As the weather gets colder, nothing sounds better than cuddling up on the couch with a warm blanket. Use these tips to make your home feel extra comfy and cozy this winter, whether you’re spending it on the couch, with family or anywhere in between.
With dropping temperatures and shorter periods of daylight, we’re spending more time in our homes than before (if that’s even possible, at this point). There’s no better feeling after a long, cold day than snuggling up with a loved one or pet on the couch, surrounded by soft glowing light and warm, fluffy blankets. Take your home’s cozy factor to the next level with these simple, easy and affordable tricks.
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MIX AND MATCH THROW PILLOWS
Throw pillows are such an easy yet inexpensive way to add decoration, and also make the room look more comfortable. Change them seasonally to match your decorations, or stick to neutrals as a “base” of pillows that you can add to at any time. Mismatched colors and patterns give the feeling of a laid-back, casual atmosphere that invites guests to kick back and relax. But to take your cozy couch to the next level, combine different textures as well! Flannel and faux fur, knitted and velvet — a combination of different fabrics adds an unexpected touch of personality.
2. INCORPORATE WOODEN ACCENTS
Wooden accents are a natural way to “warm up” a room while supporting the notion of natural, sustainable decor. Adding wooden accents can be as simple as wooden vases in different size and shapes, or you could take on a bigger task of designing an entire wall with wood panels. This will create a beautiful accent wall bringing in warm tones to the room and making it feel like a cozy log cabin. Perfect for a relaxing weekend at home!
3. DIM THE LIGHTING
Sometimes the overhead lighting in a room is harsh and overexposed, making your relaxing oasis feel more like a doctor’s office. A great solution to this problem is to add lamps to your room. They provide a more diffused, indirect light that is ideal for cozying up at the end of the day, and you can style them with the rest of your decor. Consider upgrading the lightbulbs to smartbulbs, which allow you to use your phone to change the lighting settings — you can adjust brightness of the light and even create custom light colors to make the room fun! Simply dim the lights and change them to a warm orange tone, and you’ll instantly feel much more at ease.
4. THROW IN SOME CHUNKY BLANKETS (OR MAKE YOUR OWN!)
Large knitted blankets are a great way to add texture and warmth to any room in your home. Hang them over the tops or sides of a couch or armchair for easy access and casual decor. Those trendy oversized chunky blankets you might see on social media are a lot easier to make than you’d think! Take a look at our Pinterest pins to learn how to DIY a hand-knitted blanket without knitting! This is a fun, simple DIY project to do on a cold winter day while you’re binging Netflix episodes! Plus, all you need is a big ball of thick yarn and two hands.
5. INCORPORATE NATURAL ACCENTS
When it comes to home decor, natural accents here and there can contribute to the ultimate cozy, down-to-earth space for family and guests. Take it one step further beyond plants and wooden accents with even earthier elements like clay, stone work, and seashells. Even crystals and gemstones from your local craft store or an Etsy seller add a unique, natural focal point to the room. These natural accents will make your home feel fresh and airy, adding to that warm and cozy feel!
6. SET UP A MINI HOT COCOA OR COFFEE STATION
What screams “cozy” more than a warm cup of coffee, or hot chocolate? Create a cute little hot chocolate or coffee station on a spare countertop or rolling bar cart to add a delicious treat to your coldest days. Add all of the ingredients you might need or want to add to your drink, such as mini marshmallows, whipped cream, peppermint sticks, and maybe even some cookies or biscuits to enjoy on the side. Little ones will love making their own cocoa and it can be a fun wintertime activity to entertain them. Grab your favorite mug and a blanket and kick back with a nice, warm, chocolatey drink!
7. LIGHT YOUR FIREPLACE (OR USE A TV SCREENSAVER)
The weather outside may be frightful, but the fire is… well, you know! Whether you choose to not light your fireplace for safety reasons (little kids) or you just don’t have one, you can still enjoy the comforting look and sounds of a crackling fire. Head over to YouTube and search for fireplace screensavers to play on your TV or computer — or, check out our favorite one that can play for up to 10 hours!! This is the ultimate win-win for a cozy atmosphere without the hazards or maintenance that an actual fireplace requires. In high-quality video, the fireplace looks so real that you can almost feel the warmth right through the screen!
8. EMPHASIZE JEWEL TONES AND WARMER COLORS
Color plays a monumental role in the cozy factor in your home. Colors such as red, orange, yellow and pink add a comforting, warm feeling that is instantly relaxing. Take your home decor color theory to the next level by incorporating jewel tones as well. Jewel tones are colors that are much deeper and richer than the standard shades of each color of the rainbow. They are named for the natural colors found in precious stones such as sapphires, rubies and emeralds. Deep purples, royal blues, blood reds and forest greens are all elegant, sophisticated and cozy colors that are guaranteed to make your home feel like a relaxing jazz lounge or resort.
9. ADD AND LAYER RUGS
Rugs are one of the best ways to add personality and comfort to your home, without spending a fortune. There are so many options when it comes to rugs! Especially in homes with hardwood floors, adding a rug or two instantly softens the look of the room and makes walking around barefoot much more comfortable. They can reduce cold drafts from outdoor wind sources (think windows and doors) and add a layer of warmth in the winter. With so many textures to choose from, you can even layer two rugs for a carefree-chic, bohemian vibe.
10. LIGHT SOME CANDLES
The beauty of candles is that they are useful and decorative at the same time! Placing them on tables and counters will most definitely create a cheerful and welcoming atmosphere. Choose from scented candles in seasonal scents and “neutral scents” like vanilla or florals, tea lights, pillar candles, DIY twisted candlesticks and more. If you prefer not to use candles in your home, consider a wax melt or essential oil diffuser! They fill your home with relaxing scents without posing a fire risk around little kids or pets.
Chances are, you probably already have many of the items listed above in your home. Get creative and put your own spin on these tips using what you have, or find a DIY craft you love for some weekend entertainment! Stay cozy!
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