Autumn Home Styling: Cosy Table Linen, Quilts and Simple Seasonal Touches

As the days get shorter and we spend more evenings at home, autumn is the perfect time to make a few small changes around the house. You do not need a full refresh. Often it is the simplest touches that make the biggest difference: a printed tablecloth for a long Sunday lunch, a soft cotton Quilt on the sofa, or a fresh set of tea towels in the kitchen.

Here are my favourite ways to style your home for autumn and winter, using hand block printed table linen and cotton Quilts made by artisan workshops in Jaipur, India.

1. How to Style an Autumn Dinner Table

You do not need a special occasion to make the table feel beautiful. Start with a printed tablecloth as your base. Our hand block printed tablecloths come in Morning Glory, Jay Feather, Mushroom and Hand Painted designs, with a round Morning Glory tablecloth for circular tables and larger sizes for big family gatherings.

Next, add cloth napkins. For a rich autumn and winter look, our burgundy linen and cotton napkins are hand embroidered in Jaipur with an off-white mistletoe motif. Each napkin is 45cm square with a hemstitch border and is machine washable at 30°C. If you prefer something lighter, our printed cotton napkins in Jay Feather, Mushrooms and Morning Glory bring colour and pattern to everyday meals.

Finish with a few simple touches:

• A small jug of seasonal flowers and foliage
• A handful of candles in different heights
• Your favourite everyday crockery
• Printed placemats, sold in sets of two or four

Do not worry about making everything match. Mixing prints, textures and pieces you have collected over time makes a table feel personal. Keep the flowers relaxed, too; a few stems in a favourite jug can be just as charming as a grand arrangement.

2. Layer Up with a Cotton Quilt for a Cosier Home

As the temperature drops, think about adding texture rather than changing everything. A hand stitched quilt is a traditional Indian throw made from layers of soft, lightweight cotton with a cottonf filling. It is warm enough for chilly evenings yet breathable, so it works all year round as a bedspread, a sofa throw or a blanket for an armchair.

Our Quilts are hand block printed in Jaipur by skilled artisans, so every piece has its own character. Try one folded over the end of the bed, draped across an armchair or kept on the sofa for evenings in front of the fire. 

I love mixing different fabrics and patterns. Stripes work beautifully with smaller prints, while softer colours and natural textures keep everything feeling relaxed. It is all about creating a home that feels comfortable and lived in.

3. Small Kitchen Updates: Printed Tea Towels and Aprons

Some of the easiest updates are in the rooms we use every day. A fresh set of printed tea towels hanging from the Aga rail, or a pretty apron by the cooker, can make everyday routines feel that little bit more special.

Our printed tea towels come in Morning Glory and Jay Feather designs, and they pair beautifully with our matching napkins and tablecloths if you like a coordinated look. Our printed apron is ideal for weekend baking, autumn jam making or preparing a Sunday roast.

These small pieces are also a simple way to introduce a new colour or print without committing to a bigger change. Choose pieces you genuinely love and you will enjoy them long after autumn has passed. They also make thoughtful gifts for anyone who loves to cook or host.

4. Make Space for the Slower Moments

Autumn is the perfect time to let your home work a little harder for relaxation. Keep a favourite cosy quilt close to the sofa, make your bedside feel inviting with soft cotton layers, or set up a quiet corner for a morning coffee and a good book. It is not about making your home look perfect; it is about making it somewhere you truly want to spend time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a cotton Quilt? A cotton Quilt is a lightweight Indian throw or bedspread made from layers of soft cotton, hand stitched and also filled with a cotton filling. It is warm without being heavy, making it ideal for layering on beds and sofas through autumn and winter.

Where are Shades of Cool London products made? Our quilts, tablecloths, napkins, placemats, tea towels and aprons are made by artisan workshops in Jaipur, India, using traditional hand block printing and hand embroidery.

Are the burgundy mistletoe napkins only for Christmas? Not at all. The deep claret red and mistletoe motif suit any winter table, from Bonfire Night suppers to January dinner parties.

Are your napkins machine washable? Yes. Our burgundy linen and cotton napkins can be machine washed at 30°C.

Do you sell round tablecloths? Yes. Our Morning Glory tablecloth is available in a round version for circular tables.

Shop the Autumn Edit

For a limited time, enjoy 20% off our table accessories, including tea towels, napkins, tablecloths, placemats and aprons. Simply use the code COSY on all orders over £50.

For more tablescape ideas, visit us on Instagram.