6 Steps to a Cozy Winter Home
Get my six steps that will help you create a comfortable and cozy winter home. Begin with decor and lighting, move on to ideas for keeping a tidy space, and end with a simple mind-set that will make the winter months enjoyable and easy.
The winter months can be a challenge…no matter where you live, or what stage in life you happen to find yourself. The holidays are over, January rolls around, and life returns to “normal.” For some, the cold weather has arrived. Spring seems very far away, and there isn’t much to look forward to.
Now is the time to settle in, pull out our favorite winter home decor, and make sure our homes are comfortable, nurturing, and peaceful. Some of us are homebodies, and some are not…but either way, our homes should definitely answer our needs, and provide a haven from the world. Read on for some tips to use over the winter months that will help make your homes the haven you deserve.
Lighting for a Cozy Winter Home
Light makes all the difference in the world. Lack of light in our lives can literally damage our health, so it’s vital that we keep our spaces bright. No matter what the time of day, if it’s even the least bit dark, turn on your lamps. To make everything feel cozy and snug, skip the overhead or can lights, and concentrate on table lamps, floor lamps, task lighting, and candlelight.
There have been times recently when every lamp in our living room is turned on by 2:00 in the afternoon! Another idea is to lighten your lamp shades. If you have dark shades, the light from the lamp will in turn be shadowed. A light colored lamp shade will allow brighter, clearer light.
Other ways to add light: lanterns with candles, a fire in the fireplace (don’t forget the hot chocolate), and white light bulbs.
Tip #1: take advantage of natural light during the day by opening your shutters, blinds, and/or curtains.
Tip #2: cover bare floors with cozy area rugs or runners, especially by the front door.
Easy Winter Decor
When the Christmas decorations have been taken down and stored, sometimes our homes feel bare and cold. Now is the time to bring out your family photos, and favorite things. Adding pictures of those you love will help you feel cozy and connected. Display your collections so you can see and enjoy them.
Gather your favorite books, and feature them on your coffee table or book shelf. It’s important that when we look around our rooms, we feel at home. Displaying our personal possessions and treasured items are the perfect way to do that.
Check out these tips for a cozy home without the clutter!
Layers of Pillows and Throw Blankets
One of the coziest feelings ever is snuggling next to a fluffy pillow, covered with a warm blanket. Keep throw pillows on the ends of your sofa where they are easily accessible. Choose pillows that are made from fabric that has plenty of texture like fleece, flannel, velvet, faux fur, and wool.
Place throw blankets on the backs of chairs, layered in baskets, or on the lower shelves of coffee tables or end tables. When I was growing up, there was always an afghan, each one handmade by my grandmother, beside every chair, and on the end of the sofa in our family room. They provided such wonderful warmth and comfort. If you collect quilts, winter is the perfect time to get them out of the closet and use them.
Tidy Your Space
A tidy space not only makes us more comfortable and at ease, it helps us relax…and in my book, a cozy winter home goes hand-in-hand with relaxation! Clear out the mail and magazines. Use baskets to store pet toys, remotes, and other necessities. Place a lidded basket beside your favorite chair so everything you need is close, but organized and disguised at the same time. Limit the decor accents so you don’t feel like the space is cluttered.
Flowers and Natural Elements
Adding something fresh and green to your spaces during the winter season will remind you that spring is ahead…and it will bring life to your spaces. Treat yourself to a bunch of roses, or bring home a plant from the grocery. Fresh eucalyptus not only has a lovely scent, but it will dry naturally, and remain beautiful for weeks. Just one small living thing will make a difference, and put a smile on your face. I can’t think of anything cozier than that!
Click the images below to be taken directly to the product listing. Every effort has been made to provide sources for the items found in this post. Where actual items were no longer available, I’ve provided similar options. If an item is out of stock but may be restocked, I left it on the list.
*Affiliate links included. See my disclosure statement. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Safavieh rug | tufted chairs | striped pillows | mantel vases | round glass-topped table | end tables | coffee table | round tray | farmhouse pitcher (similar) | sofa pillows | lamps (similar) | sofa no longer available | picture ledge | wall color: Snowbound from Sherwin Williams | blanket ladder | blanket ladder basket | faux eucalyptus in blanket ladder basket | navy sherpa throw blanket | blue plaid throw blanket | navy stitched throw blanket | lidded baskets | flax linen pillow cover | striped recliners are La-Z-Boy from a local furniture store | flooring: Mannington Restoration Collection French Oak in Peppercorn
Seek the Simple Life
Although not directly related to making your home cozy for the winter months, seeking and appreciating a simpler life brings peace, and therefore, contentment at home. All we really need are our hearts, our hands, our families, and our faith. The “extras” are nice, but on the other hand, they can sometimes get in the way. We all need different things to make us happy…the key is finding those things, appreciating them, and letting go of everything else. It’s definitely not always easy, but in the end, it’s so worth it.
Wishing you all a lovely week. Until next time…
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