6 Simple Ways to Make Your Home Cozy for Winter
There are lots of signs that indicate winter is here. All the leaves have fallen and you've pulled out the parka. However, winter is the season to get cozy, catch up on much-needed rest, and enjoy your time at home. One of the best ways to combat winter is to embrace you hibernation tendencies and create a cozy, welcoming space that will make you forget about the frigid weather outside.
1. Change Your Area Rugs
Bare floors made from hardwood and tile can add depth and richness to any room, but you'll quickly realize that they are only ideal for the warmer months of the year. Everyone is familiar with that feeling of feet on a cold floor, and it is among the first signs that winter is right around the corner. It isn't a pleasant sensation either, especially first thing in the morning when you've just been forced by your alarm clock to leave your comfy bed.
A cozy area rug will save you from this chilly start to your day. Area rugs are recommended for any room in your home with a bare floor because they keep your home warm and inviting throughout the winter months. You can have fun with colours and shapes as well, experimenting with rectangular runners and circular options. Opting for colours on the warm end of the spectrum like reds, oranges, and yellows is also a great way to evoke internal warmth in your home. when spring comes along you can easily roll and store the rugs until they are needed again.
2. Invest in Thick Throw Blankets
Adding a throw blanket is both a pretty and a practical move. It is an inexpensive way to give your home a cozy feel without needing too much maintenance while also offering warmth. There's nothing better than curling up with a great read or watching a movie on the couch underneath a soft, fluffy blanket.There are plenty of colours, patterns, and fabrics available as well to play around with and get you home ready for its "winter suit.'
3. Turn on Your Fireplace
If we're being honest, most people only get enjoyment of a fireplace during the cold months. This period of time always seems to begin and end with the holiday season. A good way to combat the winter blues after the holiday season has passed, is to still do some of the activities which brought so much joy in the first place. if you have a fireplace in your home, make a habit of using it regularly, even once the holidays have passed. Not only does it provide light during the long winter months, but it also provides heat and entertainment. The key is to enjoy the small things that you can only do during this time of the year, and taking full advantage of your fireplace definitely falls into this category.
4. Change Your Bedding
Living in Canada, we deal with a climate that often goes through extreme temperatures (particularly in the winter months). Depending on where you live you might see temperatures in the 30s in July and then see them drop to the -30s six months later. Just as your wardrobe reflects this seasonal change, your home should as well. Many people overlook their bedding as a home feature which can benefit from a seasonal change, but being too cold at night can result in a poor night's sleep so make sure you take the time to make your bed a winter one. Ideally, change your summer duvet or comforter for thicker one for the winter months. These are better equipped for cold temperatures, especially in older homes or rooms with large windows which often experience drafts. You should also opt for flannel sheets over cotton ones because they'll hold onto heat better. Finally, it's always a good idea to keep a throw blanket at the foot of the bed. It will keep your feet warm if you don't use it and if you do find yourself getting chilly, there's an extra layer within arm's reach.
5. Candles and Cozy Lighting
It's no secret that winter is a dark time. Literally. The sun rises later in the day and it sets in the late afternoon. Around the shortest day of the year, you might even only be looking at 6 – 8 hours of sunlight depending on where you live in the country. The good news is that you don't have to live in the dark! This doesn't just mean using the overhead light in your room either, after all, there is no substitute for a natural light source. If you want ambiance within your home create layers of light with candles and fairy lights. These light sources are great additions at any point in the year but they'll be especially appreciated during the winter. They add a festive glow to any space while creating a warm and cozy atmosphere. Not to mention, there are numerous seasonal and holiday scents that come out especially for the wintertime. So have fun with it! The candles will provide a pleasant, calming light that is suitable for nighttime and daytime alike.
6. Create a Warm Atmosphere with the Winter Ridge Drapery Panel
Swapping out summer curtains and drapery for winter options might seem unnecessary upon first thought but it can actually be beneficial in a few different ways. First of all, what you probably want from curtains throughout the seasons differ greatly. In the warm months light and airy curtains are ideal because they allow fresh air to flow freely, ridding the space of the staleness which builds during the winter. During winter on the other hand, heavier drapes and curtains are preferred because they help to block chilly drafts coming from windows.
We've gone over how fabrics and blankets can add physical warmth to your space throughout this article, but it also works on a psychological level. Having substantial fabrics present throughout the space offer visual warmth, giving you the feeling of a warm a comfy room. As a result a thick, textured set of drapery panels are a great contribution to a room when you're trying to create this atmosphere.
Conclusion
Don't fear winter, just make sure you prepare for it. This will make the dread weaker and you might even find yourself getting excited for all those cozy months ahead at home with your loved ones. So just follow our tips and tricks to get yourself ready!
