The colder autumn and winter months are a time when we retreat indoors, seeking warmth and comfort. Often, there’s no better place to cocoon ourselves from the icy outside, than our own cosy bedrooms. Even if you’ll be treating yourself to a UK winter staycation before the year’s out, you’ll no doubt still be keen to ensure your accommodation is as welcoming and comforting as possible. In fact, for many of us, staying in a snug, homely guesthouse or hotel is often what entices us to travel at this time of the year.
As summer draws to a close, it’s the perfect time for hoteliers to start making subtle tweaks to decor in order to create more of a seasonal atmosphere. From flickering log fires, and steaming hot cups of tea (or perhaps even pumpkin spiced lattes!); to hearty comfort food, and heated pools, there are lots of reasons to book a UK hotel stay at this time of the year. However, perhaps the easiest place to start in updating hotel rooms with autumn interior trends in mind, is by changing duvet covers and blankets.
Choose the right duvet cover
What kind of duvet cover is best for your hotel room this autumn/winter? Here are a few tips to bear in mind.
- Material: Opt for materials that retain warmth like flannel, jersey knit, or brushed cotton. These materials feel soft against the skin, and trap heat effectively.
- Weight: The weight of your duvet matters. For winter, heavier duvet covers with a higher tog rating (seen as a measure of thermal insulation) is recommended.
- Design: A winter bedroom doesn’t have to be dull. Play with festive, winter-themed designs or go for solid rich colors like burgundy, forest green, or midnight blue to evoke warmth.
Layer with blankets
Layering is the key to staying warm, while also adding depth and texture to beds. Different kinds of blankets offer different benefits, for example:
- Quilted blankets: These are not only great for creating extra warmth, but also give a luxurious touch to king size beds.
- Fleece or microfibre blankets: These blankets are known for retaining heat. Use them as an extra layer between your duvet cover, and top sheet.
- Chunky knit blankets: Aside from their heating properties, these blankets can make a trendy statement piece.
Mix and match textures
Playing with different textures can elevate the cosy factor. A velvet or faux fur throw, juxtaposed against a crisp cotton duvet, can make beds look truly inviting.
Add warmth underneath with the addition of:
- Flannel sheets: A soft flannel sheet set will make hotel guests feel like they’re sleeping on a cloud.
- Underblanket or mattress topper: To insulate from below, use wool or heated underblankets.
Surround yourself with pillows
An abundance of pillows can also help to create a cosy feel. Match your pillows with your duvet, or contrast them with different patterns and fabrics. Velvet or faux fur pillow covers can be especially warm, and pleasant to touch.
Consider the room’s ambience
Besides considering your pillows, textures, blankets and duvet covers, you can also influence the ambience of your hotel rooms by considering the following:
- Curtains: Thick or thermal curtains can prevent draughts from coming in, and make the room feel cosier.
- Lighting: Soft lighting, perhaps from string lights or dimmable bedside lamps, can set a warm, tranquil mood.
- Rugs: A fluffy rug can insulate your feet from cold floors, enhancing the overall warmth of the room.
Scented candles
Scented candles can make for a great way to set the mood for autumn and winter, and create a luxury hotel room feel. Seasonal fragrances like cinnamon, pine, or vanilla can evoke warmth and nostalgic memories of festive times.
Keep things organised
A clutter-free space often feels more serene. Declutter your hotel rooms by removing any items you don’t need during the colder seasons, leaving only the essentials and your newly refreshed decor.
With thoughtful selection and layering of duvet covers and blankets, your bedroom can become a winter paradise. Combine textures, fragrances, and soft lighting to enhance the ambience. A cosy winter bedroom is not just about aesthetics, but also about how it makes your hotel guests feel: secure, warm, and relaxed.
And don’t just stop at the bedroom; the en-suite bathroom is a big part of the experience too. Discover some of the best ways to make a hotel bathroom more eco-friendly in my previous post.
How else do you think hotels can update their rooms to create a more welcoming atmosphere for autumn and winter? Share your thoughts in the comment box below.