The living room is often the heart of the home, where family and friends gather to relax and spend quality time together. When the temperatures drop outside, making your living room extra warm and cosy becomes even more important. Here are five ways to create a snug and inviting living room this winter.
1. Add Soft Furnishings
Layer your living room with sumptuous soft furnishings to add comfort and warmth. Opt for chunky knits like wool throws and fleece blankets in natural textures and earthy tones. Don’t forget the cushions – the more the merrier! Scatter plenty of cushions on your sofa and armchairs in complementary colours and fabrics. Soft rugs are also key, adding comfort underfoot and tying your living room scheme together. For extra cosiness, consider a long-pile shaggy rug in front of your sofa.
2. Install Warm Lighting
Dark afternoons and evenings call for warm, cosy lighting schemes. Switch out cool white bulbs for ones with a warmer glow, like amber or yellow. Use table lamps to create pools of light and a welcoming ambience. Strategic uplighting in floor lamps can create a relaxing effect. You can also add atmosphere with candlelight and the flicker of flames from a fireplace or wood burner. Dimmer switches allow you to control the lighting and set the perfect cosy mood.
3. Add Texture with Natural Materials
Natural textures like wood, wool and cotton bring warmth and cosiness to a living room. Incorporate natural materials in your soft furnishings, like woollen blankets and cotton cushions. Wooden furniture, floors and accents like shelves and side tables also create a welcoming, earthy feel. For visual interest, layer different natural textures like a cosy wool rug on top of wooden floorboards. Try a sheepskin rug layered over a jute rug for an ultra-cosy floor.
4. Install a Wood Burning Stove
What could be cosier than gathering around wood burning stoves on a chilly winter’s night? Installing eco-friendly wood burning stoves is a wonderful way to make your living room warm, snug and energy efficient. The mesmerising flames provide a beautiful focal point and extra heat source. Just remember to stock up on logs so you can enjoy the ambience and warmth all season long. Place comfy chairs and sofas around the stove so everyone can bask in its glow.
5. Incorporate Seasonal Style
Incorporate seasonal touches to make your living room extra inviting in winter. Plush faux fur throws add texture and warmth. Display winter foliage like pinecones, evergreen branches and dried oranges to bring the outdoors in. Stack firewood in a decorative log holder or basket beside your wood burner. Scented candles like spiced apple or cinnamon infuse your living room with festive fragrance. Overall, aim for a scheme full of warmth, comfort and seasonal spirit.
With a focus on soft and natural textures, warm lighting and a cosy scheme full of seasonal details, you can create a living room that’s extra snug and welcoming all winter long. Get the hot chocolate ready, put your feet up and enjoy spending more time in your new cosy living room retreat. The whole family will love gathering in this warm, inviting space all season.
