With winter approaching, most of us will be spending our free time indoors. To make our time inside more inviting, we have some ideas on how you can create a warm atmosphere and a truly cozy home.

Bring on the blankets

Blankets are a key ingredient to making your home cozier. The more you have, the better! Having a blanket wrapped up around you during any leisurely activity makes it more enjoyable. Have a couple throw blankets draped over couches and chairs, allow for simple snuggling access. Sheepskin blankets are particularly popular around this time of year and are a good size for recliners as well as cotton-knit throws. Bonus tip: you can store extra blankets in a basket, wooden crate or an ottoman with a lid if you think you’ll need them.

Pillow party

Along with multiple blankets, you’ll need to pile on the pillows. Adding an assortment of throw pillows to couches and armchairs adds a warm ambiance. Large pillows can also be moved to the floor for movie nights.

Outstanding ottomans

An ottoman is terrific for stretching, after a long day, but it’s more than just a footstool. Ottomans are multifunctional and can act as a coffee table, a space to play board games and puzzles, a place for your pet to rest, and additional seating for guests. Some ottomans with lids have hidden storage spaces which can be used for blankets, books, kids and pet toys.

Fanciful Fireplaces

Lighting the fireplace during chilly nights of the year can instantly create a cozy mood. A crackling fire is inviting and allows people to take time to sit back and relax, or gather around with family and friends. If your furniture is moveable, rearrange it to face the fireplace. Don’t forget to make sure your hearth is safe to use with tips from our fireplace maintenance guide.

Space heaters are also a good alternative to cozy up your home if you don’t have a fireplace. They help reduce energy and are simple to use.

Really soft rugs

When the temperature drops, the colder your house gets. For instance, the cold tiles of the bathroom can become unbearable. Having a soft and fuzzy bathmat and rugs around your home will help keep your feet from feeling cold. Although with any bathmat, be sure it grips to the floor to avoid any slips.

Layering area rugs around your house also make it look cozier and will help prevent icy toes. They can add character and depth to a room.

Blissful bedsheets

Crawling into a warm and cozy bed is one of the best feelings. To keep the chill away, we tend to add heavier bedding to our beds. Cotton flannel sheets are extra soft and provide more warmth. Pull out the quilts and add them to the bed to keep up the coziness factor.

Charming cabin fever

Without re-decorating your whole home, you can add a rustic and cottage feel to your home. Having plaid curtains and wood accents around your home such as antlers, pinecones, centerpieces, coasters and serving bowls will add character and create a woodland vibe.

A cozy and comfortable living space is easy to obtain without spending the big bucks. With these suggestions, you and the whole family will be warm and snuggly during the cool winter nights.