“Oh, the weather outside is frightful. But the fire is so delightful.”
Except you don’t have a fireplace. :: womp womp::
As the weather turns colder and we start to spend even more time indoors, you might be looking for ways to create a cozier and more inviting atmosphere. With some inexpensive purchases or easy DIY projects, you can get the comfy vibe you’re going for.
Seal up doors and windows to reduce drafts.
The first key to a cozy space is keeping the warm air in and the cold air out. No matter the age of your home, cold air can seep in through the window sills and under doors, but an easy-to-make draft stopper can help seal things up.
“Downgrade” your lighting.
Compare the bright fluorescent bulbs of a grab-n-go pizza place versus the dim lights and candles at an expensive restaurant. The first encourages you to get in and out fast, while the second causes you to linger and savor every bite. To create the intimate atmosphere of the fancy restaurant, start by turning off the overhead lights and turning on lamps. If you need to add lamps, there are always inexpensive options you can buy, or you can make your own unique fixtures. Then, swap out lightbulbs to a warmer tone (2700K or 3000K) and lower wattage (around 60W).
Add a fireplace.
No, really! Electric fireplace inserts have come a long way appearance-wise and don’t need to be vented. This DIY tutorial came in at $521 and can help you get both warmth and ambiance with a bit of time and effort. If this project is more than you want to tackle, you can easily buy affordable furniture pieces that come with fireplaces built in. Or, if your space has a fireplace that doesn’t work, you can add candles to create a cozy glow.
Bust out the blankets.
What’s the point of having blankets stacked in a closet when you’re freezing on the sofa? Make cozy throws accessible by tossing them over the arm of couch, stacking them in a woven basket nearby, or hanging them on an easy DIY blanket ladder. Don’t have enough blankets? Try your hand at making one with kits that come with all the materials and instructions.
Layer in fragrance.
Feeling warm and snuggly involves all five senses, and certain smells can really add to the atmosphere. There are lots of seasonal scented candles you can buy, but candles can get expensive if you burn them a lot, so making your own is both easy and a great way to recycle materials. Another way to fill your space with inviting aromas is to create a simmer pot. By heating common kitchen ingredients on the stove, you can diffuse homey smells like apple and cinnamon all through your space.
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