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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.
Helpful Tips
Tip #1: take advantage of natural light during the day by opening your shutters, blinds, and/or curtains.
Tip #2: other ways to add light are lanterns with candles, a fire in the fireplace, and white light bulbs.
Tip #3: 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.
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!
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.
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Safavieh rug | tufted chairs | blue striped pillow covers on chairs | mantel vases | round glass-topped table | end tables | coffee table | round tray | farmhouse pitcher (similar) | navy pillows similar to ones on sofa | lamps (similar) | sofa no longer available | picture ledge | blanket ladder | faux eucalyptus in blanket ladder basket | navy sherpa throw blanket | blue plaid throw blanket | navy stitched throw blanket | lidded baskets | flax linen pillow cover | tall iron and wood bookshelf | striped recliners are La-Z-Boy from a local furniture store | wall color: Snowbound from Sherwin Williams | flooring: Mannington Restoration Collection French Oak in Peppercorn
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Love this post Ann❤️. We will be in our right-sized home a year in March. So many of your ideas and those from Yvonne Pratt have guided me in letting go while maintaining all that we loved surrounding ourselves with. We live in chilly Minnesota and our home feels so snug and cozy😊
Where did you get the lovely tall wooden shelf?
Hi Elaine…I’m sorry I left the bookshelf out of the source list! Here is the link: https://rstyle.me/+uQXk0dfTnA6xCtMH9J5uzg Thank you!
Hey, Ann. Any ideas for winter front door wreaths?
Hi MaryAlice! I have one winter wreath on the blog. Here is the link: https://www.onsuttonplace.com/evergreen-christmas-wreath-white-berries/ I also have this wreath from Amazon that I use in between seasons. It would be great for winter. https://amzn.to/3ClxtRJ I hope this helps!
Love the fresh flowers. I never think of that in winter. I am going to pick something up next time I am out! I am eagerly awaiting my daffodils to bloom. It won’t be long-I already see some green poking through. When they do, I love bringing them inside-despite the stronger smell. They are so bright-just like the sun!
Great suggestions, Ann. Your home is beautiful! Thanks for sharing with us.
I love your coffee table. I’ve been looking for one that fits our large sectional. What size should we get as each side is 90”? Thanks
Hi Paula…the rule of thumb for coffee table size is that it should be two-thirds the width of your sofa. Keep in mind that for a sectional, measure only the sitting space, not the corner. This is one of my favorite guides, and there is a diagram that shows sectionals. https://www.stylemeetscomfort.ca/learning-center/coffee-table-size-shape
I always enjoy reading your blog posts. I like the simplicity of the site and its easy ability to move through it. keep posting for inspiration.
Lovely winter scenes and lots of good advice, Ann.
There is so much energy that comes from your neutrals. I could sit and stare at your living room pictures all day long…sorta like the yule burning log at the holidays. It is so inviting and welcoming. Keep the wonderful posts coming.
While you are sitting there and enjoying all the comforts in the home you have created, try thinking about spring and what lies ahead. We have already been thinking about a few things we are going to look forward to doing. When the spring bird migration starts we plan on visiting a national refuge about a 20 mile drive from us – we are going to take our lunch with us and walk their nature trails. A simple pleasure, but one sure to make us relax and enjoy nature. Always think ahead and don’t look back.
The best advice ever. Thank you so much!
I’m gradually moving to a more neutral decor with just a few pops of color – I still love the bright colors but they can overwhelm a small living space. Your tips on decorating with neutrals are always helpful. Like you I crave light in the winter, but it isn’t always practical when you’re trying to keep your utility bills down. I’ve been gradually switching all my light bulbs in the overheads and table lamps to LED bulbs. It’s a bigger up front cost but it does save in the long run on utility bills. I also have some pretty solar powered lanterns I set near sunny windows during the day to recharge, and then turn on in the evenings for extra light.
Agree with the bigger upfront costs but I have not replaced ANY led bulb that I have switched out in the last 2 years…but using regular bulbs, I was replacing them regularly and always a stash in the closet in case I needed one quickly…so yeah for LED bulbs and their durability.
Ann , Love your Winter decor ideas. I find my white dishes just perfect for January and they can easily be mixed with other colors for spring. I have been on a major decluttering binge and the minimalist decor is just what I need right now. Of course I have plenty of candles, throws and pillows to keep the cozy vibe but they are a bit more organized!!
Lovely post. Here lately as far as the simple life goes, I find I must also accept it as well as appreciate it.
Always inspiring and I always look forward to my Sunday email from you
I’m just so anxious for spring. Need ideas to keep me going.
I’m thinking about planting herbs and putting on my kitchen window so I can see something grow.