15 Cosy Design Ideas to Get You Through Winter

1. Lighting

Lighting is the easiest way towards making your home more cosy.

Step 1: If any of the lightbulbs anywhere in your home are cool white, replace them with warm white bulbs. Never buy cool-tone bulbs again.

Step 2: Save overhead lights for emergencies (lost keys, fiddling with cables at the back of the TV) and invest in a collection of lamps instead. Consider the placement of each lamp and remember that rather than a lamp right next to your bed or sofa, it's the indirect light sources that do most of the work in making a room warm and inviting.

3. Candles and incense

Scent is a powerful tool in the psychological self-manipulation it sometimes takes to relax the mind. It's also a great way to connect with your personal space and make it your own. The best fragrance delivery tools are candles and incense – just keep them at a safe distance from any flammable soft furnishings. Choose a scent that puts you at ease, and light it up when you feel discombobulated or when it's time to wind down. 

5. Upholstered tables

Warm-toned wood and natural stone are both effective materials when it comes to cosy-making at home, but have you considered upholstered furniture? A fabric-covered coffee table or bench feels extra cosy.

7. Layered rugs

Whether your floors are carpeted, hardwood, or tiled, layering multiple rugs in the key areas of each room adds texture and can have an anchoring effect. Now is the time to mix and match, both in terms of colour and texture. Think: short-pile room rug underneath with smaller shag rug on top. Combine periods as well – a short-pile jute rug with a classic red Moroccan or Indian rug will feel perfectly mis-matched. Or, go wild with clashing patterns and bright colours. If you need some balance, keep furniture surfaces clean and relatively clear.

9. Cooking

What's better than cooking (and eating) a delicious meal in winter? Not much. Make it an event and start in the afternoon – if you let it, cooking can help boost your mood. It's also a grounding activity that gets you out of your own head while also connecting with your body. The right recipe will also make your home smell amazing.

11. Coloured walls

If you're able, new wall paint is an excellent way to make your home feel cosy. If you're game, navy, burgundy or forest green will provide the perfect base for a "1970s book-filled new York apartment" vibe. For something more subtle, replace your off white wall paint with a warmer beige or diluted saffron. With a warmer wall colour, you'll be able to leave the rest of your décor as is and still fill cosier in an instant.

13. OTT wall art (at eye level)

Hanging paintings, prints, and photographs does so much for any room. Wall art adds texture, interest, personalisation and vibrancy. Hang your frames at eye level for maximum cosiness.

15. Optimise your seating

We spend a lot of time each day sitting down, so it's worth ensuring your seating arrangement and options are conducive to comfort and focus on whatever task you're tackling (yes, streaming TV shows is considered a task).