Plaids, knits, blankets and pumpkin spice lattes are just a few things that can heal the winter (or in the case of Edinburgh, autumnal) blues. As I’m sure you’ll realise by reading this article, autumn is my favourite season, but I’m not immune to the effects of shorter days and colder months.
As we slowly get closer to the dreaded midterm season of the autumn semester, there is one thing that helps me get through the cold winter months more than anything else. Having a nicely decorated bedroom that I look forward to returning to each night feels as good as curling up in front of a fireplace after being out in the cold all day.
Needless to say, I feel very strongly about the visual appearance of my room. More than anything, I want it to exude warmth and coziness from every corner! Here’s a roundup of a few things that have make my room feel cozy, seasonal and welcoming:
1. Plants
There’s nothing quite like having a little plant that you are responsible for- or in my case, 10! Whether the look you’re going for is a simple plant pot on your windowsill or more of a jungle look, I promise you that bringing some greenery into your life is bound to make your room feel that much cosier.
2. Fresh flowers
Fresh flowers are such an easy thing to pick up during your weekly grocery shop. Alongside having a selection of permanent plants in my room, I love having a vase where I can switch out a seasonal bouquet of flowers every so often. This time I was able to find little pumpkins to go alongside my orange bunch. So simple, yet so effective at making me smile each morning!
3. Fairy lights
Nothing revolutionary here- fairy lights seem like the student essential at this point. I’m including them here to highlight that there are so many different types of fairy lights you can use! You can get warm or cold light, baubles, stars, hearts, or any other shape imaginable. The possibilities really are endless. In my case, I opted for golden baubles around my bed. And leaves around my fireplace, but there’s more on that later…
4. Funky mirrors
Everyone loves a full-length mirror- how else are we going to take those OOTD selfies? However, I’d also suggest picking up a more unique mirror alongside it. Whether that is an interesting shape or one of those curved-surface mirrors, it’s bound to spice up your room! Oh, and have I mentioned that mirrors make your room seem bigger? This is what I used to justify my moon mirror triptych.
5. Seasonal bunting
If you happen to have the quirk that many old Edinburgh flats do — a non-functional fireplace — hanging some fairy lights or bunting (mine is a two-in-one) is bound to make that area of your room more cute and cozy. Not an essential for your bedroom, but I highly recommended it. Other possible locations for displaying bunting are: over your bed, dressing table or desk. Basically, any smooth surface that can hold two ends of a string up.
6. Candles
Especially in these cold months, an abundance of candles is not only aesthetic but also practical. I like keeping a wide array of candle shapes, colors and scents scattered throughout my room. Pretty wine bottles are my favorite candle holders, but I have also found a few in charity shops.
I am also pleased to report that I have tried the TikTok candle painting trend, and it works!! With a little patience (or just use actual paint instead of candle wax like we did) this cosy evening activity is highly recommended to destress from uni pressure.
7. Photo walls/ collages
This is probably my favorite way to add some personality to my room. I’ve had variations of this in every Edinburgh flat I’ve lived in: from photos covering the entirety of a wall to subtle mementos pinned above my desk. This is also an excellent way to pin up concert tickets, postcards, confetti, filmstrips, quotes- you name it! If you’re overly sentimental like me and save literally everything, then this one’s for you.
I hope this little sneak peek into the nooks of my bedroom has given you some autumnal inspiration. Whether you choose a new throw, a pumpkin spice candle or a new plant, I hope it reflects your own personal style.
Happy decorating!!
All photographs provided by Julia Twardzisz