Thinking about giving your home a cozy refresh for winter? Start with the bedroom. From your summer-inspired décor to your lightweight blankets and throws, there are likely many elements of your bedroom that could stand to be updated for the colder months ahead. And given that the average American spends 36 years of their life in their bedroom, you have more than enough reason to go all out and make your space feel extra warm and snug this winter. Ahead, check out a few simple hacks to turn your bedroom into a cozy haven that you’ll never want to leave.
1. Layer your textiles
All the best interior designers and home decorators know that it’s not just a single piece that makes a room feel cozy and stylish, but rather how you bring all the elements together. Layering your textiles (think blankets, throws, and pillows) is a great way to create cozy interest and depth in your bedroom. To get started, choose a sherpa fleece throw blanket that you can’t wait to snuggle up in — like a weighted throw blanket with a chunky knit or faux fur design — and drape it across the edge of your bed. Then, incorporate other textiles in various colors, sizes, and textures. For example, you could add a sheepskin rug, shag throw pillows, and velvet curtains.
2. Warm it up with wood
Another easy hack for leveling up the cozy factor in your bedroom? Incorporating more wood into your space. Not only does wood bring to mind pleasant things (rustic cabins, fireplaces, and nature, to name just a few), but it also comes in an array of comforting tones and finishes that promise to add instant warmth to your bedroom. For an on-trend yet ultra-relaxing bedroom, consider making a wood slat wall to go behind your bed. (Check out this easy and affordable slat wall tutorial to get started!). Not a fan of the slat wall look? Opt for wooden shelving or check out Etsy for handmade decorative wood items.
3. Let it glow
Few things evoke the feeling of coziness and contentment more than the gentle flicker of a burning candle. Akin to sitting around a campfire, watching the open flame of a candle can put us into a trance-like state that lowers our blood pressure and makes us feel more relaxed. However, it’s not just the soft illumination that makes us feel calm and happy — it’s also the pleasant fragrance the candle emits. According to the Sleep Foundation, certain smells — including rose, lavender, and jasmine — have been known to enhance our mood and improve our sleep efficiency. Note: If you have a sensitive sniffer or worry about the potential fire hazard, you can always use a battery-powered candle instead!
4. Embrace warm neutrals
Neutral paint colors tend to get a bad rap for being too sterile or blah, but with proper execution, they can make any bedroom feel warm, interesting, and more hygge-like. The key is to pick a warmer neutral with a little more pigment. Warmer hues such as taupe, cream, and beige add more movement to your space, enhancing its coziness and character. The best part? Warm neutral paint colors are incredibly versatile, which means you probably won’t need to switch things up come spring or summer. Simply swap out your winter décor items, incorporate brighter colors and lighter materials, and voila! Your bedroom is ready for warm weather once more.
5. Don’t be afraid to add jewel tones
If you’re not a fan of neutral color palettes or are looking for some winter-inspired accent colors, look no further than jewel tones. From sapphire and emerald to deep purple, there’s something undeniably luxurious about these regal colors. As a bonus, they also pop beautifully against wood furnishings.
6. Turn your nightstand into a self-care station
There’s no doubt about it: winter can be tough on the psyche. With the days becoming shorter, darker, and colder, finding the motivation to take good care of ourselves is trickier than ever. One possible solution? Take your nightstand and turn it into a self-care station. By keeping all of your cozy essentials within reach, you can make it that much easier to practice self-care and stay positive through the doldrums of winter. Your self-care station should be personalized to suit your needs, but here are a few items we recommend putting on your nightstand:
- A natural sleep aid, like a sleep mask
- A carafe of water (because hydration is important!)
- A handheld massager or back-scratcher
- Your favorite lip balm
- A good book
7. Upgrade your curtains
Your bedding isn’t the only thing you should be swapping out for winter. If you want to maximize the warmth and coziness of your space, you should also be changing your curtains for the new season. Swapping out lighter curtains for heavier curtains will not only make your bedroom feel more luxurious and den-like, but it can also help your bedroom retain heat. Heavier curtains — and blackout curtains in particular — can go a long way in improving the heat efficiency of your home, increasing your comfort at night, and helping you save money to boot.
8. Incorporate furniture with rounded edges
In case you missed it, rounded furniture is once again having a moment, thanks to the resurgence of ’70s trends. But even if curved furniture wasn’t making a comeback, there are plenty of reasons to embrace rounded edges and soft lines in your bedroom. For starters, rounded edges give your bedroom a softer, more comfortable feel compared to the sharp lines of square furniture. Curved pieces such as oval nightstands, sculptural lights, and round throw pillows are sure to give extra dimension and coziness to your space. Plus, you’re less likely to hurt yourself on furniture with rounded edges, making it a win-win in terms of style and practicality.
There’s nothing better than sinking into a cozy bed during the cooler months. With these simple tips, you can create a hygge-like bedroom that you may never want to leave!