15 BEST COZY TV SHOWS + FILMS TO WATCH THIS AUTUMN

As the crisp fall weather arrives, it beckons those who enjoy staying in to snuggle up with their favorite entertainment. If you’re ready to sink into the sofa and get comfy, this list of cozy movies and TV shows is packed with familiar favorites and warm knitted sweaters! Keep reading!

A SERIES OF UNFORTUNATE EVENTS

Despite its name and the theme song “Look Away,” A Series of Unfortunate Events is actually a charming show filled with fall vibes. With vintage costumes, moody lighting, and themes of sadness and bad luck, this dark comedy-drama is perfect for the season. 

The story is narrated by Lemony Snicket (Patrick Warburton) and follows the adventures of the Baudelaire siblings: Violet (Malina Weissman), Klaus (Louis Hynes), and Sunny (Presley Smith). After their parents (Will Arnett and Cobie Smulders) seemingly die in a fire, Mr. Poe (K. Todd Freeman), a bank worker, takes the kids to live with their “closest” relative, Count Olaf (Neil Patrick Harris), who lives just three miles away. 

Unfortunately (you probably saw this coming), Count Olaf is a terrible guardian. He’s a failed actor and a greedy person who wants the Baudelaire fortune and can’t wait for Violet to grow up to get it. 

Based on the well-loved children’s book series, the show stays true to the original stories and features many amazing guest stars, including Joan Cusack, Aasif Mandvi, Alfre Woodard, Catherine O’Hara, and Tony Hale.

YOU’VE GOT MAIL

“Don’t you love New York in the fall? It makes me want to buy school supplies. I would send you a bouquet of freshly sharpened pencils if I knew your name and address.” This opening line from You’ve Got Mail, where Meg Ryan talks about autumn to Tom Hanks through a charming old-fashioned email, will make you crave the fall season no matter when you watch it. As the story goes on, their unintentional love-hate relationship develops against the backdrop of competing bookstores and two beautiful Manhattan apartments. It’s one of the most comforting movies to watch!

AMATEUR

Basketball season kicks off in the fall, and it’s all 14-year-old Terron Forte (Michael Rainey Jr.) can think about. After a video of his basketball skills goes viral, Coach Gaines (Josh Charles) recruits him to a top high school and offers him a full scholarship to play on the Liberty Prep team. 

When the season starts, Terron becomes a star, and soon sponsors and the NCAA show interest, promising him a bright future filled with money. However, Terron learns that a career in amateur sports isn’t just fun and games. He has to deal with a lot of corruption, greed, and uncertainty, all while keeping up with his homework. Terron’s parents, Nia (Sharon Leal) and Vince (Brian J. White), worry about their son and suspect that Coach Gaines may care more about himself than about Terron. 

You’ll want to see how everything unfolds, both on and off the court.

ONLY MURDERS IN THE BUILDING

Only Murders In The Building is one of the most autumn-like TV shows, making it perfect for this time of year. The series follows three quirky friends who start a podcast to solve a murder that happened in their apartment building. It features a beautiful autumn setting in New York, plenty of stylish fall outfits, and a fun (but mostly silly) murder mystery. It’s a 10/10 for cozy fall TV watching!

THE CHAIR

If we were to match seasons with school subjects, winter would be math, spring would be science, summer would be history, and fall would definitely be English. In The Chair, Professor Ji-Yoon Kim (Sandra Oh) becomes the new chairperson of a struggling English department at a small college called Pembroke University. As the first woman in this role, Ji-Yoon is determined to make things better. 

She works hard to secure tenure for her colleague, Yaz (Nana Mensah), while also dealing with the constant demands of other faculty members, Joan (Holland Taylor), Elliot (Bob Balaban), and the dean (David Morse). She tries to keep her crush on colleague Bill Dobson (Jay Duplass) a secret. 

Besides the strong academic vibes, the autumn atmosphere of this comedy-drama comes from its setting. The campus has a classic New England feel, with beautiful fall leaves, mahogany furniture, leather-bound books, and cozy fireplaces. Plus, we give Ji-Yoon’s fall-inspired work outfits a 10/10!

WHEN HARRY MET SALLY…

Here’s a younger Meg Ryan, once again embracing fall as her friendship with Billy Crystal develops over ten years. Their journey begins with a drive from Chicago to New York right after college and wraps up at a New Year’s party where they finally figure things out. The film features stunning scenes of golden leaves in New York, especially when Harry and Sally walk through Central Park discussing their dreams about love. They filmed in November, and Billy Crystal later shared that if they had waited just one more day, the leaves would have fallen after a rainstorm swept them away.

GILMORE GIRLS

No town does fall quite like the fictional wonderland of Stars Hollow. With its charming town square adorned with pumpkins for the Autumn Festival and Lorelai and Rory’s cozy sweaters, Gilmore Girls has become a favorite for many fans during the season. Binge this show if you’re in the mood for light-hearted drama, small-town charm, witty dialogue, and a never-ending love for coffee, coffee, coffee!

GOSSIP GIRL

If Stars Hollow isn’t serving up enough drama, Manhattan’s elite will definitely fill the void. Gossip Girl follows a group of wealthy New Yorkers navigating the ups and downs of being ultra-rich, ultra-privileged, and often misunderstood while being anonymously blogged about. This over-the-top show has a delightfully cozy early 2000s vibe. Plus, there are plenty of episodes showcasing the beauty of fall in New York City!

VIRGIN RIVER

If you enjoy classic soap operas filled with will-they-won’t-they romances, the occasional “whose baby is that?” storyline, and a charming setting, then Virgin River is perfect for you. This show fits into the appealing subgenre of “big city medic moves to small town and finds happiness” seen in American films and TV shows (think Doc Hollywood and Hart of Dixie). It follows a nurse who, after losing her husband, relocates to the remote Northern California town of Virgin River. While working for the local grumpy doctor, she unexpectedly finds love with the rugged bar owner. Filmed in British Columbia, the series features beautiful redwoods, misty mornings by the river, and cozy plaid lumberjack outfits.

CHILLING ADVENTURES OF SABRINA

You really can’t find a more gothic, autumn vibe than that of Chilling Adventures of Sabrina. The teenage half-witch, half-mortal Sabrina Spellman (Kiernan Shipka), along with her aunts (Lucy Davis and Miranda Otto) and cousin Ambrose (Chance Perdomo), live in a mortuary! This supernatural horror series is a much darker take on the classic ’90s sitcom, featuring blood, satanic rituals, and haunting images. 

Set in the fictional town of Greendale, it feels like Halloween come to life, complete with mysterious woods and witchy residents. As Sabrina faces the challenges of normal life (like high school bullies) and supernatural threats (like hellish demons), her coming-of-age story—and the show’s striking, dark costumes—definitely captures the spirit of “spooky season.”

CHARMED

As Halloween approaches, shows about witches and the supernatural are perfect for getting into the spirit, and Charmed, which entertained us throughout the early 2000s, is a great example. The series follows three sisters—played by the talented trio of Alyssa Milano, Shannen Doherty, and Holly Marie Combs—who are powerful witches trying to save the world while leading relatively normal lives in modern-day San Francisco. Their magical missions often clash with everyday life, causing chaos in their romantic relationships and frequently bringing them into contact with the police. For a similar feel, Buffy the Vampire Slayer is a wonderfully nostalgic option!

FRIENDS

What’s cozier than spending a few episodes with your best friends? Escaping to a world where NYC apartments are huge and every problem can be solved at Central Perk is perfect for a cozy night in. The ’90s fall fashion is definitely enviable, and there are plenty of autumn-themed episodes to enjoy, like “The One With The Football” and “The One With All The Thanksgivings.”

PRACTICAL MAGIC

We could spend a long time exploring witchy films and TV shows that are perfect for October, but Practical Magic, featuring a young Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman as two witches in Massachusetts, is definitely our favorite. We especially love Dianne Wiest and Stockard Channing as their witch aunts who raise them. With a mix of two of our favorite plot elements—murder and magic—this film promises cozy viewing. A close second in this genre is, of course, Hocus Pocus, where Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy have an absolute blast as modern-day witches in Salem.

DEAR WHITE PEOPLE

In the fall-inspired category of “strong academia vibes,” Dear White People is a dramedy that follows Black college students at the fictional Ivy League school, Winchester University. The main characters include Sam (Logan Browning), Joelle (Ashley Blaine Featherson), Troy (Brandon P. Bell), Lionel (DeRon Horton), Coco (Antoinette Robertson), and Reggie (Marque Richardson). 

The series is based on a 2014 comic-satirical film of the same name, with the writer and director, Justin Simien, returning to write and direct several episodes. Each half-hour episode offers a different character’s perspective, showcasing some of the best seasonal fashion. While Winchester believes it is “post-racial,” the everyday experiences of the characters tell a different story. 

Dear White People addresses important issues like race relations, class hierarchy, politics, microaggressions, and unconscious biases, balancing sharp social commentary with humor and storytelling that resonates long after the episode ends.

The Half Of It

In the fictional Pacific Northwest town of Squahamish, autumn brings a chill and a comforting coziness. The atmosphere is muted and grayish, yet it radiates a quiet optimism that keeps hope alive for a happy ending, even when the narrative takes a somber turn. High school student Ellie Chu (Leah Lewis) runs an essay-writing side hustle to support her widowed father (Collin Chou).

One day, she is approached by a football player named Paul (Daniel Diemer) with a unique request: he needs help writing a love letter to his dream girl, Aster Flores (Alexxis Lemire). Unbeknownst to Paul, Ellie is a lesbian, and the feelings she pours into the letters to Aster aren’t entirely fabricated. While the plot may hint at familiar outcomes, the film’s true love story lies in the evolving friendship between Ellie and Paul.

They discover that truly understanding someone is a messy process, but ultimately rewarding, as what you initially see is often only half the story.

CONCLUSION

As the leaves change color and the air begins to crisp, there’s no better time to curl up on the couch with a cup of hot chocolate and your favorite entertainment. Whether you’re in the mood for a heartwarming drama, a suspenseful thriller, or a lighthearted comedy, this list of top 15 cozy TV shows and films has something to offer everyone. So grab your blanket, turn off the lights, and get ready to enjoy a cozy autumn filled with laughter, tears, and unforgettable stories.

HOME OFFICE PAINT COLORS: DYNAMIC AND PEACEFUL TONES

Choosing the right paint color for your home office can significantly impact your productivity and overall mood. The right color scheme can create a dynamic and inspiring workspace, while also promoting a sense of peace and tranquility. In this article, we’ll explore the best paint colors to consider for your home office, focusing on dynamic and peaceful tones that can enhance your work environment.

HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST HOME OFFICE PAINT COLORS

Selecting a color for your home office is a deeply personal decision. While it’s tempting to choose the “most productive paint color ever,” it’s important to also consider how it will integrate with the rest of your home. As we design our home office, which will double as a den, we aim for a space that’s both functional and inviting. We’ve decided to use blue and white as our primary color palette. This choice not only complements the rest of our home but also enhances focus and productivity.

Below, I’ve compiled a list of the best bluish-gray paints from leading paint brands. I’ve included my personal thoughts and recommendations, suggested complementary colors, and noted each color’s Light Reflectance Value (LRV).

HOW COLOR AFFECTS YOUR MOOD

Color psychology has been studied extensively, and fortunately, it’s one of the easiest aspects to change in a room! By simply painting the walls—or even just one wall—you can transform the entire atmosphere of your space. Here’s a breakdown of some popular color choices for home offices and how they can affect your work environment:

Green:  Green is known for its calming and balancing effects and can also be energizing. Traditionally associated with ambition and financial success, green can be a great choice for an office. Whether you prefer greenish-gray tones, bluish-greens, or earthy greens, there’s a wide range of green shades that can enhance your workspace.

White:  White offers a clean slate that’s perfect for creatives who need a distraction-free environment. It’s also invigorating. While it might not be suitable for a sterile corporate office, white works wonderfully in a home setting with cozy, plush furniture. Warm whites, in particular, add a touch of warmth (find the best warm white paint colors here).

Light Gray:  Light gray is a versatile neutral that promotes productivity and focus. It strikes a balance between the starkness of white and the depth of darker colors, making it a great choice if you’re looking for a restorative and adaptable hue.

Dark Gray/Charcoal:  Dark gray, or charcoal, can create a focused and introspective environment. It’s ideal for those who need to concentrate deeply on their tasks.

Pink:  Warm pink shades, such as coral and peach, can boost energy and focus. Pink is also linked to increased creativity, making it an excellent choice for a feminine workspace or any job that requires creative thinking.

Blue:  Blue is renowned for its soothing and relaxing properties. It helps maintain calm and productivity, making it an ideal color for a workspace.

Each of these colors can significantly impact your work environment, so choose one that aligns with your personal preferences and needs.

BEST GREEN PAINT COLORS FOR HOME WORKSPACES

Green, often associated with money, makes a fitting choice for a space designed to foster productivity and financial success, such as a home office. However, I’m not suggesting you go for a bold kelly green. Instead, consider the color options below, which feature softer greens blended with gray to create a calming and balanced atmosphere. Green is also linked to power, ambition, and equilibrium—qualities that can enhance your home workspace.

Now, let’s dive into selecting the perfect green paint color.

The most sophisticated green paint colors feature nuanced undertones. While a vibrant kelly green has its appeal, it’s best reserved for accents rather than an entire room. My top green paint choices below either have a sage-like quality, with a touch of gray and earthy undertones, or incorporate a hint of blue. These subtle variations add depth and elegance to your space.

GREENISH-BLUE PAINT SHADES

This beautiful workspace from House that Lars Built showcases the effectiveness of a soothing blue with a hint of green. Combined with the geometric-patterned painted floor and the sleek lines of the desk and mirror, this office exudes a professional, boss-level vibe!

EARTHY GREEN PAINT TONES

If you’re aiming for an earthier paint color, consider Benjamin Moore’s Soft Fern. This serene sage hue blends beautifully with wood tones and beiges, providing a grounded and calming effect that supports focus and productivity. For a deeper option, you might like Behr’s Pinecone Hill, which offers a richer, more robust tone.

GRAYISH-GREENS

I particularly love paint colors with a strong gray undertone. Below, you’ll find two beautiful examples of home offices featuring greenish-gray hues.

WHITE HOME OFFICES

If you’re a creative or have a penchant for colorful home furnishings and decor, you might desire a crisp, clean workspace that acts as a blank canvas. While productivity experts often advise against painting office walls white due to concerns about sterility and reduced work performance, I believe white can be stunning when paired with cozy and vibrant furnishings.

The main objection to white in traditional office settings is its association with sterile environments. However, in a home office, where comfort is paramount, white can be far from boring. Just take a look at the rooms below—they are anything but sterile!

The secret lies in choosing the right shade of white paint and incorporating colorful rugs, fabrics, and artwork to bring the space to life.

The office space above demonstrates how a wood-toned desk and file cabinet can add warmth to an office. The blue area rug further infuses the room with vibrant color, creating a dynamic and inviting atmosphere.

Kaleidoscope Living (formerly Designer Trapped in a Lawyer’s Body) showcases her home office above. The white walls act as a blank canvas, allowing the bold artwork to take center stage. The result is a beautifully designed home office where creativity shines.

Casa Watkins reveals her basement home office in the picture above. Although the walls are white, the space is full of character! With a wallpapered ceiling, a bold rug, and vibrant accessories, she has crafted a dynamic and lively workspace.

Eva Amurri Martino’s workspace, featured above, predominantly uses white (likely Benjamin Moore’s Decorator’s White). Despite the mostly white furniture and rugs, the room is anything but sterile. The colorful curtains (the same fabric we used in the girls’ bedroom—available here) add vibrant personality and a pop of color. This lively touch is mirrored in the pink chandelier, wastebasket, and decorative accessories, infusing the space with charm and character.

LIGHT GRAY HOME OFFICE WALLS

If you’re seeking a neutral, airy office with a bit more warmth and depth than white walls, light gray might be your ideal choice. Below, I’ve highlighted a few of my favorite light gray paints, which I’ve used repeatedly in my own home!

A comfortable and stylish desk chair introduces a splash of color and complements the oriental rug, helping to unify the room. Don’t forget to include fresh (or faux) flowers to enhance the space further.

Although more neutral than some other offices, this one remains far from sparse. The combination of beige, light brown, and white creates a functional and stylish space. If you’re short on room, a secretary desk like the one shown above offers both storage and a convenient spot for your laptop.

The Polished Habitat’s feminine home office demonstrates that you can achieve a girly aesthetic without pink walls. By incorporating a pink oriental rug, pink throw pillows, pink artwork, and a playful upholstered pink stool, she proves that color can be introduced in diverse and stylish ways.

Emily Ley’s former home office exudes classic style with its white built-ins, light gray walls, and blue and white accessories.

Emily Ley’s current home office, shown above, maintains a similar aesthetic—proving that sticking with what works can be highly effective! By incorporating a stunning blue oriental rug and a plush office chair, she anchors the space, creating a balanced and harmonious feel.

CHARCOAL AND DARK GRAY OFFICE WALLS

Dark gray or charcoal walls are currently on-trend for offices. Their moody appearance may help you turn inward and concentrate. The offices below demonstrate how dark walls can enhance focus while evoking a sophisticated “gentleman’s study” aesthetic.

Best Charcoal or Dark Gray Paint Colors for Offices:

  • BM Kendall Gray
  • BM Chelsea Gray
  • BM Nightfall
  • SW Tricorn Black
  • BM Iron Mountain
  • Farrow & Ball Downpipe
  • BM Wrought Iron

Driven By Decor illustrates how moody and dramatic offices can boost productivity in her stunning home office, painted in Benjamin Moore’s Nightfall.

PINK HOME WORKSPACE

A pink hue can create an inspiring and playful atmosphere in a home office. Opt for lighter pinks to achieve an “airy” feel, and choose shades with orange undertones to give the color a more sophisticated edge. Farrow & Ball’s Pink Ground and Middleton Pink are excellent choices, offering a subtle touch of orange that enhances mood and creativity.

BEST PINK PAINTS FOR CREATIVITY

  • Farrow & Ball Pink Ground
  • Behr Citrus Delight
  • Benjamin Moore Pink Fairy
  • Farrow & Ball Middleton Pink
  • Behr Noble Blush
  • Sherwin-Williams Angelic

PINK HOME OFFICE IDEAS

  • Built-In Bookshelves: PMQ for Two demonstrates how to style built-ins with a vibrant pink paint, such as Behr Noble Blush, to create a stylish and lively home office.
  • Blush Wallpaper: Lemon Stripes features light coral wallpaper, but a soft pink paint can achieve a similar effect. She balances the space with a beautiful blue oriental rug and gold accents in the desk and bookcase.
  • Sophisticated Pink Walls: Our Fifth House’s elegant pink office combines gold, white, and black and white elements. The black and white geometric rug, stunning burl wood desk, and dark office chair ground the vibrant pink, creating a dynamic and sophisticated look.
  • Light Pink Walls: Rain on a Tin Roof uses Behr’s Citrus Delight to show how light pink walls complement blue and animal prints, resulting in a vibrant and creative home office.

BLUE PAINT COLORS FOR HOME OFFICES

Blue paint colors are known for their calming effects, making them ideal for creating a relaxing workspace where you can focus on your tasks. Light blues offer a soothing atmosphere that promotes concentration, while dark blues provide an energizing boost and enhance focus. Explore some of the top blue paint options below!

BEST BLUE PAINTS FOR CONCENTRATION

  • Benjamin Moore Hale Navy
  • Farrow & Ball Parma Gray 
  • Farrow & Ball Oval Room
  • BM Wythe Blue
  • SW Sea Salt
  • BM Palladian Blue

Charlotte’s House showcases her vibrant blue and white home office, bursting with energy and perfect for sparking creativity. Just look at her space—she is undeniably one of the most imaginative people I know!



Remember: When choosing a blue paint color for your home office, consider the overall lighting and design of the space. A darker blue may be more suitable for a room with ample natural light, while a lighter blue may be better suited for a room with limited natural light.

Life on Virginia Street demonstrates how charming and invigorating a navy blue accent wall can be in a home office featuring dual workstations.

Brooke Crew Interiors presents a serene home office in their Greenwich, CT project, creating an ideal space for focused work.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the best color for your home office depends on the atmosphere you wish to create. Each of the colors listed above can enhance productivity and focus in your workspace. Personally, I prefer our home office to be a peaceful extension of our home—one that offers tranquility away from the hustle and bustle of daily life with my four small children . That’s why we opted for a blue and white color scheme, complemented by neutral tones, to create a soothing environment and promote concentration.