Winter can be long and dreary in some parts of North America, and this year we may find ourselves home more than ever, so it makes sense to cozy up our homes as much as possible, right?
In this post, I’m going to share several ways you make your home really cozy for winter.
1. Layer on the Throw Blankets and Pillows
Pile them on! Blankets and pillows have a way of making a space feel cozy when it’s cold outside even if you’re not snuggled up in them. All winter long, the family will love to curl up with a cozy collection of throw pillows and blankets adorning your couch.
Our blanket ladder with my chunky knit blanket collection is my favorite to look at with all the oversized texture, but I don’t like using those blankets too much, mainly because our dog, Jackson, likes to dig around in blankets and would ruin them with his claws.
Instead, they are on display and the blankets we use are neatly tucked into a basket behind the couch.
2. Include Area Rugs
Much like pillows and throws, large and small area rugs can add warmth through the winter season too. Heavily textured materials like wool, sheepskin and natural fiber feel and look great all the way from fall to spring as well. And they feel great underfoot too!
This year I didn’t have to do anything with the area rug because we’d just bought a new one in 2019. But if your rug is looking a little shabby, perhaps consider a shag or super cozy rug for your space. (Just keep in mind proper area rug sizing using this as a guideline.)
I also totally meant to bring my little faux sheepskin rug from Ikea down from my room to put on the coffee table under the tray. But I forgot to do it before I took photos to show you. Oops!
You can also layer different area rugs for more visual and actual texture. Like a shag rug over a jute one, or a real or faux animal skin over a regular rug. Layering in this way implies warmth.
3. Leave the Twinkle Lights Out Past Christmas
I’m pretty sure everyone loves the cozy glow of the Christmas tree lights as much as I do. There’s just something so warm and inviting about them. And when the tree comes down, I really miss that soft, warm glow. But do you know what? I finally realized that just because there’s no tree, doesn’t mean there can’t be any lights!
On our main floor, I keep a couple of greenery garlands with lights, one on the sofa table in the living room and one on the side table in the dining room, out all winter.
Last year, I also added a string of lights to the faux eucalyptus garland I put together on the fireplace. Most are battery-powered, but I did find a couple of plug-in, electric strands too.
4. Add Candles
I also added several candles to the living room too.
Some are battery-powered with timers, and I’ve got them set to come on when it starts to get dark outside, which is lovely.
Others I light and keep an eye on since I’m a bit forgetful and have to consciously remember to blow them out. (#facepalm) You just can’t beat the glow of candlelight!
5. Put Your Favorite Winter Home Decor in Vignettes
Rather than spreading your decor pieces around the room like confetti, creating vignettes of 3-5 pieces on a tabletop or shelf will keep your space looking cozy, but not cluttered.
Remember to vary the height and size of the pieces, and stick to odd numbers of items for the best vignettes.
6. Create a Cozy Corner
Similar to a vignette of smaller decor pieces, you can create a larger “vignette” of bigger pieces. Create a cozy corner for yourself with an armchair, a side table, and a footstool (3 things of varying height).
By mixing and matching both fabrics and lighting and creating a cozy space for yourself, you can easily create a sit-and-stay-awhile feeling in your home. Now go grab yourself a good book and get cozy with your feet up and your favorite winter beverage nearby. Being home in the winter can be a really good thing!
Shannon Acheson is the author of the book Home Made Lovely. She is also the founder of HomeMadeLovely.com where she teaches modern mommas how to confidently create the home they’ve always wanted. Shannon lives in the suburbs of Toronto, Ontario, Canada with her hubby and their three kids.
