Understandably, your home will feel and look different during the winter. The trees will be barren, the grass brown, and the sky a little grayer. You’ll also experience less light inside your home due to the shorter days.
All these changes can make your home feel a little less cozy and inviting. It’s even more stressful when you spend days or weeks stuck inside due to bad weather. But don’t worry. There are ways to make your home feel cozy and comfortable all winter. Here’s how.
Keep Up with Furnace Repair and Maintenance
Nothing messes a cozy winter feeling more than a freezing house. Unfortunately, this is a reality for many people, but it doesn’t have to be. One of the best ways to keep your home warm is to ensure your furnace is in good working condition.
Schedule a furnace repair whenever you detect issues such as strange noises, inconsistent heating, or an unusually high energy bill. Have the furnace serviced at least once a year to ensure it runs efficiently. When it’s time to replace, consider a high-efficiency model to save energy costs.
Insulate Your Home
Insulating your home keeps the warmth inside for longer. It also reduces energy costs as the furnace doesn’t work as hard to heat the house. Check the attic, basement, and walls for any cracks or holes that need filling.
Make sure the windows and doors are properly sealed. If you live in an older home, upgrade the insulation to a newer, more effective type. Keep adding insulation until you reach the recommended R-value for your area.
Add Seasonal Decorations
Hanging seasonal decorations is an easy and effective way to make your home feel cozier. Add a wreath to the front door, a holiday-themed tablecloth, or set up a small Christmas tree. You can also add scented candles, blankets, and throw pillows around the house to make it feel more inviting.
Add Warm Textures and Colors
Adding warm textures and colors makes the home feel cozier. Use throws and blankets made of wool, cotton, or cashmere. Add some plush pillows and rugs to your living room or bedroom.
Hang curtains in rich colors such as deep red, forest green, or burgundy. Additionally, use warm lighting such as lamps with yellow or red lightbulbs. Add more light fixtures to make the room feel brighter and cozier. Go for LED bulbs to save energy costs.
Make a Fire
If you have a fireplace, use it. Not only does it add warmth to the room, but it also creates a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Have the fireplace cleaned and inspected before lighting it.
Use a fire screen to prevent any sparks from escaping and open the flue to allow the smoke to escape. Add some wood logs or fake fireplace logs for a realistic look. You can also use scented candles or oil diffusers to make the room smell pleasant.
Bake Something Delicious
Nothing makes a home feel cozier than the smell of something baking in the oven. Bake some cookies, muffins, or bread to fill the house with a warm and inviting aroma. You can also make a pot of soup or chili on the stove. This will make your home smell good and give you something warm and delicious to eat. Your entire family will love it.
Invest in Warm Bedding and Thick Curtains
Your bed should be a haven during the cold winter. Stock warm bedding such as a down comforter or electric blanket. Hang thick curtains to keep the cold out and add some extra insulation. Also, place a rug next to your bed to keep your feet warm when you get out of bed. These simple changes will significantly affect how comfortable you are at night.
It’s Worth the Effort
These are just a few ways to make your home feel cozy this winter. You’ll love spending quality time indoors with your loved ones without worrying about the cold. So take some time to prepare your house for the season. It’s worth the effort.
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