Now that kids across the U.S. have gone back to school, our lives are operating more routinely again—something we adults seem to crave. Our first cool spell here in the DC area gave us a refreshing break from the heat and humidity, as well as a friendly reminder that fall is just around the corner. While some parts of the country experience a dramatic contrast between warm and cold, around here something as seemingly simple as predicting how to dress from one day to the next can be a challenge. I don’t typically convert my house and closets over to fall and winter themes all at once. Instead, I find it works well to pull out key items gradually, introducing and exchanging pieces for their warmer-weather counterparts. With that in mind, here are some awesome items that will help you slowly transition into autumn and keep you toasty in the chilly months ahead!

We are an affiliate of some of the products we are listing here and have had great experiences with products from these companies and hope you will too!

The cranberry and pumpkin colors of this lightweight throw will look great draped over a chair when it’s done keeping you warm.

Enjoy fall colors and popular plaid, all in one pillow.

Trade out a resin or driftwood-framed mirror for this rough-hewn and natural choice.

While concrete may seem like a less obvious choice for this time of year, the strength and beauty of this lamp shine through.

This gorgeous, hand-dyed blanket made of yak down, wool, and hemp will surely be a go-to blanket you’ll want to keep close by, maybe even tucked away in the trunk of your car for those fall football games.

When it’s still a little too warm for a hearth fire, a simple candelabra placed inside, studded with a few different sized pillar candles, adds warmth and ambience without much effort. This fantastic candelabra can be found at several big box retailers in a range of prices.

A very fashion-forward big box retailer said that Fall will be a “Plaid, Plaid World“, and they aren’t wrong. All corners of the retail and online worlds will be featuring a wide variety of plaids in an array of materials. Place this gorgeous hand-woven rug—perfectly suited for the season—under a dining table or as a hallway runner. Because it’s a cotton-wool blend, it rolls up and stores nicely for the winter.

One of the challenges we face when the kids go back to school is what to do with their backpacks, sports bags, and shoes. The mudroom has gained popularity in recent years and for good reason: the necessary items for everyday functioning aren’t attractive front foyer décor. Cubbies in closets, or coat racks with under-seat storage for bins and baskets, are perfect chaos concealers. This epoxy-coated steel number is available in two sizes and is a sturdy replacement for summer’s wicker-style baskets.

We fell in love with KB’s rugs when we discovered them over eight years ago. There are so many custom patterns and colors that it’s difficult to choose only one! This gorgeous, pecan-colored hide is perfect for layering atop another rug at an angle or using alone under your favorite snuggle-up chair. These hides come in over 100 signature colors. You’ll be as obsessed as we are.

As a former long-time barista, I am always on the lookout for chic ways to carry my coffee from office to meetings. This large-faceted, gleaming copper mug makes a perfect entry into fall for your Pumpkin Spice Latte. If you’re craving more sparkle, check out this Swarovski crystal-studded alternative.

Written by Emilie Kyle
Edited by Cassandra Reinhart