8 Easy Ways to Cozy Up Your Home

These mini moves will turn your home into a warm and inviting winter retreat.

Sofa Winter Sofa with Throw Pillows and Throw
Photo: Getty Images

When it's hot outside, you want your home to be minimalist and breezy, with no extra layers to capture the humidity or hold in heat. But once it gets chilly, you want those layers back, along with space heaters, to make the house feel warm and cozy. Fortunately, it doesn't take much to make your space inviting and comfortable for winter. Mini moves can be as simple as stashing slippers by the front door or turning on the electric fireplace. Switching to soft lighting, such as the glow from a candle placed here and there, can turn your home into a winter-ready retreat. Here are eight tiny ways to cozy up your home.

01 of 08

Update your bedding.

Cozy winter bedroom with blankets and pillows
Can’t face the chilly temperatures outside? Warm up your home with our coziest decor ideas, then gather around family and friends. Six more weeks of winter just means six more weeks of hygge. 9 Easy Ways to Cozy Up Your Home (Tip #2 is so smart.) 7 Next-Level Candles to Warm Up Your Home How to Build the Warmest, Coziest Winter Bed (We may never leave the house again.). Carlsson, Peter/Getty Images

Crisp cotton and linen are great for summer, but flannel is where it's at for winter! Trade your crisp sateen sheets for ones that will hold the warmth in, like flannel or jersey. While you're at it, fold a quilt or blanket over the foot of your bed to have handy for the coldest nights.

02 of 08

Swap in snuggly throw pillows.

Sofa Winter Sofa with Throw Pillows and Throw
Getty Images

Finally, an excuse to splurge on a big furry pillow! Add one or two textured throw pillows to your couch (or change the covers on your existing pillows) to make your space look and feel cozier. Other options: nubby boucle, a wooly cable knit, or a rich velvet. Don't forget the faux fur blanket, too!

03 of 08

Add warmth underfoot.

Cozy Winter Bedroom with Rug and pillows and artwork
Getty Images

Sisal and flat-weave rugs are great when it's warm outside, but you want a little pile for winter. If you don't have the budget for a giant area rug, consider layering smaller rugs in strategic spots, like next to the bed or a futon or under the coffee table. Place them in front of a reading chair or upholstered flip top bench—one of our favorite storage furniture pieces.

04 of 08

Consider soft lighting.

Bedside Reading Lamp With Flowers
Getty Images

When the nights get darker earlier, your bed may be tempting you before it's time to repose. Good lighting can help you resist that impulse and stay on your usual sleep schedule. Fit table or desk lamps with warm-toned LED lights for a cozy candle-lit glow that isn't too harsh but will still keep you awake.

05 of 08

Warm up your window treatments.

Living Room With Pink and Navy Curtains
Getty Images

If you have sheer linen curtains, consider trading them out for velvet drapes or any heavy curtain with a thermal lining. Besides making a space look warm and cozy, they'll insulate the room from cold air leaking through old windows.

06 of 08

Rethink your sofa cover.

Rich Velvet Sofa in Blue Living Room
Getty Images

If you have a slip-covered couch—or even if you don't, but your sofa's a standard size—try a new slipcover for the colder months. Choose a deep jewel tone and a softer fabric than your standard crisp white cotton to give the living room a cozier feel.

07 of 08

Layer your kitchen linens.

2020 Real Simple Home Tour: Kitchen
Christopher Testani

Start from the bottom up: a little kitchen rug on the floor in front of the sink, a runner or tablecloth on the breakfast table, and linen slipcovers over your wooden or metal cafe chairs. Anytime you can put a layer of fabric between yourself and bare wood or tile, it'll feel a bit warmer.

08 of 08

Put your memories on display.

Easy Holiday Decorating Ideas, Holiday Cards Display
Annie Schlechter

They won't technically warm up your space, but a mantel full of holiday cards or a wall full of personal photos will keep your heart full of warm memories as you get through the next few gray months.

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