Changing your decor for winter can make your home look, feel and actually become warmer. Most changes don't even cost you much such as adding pillows and throws around the room.
1. Rugs
Photo (c) Marcia Weese
While adding rugs can dramatically change the look of a space, rugs can make it warmer as well. Covering a bare floor with a thick rug will not only make your space look warmer, but feel more comfortable under your feet.
Choosing rugs in warm or deep colors will convey a greater sense of warmth. If you already have a pattern on your wall or furniture, go with rugs in solid colors. Pattern overkill can make your room unpleasant. Remember that a rug can easily become the focal point of a room, so plan accordingly.
Consider adding rugs to foyers and hallways to make your home feel warmer. The wall is also a good place to display a rug.
2. Lighting
Photo (c) Shady Lady
Lighting affects the look of your home tremendously, and plays a big part in making a space warm or cold.
Lighting, especially the kind of bulbs you choose, can affect the colors in your space. Halogen lighting for instance, can make colors appear cooler, which could have an unpleasant effect if you've added reds to warm up your decor.
Lamp shades can bring color accents to your room, and the shade colors can add more warmth to the color of light.
You don't need to have brightly lit rooms from top to floor to create warmth. Too much light can actually make a space seem colder. Ceilings and room corners can stay unlit to make the space cozier.
3. Window Treatments
You might want to consider changing your window treatments to heavier window drapes to make your room cozier. Heavy drapes and blinds can help keep cold air out and warmth in, especially if you have large windows.
Even if you don't draw the curtains at night because of a spectacular view, heavier drapes will make a difference in giving your space a cozier look.
4. Throws and Pillows
Photo (c) Company C
Adding or changing out throws and pillows could be the easiest and least expensive way to change your decor.
You can even consider making covers for your existing pillows if you prefer to go the DIY route. Change them out every now and then to freshen up the look.
For winter you can choose throws and pillows in warm and jewel tone colors. Details such as tassels, beading or embroidery can give added depth and texture.
5. A Cozy Fireplace
Photo (c) SEI
A cozy fireplace can make a room warm and inviting. For a wood burning fireplace, consider a screen that frames your fire beautifully.
Even if you don't have a built-in fireplace you can consider putting in an electric or gel fuel fireplace. Portable fireplaces can always be stored away and some of them can be taken outdoors with you when the weather is warm enough for evenings spent outdoors.
