath oil instantly transported me to a spa, and a luxurious one at that. I soaked in it for at least 10 minutes, per Neom’s instructions, and found that the mix of softening natural oils left my skin feeling silky smooth, even the next day.

Stripe cotton robe

£69 at Piglet in Bed £69 at John Lewis

For cold days when it feels impossible to drag yourself out of the hot shower, a cosy bathrobe will make all the difference. This stylish striped robe is made from absorbent cotton and comes in green, red, brown and light blue.

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Pyjamas

Women’s organic cotton gingham pyjamas

£60 at Chelsea Peers

These beautiful gingham pyjamas are made from 100% cotton for an extra-soft feel. The long top and bottoms are ideal for cold sleepers, and they come with a matching hair tie to pull your hair back during your skincare routine.

Women’s striped pyjama shorts

£50 at Stripe & Stare

For those who run hot, these pyjama shorts from Stripe & Stare have a brushed texture to give you that cosy feeling without overheating. There are lots of patterns to choose from, but we love the contrast of these bright blue and pink stripes.

Men’s organic cotton check pyjama trousers

£35 at John Lewis

If your PJ bottoms are looking a bit raggedy, it might be time for an upgrade. This pair has smart checked print and is made of 100% organic cotton, making them extra breathable and comfortable.

Men’s pure cotton short pyjama set

£25 at M&S

These pyjama shorts in muted tones are a loose fit without being frumpy. The matching waffle-textured T-shirt makes for a set that feels classic but not boring.

Unisex sweat wide trousers

£34.90 at Uniqlo

Upgrade your loungewear with a pair of trousers that work for lazing around at home and popping out to the shops. You’ll thank us if you need to do an emergency snack run. This unisex pair from Uniqlo is made from your usual sweatpants material, but with a more fashionable wide-leg cut than typical joggers.

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Socks

Women’s slouch Heattech socks

£7.90 at Uniqlo

Men’s pile Heattech socks

£7.90 at Uniqlo

Uniqlo’s Heattech socks have long been a Filter favourite for keeping our toes toasty. The material is designed to retain heat while wicking away moisture. Both these pairs look particularly appealing for lounging at home.

Autograph pure cashmere socks

£30 at M&S

Cashmere is known for its incredibly soft, warm and breathable qualities, making it the perfect material for socks. These Marks & Spencer ones are made from 100% cashmere and come in grey, black, beige, pink and light blue – a real treat for your feet.

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Slippers

Neutral borg-lined slippers

£22 at Next

Give your feet a hug with these neutral-tone slippers, fully lined with a teddy-like borg material. They’re easy to slip on and have a hard bottom – great when you suddenly remember you need to put the bin out.

Suede faux fur trim mule slippers

£23 at M&S

These convenient slip-on mules are faux-fur-lined for a super snuggly feel. They come in six colours, including a deep chocolate brown and a silvery metallic.

Totes felt toggle slippers

£30 at John Lewis £30 at Totes

With memory foam cushioning for extra comfy foot support, these understated slippers have a toggle so you can adjust the fit to your feet.

Mahabis Lite slippers

£69 at Mahabis

These Mahabis slippers sit somewhere between a slipper and a shoe. A great pair for both cosy nights in and productive work-from-home days.

For more, check out the best slippers for men and women

 

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