How to reset your sofa after a busy summer of entertaining

After a summer spent opening your home to family, friends, your sofa has likely seen more than its fair share of activity. From impromptu drinks indoors when the evenings cooled down to grandchildren climbing up after a day in the garden, your living room becomes the heart of the home during the warmer months.

As autumn arrives and the pace begins to slow, it’s the perfect time to give your sofa a little extra care and transform your space into a cosy retreat ready for the season ahead. Whether you’re looking to refresh your existing furniture or add some autumnal touches, a few simple changes can make all the difference!

At Cover My Furniture, we have over 60 years of experience creating beautifully fitted sofa covers, helping homeowners refresh their beloved furniture without the need for replacement. So, if your sofa needs a little seasonal TLC, here are our favourite ways to get it ready for those cosy nights by the fire.

Give your sofa a little post-summer refresh

After a summer of hosting, your sofa deserves a little extra care. Even the most well-kept homes can collect signs of busy family life, whether that’s crumbs from afternoon snacks, muddy paws after time in the garden, or the general wear that comes from having everyone gathered together.

Start by giving your sofa a thorough vacuum, paying attention to those easily forgotten areas. Between the cushions, underneath the seats and along the seams are often where dust, crumbs and everyday debris can hide.

If your sofa covers can be removed, now is the perfect time to check their care instructions and give them a refresh. A freshly washed sofa cover can instantly make your furniture feel cleaner, brighter and ready for the season ahead.

If your current covers aren’t removable or are looking a little tired after years of use, our made-to-measure fitted sofa covers are a wonderful way to give your favourite furniture a new lease of life. Designed to fit your sofa perfectly, our covers are completely machine washable, making it simple to keep your living space looking beautiful, even after busy family gatherings!

Once your covers are removed and in the wash, if there are any lingering summer smells, a sprinkle of baking soda over your cushions will get rid of those in a pinch. Simply sprinkle it on, leave it for a while before vacuuming it away, and your sofa will feel fresher, cleaner and ready for those cosy autumn evenings.

Bring in warmer autumn colours

After months of lighter summery tones, autumn is the perfect time to introduce richer colours into your home. Autumn has such a wonderfully diverse colour palette; whether you love a light and airy look or prefer something a little warmer and more luxurious, there’s something for everyone. Rich rusts, deep claret, elegant olive greens, soft neutrals and timeless blues can all bring warmth and character to your space.

If you’re ready to give your sofa a completely new look for autumn and winter, while still having the option to switch back to a lighter summer style when the warmer months return, our fitted sofa covers are just the thing. Custom made for your sofa, they make seasonal living room switch-ups effortlessly easy. Plus, with our wide range of fabrics available in a beautiful selection of colours and textures, you can find the perfect style to complement your home. From rich, warming shades to timeless neutrals, we have plenty of options that are ideal for creating a cosy autumnal feel!

Some of our favourite choices for the season include Chunky Weave in Rich Terracotta, Cotton Diamond in Rich Claret, Everyday Velvet in Brown and Luxury Cotton Weave in Thistle – just to name a few! Each fabric brings something different to your sofa. So, whether you’re looking to add a touch of luxury, introduce a deeper tone, or simply create a cosier space for the colder months, we’ve got you covered!

Choose luxurious textures for cosy evenings at home

One of the easiest ways to make your living room feel ready for autumn is by adding plenty of soft, inviting textures. As the evenings get cooler, there’s nothing better than sinking into a sofa that feels as comfortable as it looks.

This is where cushions, throws and blankets really take centre stage. A beautifully draped throw, a few carefully chosen cushions and a mix of different fabrics can instantly make your sofa feel more welcoming. Think soft velvets, chunky knits, woven textures and tactile fabrics that add warmth and interest to your space.

Don’t worry about everything matching perfectly either. Some of the most beautiful rooms combine different textures and finishes to create a look that feels relaxed and lived-in. Pair a smooth velvet cushion with a chunky knitted throw or add a woven blanket alongside softer fabrics to create a sofa that feels effortlessly cosy.

These small touches are what make a room feel personal and like home. They also create the perfect spot for evenings by the fire, enjoying a quiet cup of tea, catching up with family or settling in for a film.

Don’t forget the space around your sofa

Your sofa might be the star of your living room, but the space around it can make just as much difference to the finished look. Once you’ve chosen a new sofa cover, adding a few carefully considered touches around it can completely change how the whole room feels.

A beautiful rug is one of the easiest ways to do this. Whether you have wooden floors or tiles, or you just want to add another layer of comfort, a rug underneath your sofa can instantly make it feel more like the centrepiece of the room. It adds softness underfoot, brings warmth to the space and helps create that cosy feeling we all look for as autumn arrives.

When choosing a rug, think about the colours and textures already in your room. It doesn’t have to match your sofa perfectly, but picking out complementary shades can help tie everything together beautifully. A rug can be a wonderful way to introduce new colours that you can then carry through with your cushions, throws and other soft furnishings.

Create a cosy atmosphere with an autumn-inspired scent

Once your sofa, colours, textures and accessories are in place, there’s one final detail that can really bring the whole room together: scent.

A beautiful home isn’t just about what you see, it’s about the feeling you get when you walk through the door. So, last but not least, find yourself a room spray with an autumnal scent that you love and give your sofa, cushions and throws a few spritzes to really set the mood.

Whether you adore pumpkin spice, apples and cinnamon, classic vanilla or something a little more subtle, the right fragrance is the final finishing touch that brings everything together and completes your autumn transformation.

Then, all that’s left to do is light that scented candle, settle into your newly styled sofa and relax!

Whether you’re dreaming of a cosy autumn retreat, want to switch up your style with the seasons, or simply give your sofa a fresh new lease of life, you can order up to five free fabric samples to see and feel at home before making your choice. When you’re ready, simply follow the easy steps on our How it Works page, and your bespoke fitted sofa covers will be with you in no time.

If you need any advice when choosing the perfect fabric or have any questions about the process, our friendly team is always happy to help. Don’t hesitate to get in touch or give us a call on 01772 901507!