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Autumn is the season for layering -- not just in your wardrobe, but in the rooms that surround you. And Fall 2025 decorating trends lean into that layering vibe. This year’s standout fabrics bring richness, texture, and comfort, creating spaces that invite you to settle in and savor the season.

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At Imperial, we are always excited to see new fabric collections for our upholstery and decorating projects, but this autumn is one of our favorite seasons of all time! Our team is excited to bring some of these cool trends to your favorite furniture and projects. Here’s a quick snapshot of what we love!

Plush Velvets
Velvet is autumn’s go-to for instant luxury. Whether in deep jewel tones or warm earth shades, its soft pile adds a cozy yet refined touch.
Why it’s cool: Elegant, tactile, and perfect for cooler months.
Where to use: Accent chairs, ottomans, or throw pillows.
Textured Wool Blends
Wool doesn’t just keep you warm — it brings a natural depth and softness to interiors. Blends are especially versatile, offering durability along with comfort.
Why it’s cool: Adds warmth without heaviness.
Where to use: Upholstery, blankets, or tailored drapery.
Patterned Chenille
Chenille’s velvety loops create a subtle, touchable pattern that plays beautifully with fall light. Go bold with rich damasks or subtle with tone-on-tone geometrics.
Why it’s cool: Plush texture meets visual interest.
Where to use: Sofas, headboards, or decorative cushions.
Linen-Cotton Mixes
Light enough to keep a room airy, but with enough weight to transition into the colder months. These blends drape beautifully and hold color well.
Why it’s cool: The best of both worlds — breathable but substantial.
Where to use: Window treatments, slipcovers, or table linens.
Tweed & Herringbone
These timeless weaves bring a tailored sophistication to any space. Their subtle patterns work as neutrals, and can add depth when layered with other textures.
Why it’s cool: Classic patterns that never go out of style.
Where to use: Armchairs, benches, or accent pillows.

These fabrics aren’t just on-trend for the season -- they’re timeless investments in comfort and craftsmanship. Whether you’re refreshing a favorite piece or starting a new project, let the season inspire you - and let Imperial Decorating help bring your autumn vision to life.

Samples of chinoiserie fabric from imperial decorating. The samples have fall tones.

Chinoiserie Charm: A Timeless Autumn Accent

As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, our homes naturally become a place to gather and savor the season. It’s the perfect time to bring in fabrics and patterns that feel warm, layered, and storied - and few designs capture that elegance better than chinoiserie.

Graceful, detailed, and rich with artistry, chinoiserie fabrics bring a touch of worldly elegance to your home. Inspired by centuries-old interpretations of Asian art, these patterns often feature intricate florals, poised birds, and scenic landscapes -- details that feel especially warm and inviting as the seasons turn.

In autumn, chinoiserie takes on a new dimension. The gentle curves of its florals and the layered colors pair beautifully with the richer textures of fall -- think velvet throw pillows, dark wood accents, or a cozy wool rug underfoot. Whether on an accent chair, settee, or decorative cushions, chinoiserie can anchor a room with both sophistication and comfort.

(A quick note: Because these fabrics are highly detailed, they’re best suited to your precious furniture pieces that won’t see heavy, everyday wear. This way, their delicate beauty will retain its classic beauty for years to come.)

When you’re ready to give your favorite piece a seasonal update, Imperial Decorating can help you choose the perfect chinoiserie fabric to complement your room and your style, and provide expert upholstery techniques to ensure that every stitch is as timeless as the design itself.

Antiquing in Autumn: Finding Pieces with a Story

Fall is the perfect time to wander through antique shops and barns, following winding roads lined with turning leaves. Each piece you discover has a past -- from a gracefully carved oak chair to a streamlined mid-century frame -- and the joy comes in imagining how it might fit into your home today.

Well-made vintage furniture brings warmth, character, and craftsmanship that mass-produced pieces can’t match. With new upholstery in a fabric you love, and maybe a touch of fringe or contrast piping, an old treasure can feel fresh, inviting, and entirely yours.

We are recognized as specialists in restoring and reimagining antiques, blending time-honored techniques with a designer’s eye. Whether your autumn hunt turns up a stately settee or a charming side chair, we’ll make sure it’s ready for the next chapter of its story — in your home.

Make It an Autumn Tradition

If you’re planning an antiquing adventure this fall, Connecticut offers no shortage of inspiration. Picture crisp mornings, leaves crunching underfoot, and the warm scent of wood and timeworn books as you step into a barn or mill brimming with history. Many of these destinations are nestled in charming towns with cafés, bakeries, and scenic spots nearby — perfect for making a day of it. Here are five can’t-miss stops while the foliage is at its peak:

Collinsville Antiques – A massive, multi-dealer space https://www.collinsvilleantiques.com
The Fairfield County Antique & Design Center – Upscale and curated, with high-end vintage finds https://www.fairfieldantiqueanddesign.com
Watertown Antiques Collective – A beautifully displayed experience, with furniture, art and décor options from every era.
Antiques on the Farmington (Collinsville) – Great for larger furniture, lighting, and refinished finds.
Woodbury Antiques Trail – Over a dozen shops in Connecticut’s "Antique Capital" along Main Street. https://ctvisit.com/antiques-trail

Before and After

In our last newsletter, we brought you the story of a client who loved her dining chairs but wanted the repaired and reupholstered with a more mid-century modern vibe. From our client:

“Imperial Decorating was absolutely the best! I thought I knew exactly what I wanted, but I was so surprised at thousands of options that were available. The Imperial team explored options with me and helped me choose fabric that complements the warm wood of my set perfectly. The plaid’s modern colors bring together classic and contemporary – perfect for the style I was trying to achieve. They also restored the structure of the chairs by repairing their frames and upgrading the padding. I am thrilled that the seats are now as comfortable as they are beautiful. I couldn’t be happier – thanks to all the experts at Imperial who brought my favorite chairs back to life!”

Before: