If you rent, there are only so many things you can do to change your bedroom. You might not be allowed to paint the walls, replace the carpet or get rid of the landlord’s furniture, but you can change the bed – and because it’s usually the biggest thing in the room, it can make a surprisingly big difference to the whole vibe. It’s practical and relatively inexpensive too.
I’m always more tempted to make my bedroom feel cosy once September arrives, and changing the bedding is one of the easiest ways to do it. You don’t need a complete room makeover; a heavier duvet cover, a warmer colour, a throw, or a bit more texture can make the whole space feel different.
So if you’re looking for an easy autumn update for a rented room or house share, these are three bedding styles I’d consider.
1. Green or Burgundy Gingham for a Cosy Autumn Bedroom
Gingham is one of those patterns that can make a bedroom feel instantly more relaxed and cosy, particularly when it’s paired with brushed cotton.
I like the idea of using green for autumn because it feels seasonal without being quite as obvious as orange or brown. Burgundy, meanwhile, gives you a much deeper, richer look if you want the room to feel more autumnal.
Argos Home Brushed Cotton Gingham Bedding Set
The vibe: A soft green check that would work particularly well if you like a more traditional, cottage-inspired bedroom.
Style tip: I’d keep the rest of the room fairly simple and add warmth with a wooden bedside table, an amber-toned lamp or a small table lamp with a warm bulb.
Catherine Lansfield Burgundy Gingham Check Brushed Cotton Duvet Set
The vibe: A deeper burgundy check if you want something that feels more obviously autumnal. It’s reversible too, so you can change up the look without buying another duvet cover.
Style tip: Burgundy works particularly well against simple white, cream or pale beige walls, which makes it a good option if you’re dealing with fairly uninspiring rental décor.
2. Cream Waffle for a More Minimal Look
If you prefer neutral bedding, you don’t have to introduce a pattern or a strong colour to make your bedroom feel more autumnal.
Texture can do the job instead.
A chunky waffle duvet cover adds a bit of interest to an otherwise neutral room while keeping everything feeling calm and simple. It’s particularly good if you like that slightly relaxed, hotel-style look rather than a traditional autumn bedroom.
Habitat Chunky Waffle Cream Bedding Set
The vibe: Warm cream with a chunky waffle texture. It’s simple, but the texture stops the bed from looking completely flat.
Style tip: I’d mix this with other neutral shades rather than trying to match everything exactly. Cream bedding with beige, oatmeal or off-white cushions and throws will look much more relaxed than a completely matching set. I also think it creates. a bit of visual interest to have those contrasting neutral shades.
3. Rust and Terracotta for a Warmer Room
If your rental has cold grey carpets or stark white walls, adding a warm colour to the bed can make the room feel much cosier.
Rust and terracotta are particularly good for this because they bring some warmth without making the room feel as though you’ve decorated specifically for Halloween or Christmas.
Dunelm Soft & Cosy Luxury 100% Brushed Cotton Duvet Set
The vibe: A soft brushed cotton duvet cover in a warm terracotta shade. This is probably the option I’d choose if the rest of the room is very neutral and needs a bit more colour.
Style tip: You don’t need to introduce terracotta everywhere else. I’d keep the rest of the bedding simple with cream or white pillowcases and perhaps add an olive green throw at the bottom of the bed.
As an aside, I know I’ve recommended a lot of Dunelm here but I think they’re great for bedding. They have loads of styles to choose from and very reasonably priced. I picked up this Deep Olive set for the cooler months recently and love that it is affordable and 100% cotton.
The Low-Maintenance Rented Bedroom Formula
You don’t need to buy an entirely new set of bedding to make your bed look more put together either.
Don’t match everything perfectly
One of the easiest ways to make bedding look more considered is actually to stop trying to match everything.
A cream duvet cover with a patterned pillowcase or a different-coloured throw can look much more relaxed than buying the matching sheets, duvet and cushions from the same range.
Sometimes I make small seasonal swaps with the bedding I already own. I have a black and white geometric grid set and in the colder months I swap out the bottom pillowcases and fitted sheet for a forest green which gives it a slight autumnal vibe.n
Add a throw at the end of the bed
A chunky knitted or fleece throw folded across the bottom of the bed is another easy way to make the room feel cosier for autumn.
It also gives you another opportunity to introduce a little colour without committing to a completely different bedding set.
A Simple Autumn Bedroom Update
The nice thing about changing your bedding is that you don’t need to redecorate the whole room to get the effect.
If your bedroom is already fairly neutral, you can introduce autumn through colour and texture – whether that’s green gingham, warm burgundy, cream waffle or terracotta.
And because you’re changing the bedding rather than the room itself, it’s something you can easily change again when spring arrives.
If I were choosing, I’d probably go for the green gingham for a cosy autumn feel, although I’m also into my terracottas and rusts as well – they kind of remind me of fallen leaves.
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