How to Make Your Home Warm and Cozy This Winter

1. Place Area Rugs on Bare Floors

If you have hardwood, laminate, or tile flooring, throw down an area rug to warm up your feet. In the winter, the lusher the rug, the better! A high-pile rug is a bit more difficult to clean, but it produces a cozy feel that is ideal for those chilly mornings.

Area rugs offer more than warmth — they can add style and texture to any room in the house. Unlike wall-to-wall carpeting, area rugs can be easily replaced or swapped out. Lay down a shag rug in the fall and winter, then rotate in a shorter, low-pile rug for the spring and summer. 

2. Let Sunlight in During the Day

While we recommend switching to thicker curtains in the winter, you’ll want to throw those open on clear days to allow as much natural light into your home as possible. Days are shorter this time of year, so take advantage of sunlight whenever you can. Natural light makes your home brighter and cozier, while also warming your home on even the coldest days.

The vitamin D that natural light delivers helps us in many other ways, including increased productivity, better sleep, and improved moods. It’s not easy to get outside on those chilly winter days, but you should still find ways to seek out the sun inside your home whenever you can.

When the sun sets, close your curtains to help trap the heat inside your home.

5. Incorporate Winter Touches

To create a warm and inviting atmosphere, consider adding personal winter touches that reflect your style and personality. Bring in decorative accents in wintery colors like deep blues and warm burgundies. Consider placing a soft, faux fur rug beside your bed for an extra dose of comfort. You can also incorporate scented candles with soothing winter scents like cinnamon or vanilla to create a calming ambiance in either your living room or bedroom. 

You can also incorporate seasonal elements of winter throughout your home. Add winter-themed decor such as pinecones and evergreen branches to a fireplace mantel or as a dining table centerpiece. Bringing a touch of the outdoors inside can help create a cozy ambiance.

6. Layer Up

You’ve already added layers of warmth to your bedroom, but don’t forget to provide extra layers for your living room, too! Add a few throw blankets to the room by draping them over a sofa, sectional, or armchair. Bring in some additional throw pillows — in warmer fabrics like velvet or faux fur — to add texture to the space. 

Layering up your clothes is also advised if you’re trying to stay warm. Sweaters, fuzzy socks, fleece pants — insulate your body this winter and you’ll be less tempted to crank up the thermostat.

7. Invest in Furniture That Literally Warms You Up

Some recliners and sectionals feature heated lumbar support or heated seats. Heated furniture can be used for pain relief, to keep muscles loose, or to stay warm and cozy on a chilly day. This type of furniture often features a massage function as well and is just as comfortable with the heat turned off. If a room is cold or you just want to feel extra snuggly while lounging in a recliner, flip on the heat and sink in.

8. Switch to Warm Colors and Lighting

Warm color shades, such as orange and yellow, paired with warm-colored lighting, can offset the winter chill. Natural wood tones can also complement warm winter colors. 

Multiple light sources in a room are recommended as well. This type of layering allows you to easily adjust the brightness of a room to add texture. 

Layering your lighting and adding warm accent colors won’t tangibly make a room warmer, but it can add a level of coziness to a space. Create a winter ambiance indoors that is sure to thaw even the frostiest of environs.