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It won’t be long before we’re into autumn - the leaves turning, the jumpers coming out, and shops everywhere switching up their look for the season. If you’re helping dress a retail space this autumn, or you’re a retailer looking to give things a bit of a refresh, soft furnishings are one of the easiest ways to completely change the feel of a space without going overboard.

A few well-chosen fabrics in the right shades and textures can shift the mood instantly - making things feel warmer, more welcoming, and perfectly seasonal. In this post, we’re diving into what colours and textures are working best for retail interiors this autumn, and how to use them without needing a full refit.

We’re seeing a real move toward warmth and comfort. There’s nothing too harsh or showy - just earthy tones that make a space feel grounded and calm. These shades are easy to work into almost any interior, and they look especially good under natural or warm artificial lighting.

Here are a few standout colours that are getting all the attention this season:

• Rusts, Ochres & Burnt Oranges: Classic autumn territory - but this year’s take is a bit softer. Think baked clay, paprika, and muted terracotta. Great for cushions, curtains, or upholstery accents. These tones are perfect if you want to warm up a space without shouting about it.
• Olive, Sage & Dusty Greens: Greens are sticking around - just in calmer, more natural tones. Olive and sage are ideal if your clients want something earthy but still fresh. They pair beautifully with neutral backdrops and wood finishes. 
• Warm Neutrals: Beiges, sands, and putty tones are still the go-to for larger items - they work with anything and never look dated. These are brilliant for blinds, big cushions, or base upholstery pieces, giving you room to add colour through accessories.
• Deep Plum & Mulberry: If you want a touch of richness without going too bold, these darker berry tones are spot on. They bring a bit of depth and luxury - especially when paired with brass, gold, or darker wood finishes.

Autumn’s all about layers, and that goes for interiors too. Mixing textures gives a space depth and interest, even if you’re sticking to a fairly neutral colour palette. The trick is combining materials that feel cosy and substantial but still practical for busy commercial spaces.

Here are a few of our favourites:

• Velvet: Velvet instantly adds a sense of luxury - but don’t worry, it’s not as high-maintenance as it used to be. Today’s commercial-grade velvets are incredibly practical. Use it for cushions, upholstered benches, or even accent drapes for a rich, seasonal feel.
• Wool & Wool Blends: Nothing says autumn like a good wool texture. It’s warm, durable, and has that lovely tactile quality customers love. Ideal for throws, soft panels, or seat pads. Even a few scatter cushions in a chunky weave can change the tone of a space.
• Heavy Linen: Linen might sound summery, but heavier weights in earthy tones work brilliantly in autumn. It brings a soft, natural feel without being too fussy - perfect for laid-back retail or hospitality spaces.
• Corduroy & Chenille: Yes, corduroy is back - and not just in fashion. We’re seeing more clients use it for commercial seating, cushions, and decorative panels. It’s got great visual texture and feels incredibly comfortable to the touch.

You don’t need to do a complete seasonal overhaul - a few small changes can go a long way. Here are some easy ways to add an autumn touch to retail interiors:

• Window displays: Layer in textured fabrics as drapes, table runners, or backdrops. Add a few cushions in seasonal tones and you’re good to go.
• Chill-out areas or changing rooms: Soft seating, a warm rug, or a couple of throws can make a fitting room feel less clinical and more boutique.
• Product displays: Fabric panels or upholstered plinths in seasonal shades help merchandise stand out and tie the display together.
• Front-of-house or reception areas: A few upholstered stools or warm-toned blinds can make the whole space feel more welcoming.

If you’re supplying retail or hospitality clients, they’ll love it if you do the hard work for them. Think about offering pre-curated seasonal bundles - a small selection of cushions, fabric panels, or throws in on-trend colours and textures, ready to drop into a space.

You could even create sample packs with your top autumn fabrics - so clients can see (and feel) the difference themselves. Don’t forget to highlight practical benefits too - like fire retardant properties or easy-clean finishes - especially if they’re dressing busy commercial areas.

At the end of the day, autumn interiors aren’t about following trends - they’re about creating an atmosphere. The kind that makes people want to slow down, stay longer, and feel good in the space they’re in.

With the right fabrics, colours and textures, you can help retail spaces feel more thoughtful, inviting, and seasonally relevant - all without a big budget or major upheaval.

If you’re looking for help choosing the right autumn range, we’re always happy to advise. Whether you’re a retailer, interior designer, or contractor, we can help you build a soft furnishing selection that works - both practically and aesthetically.