Even if you can’t control the bustling and breezy cold days during the winter season, you still have the power to make some changes in your home to make it cozy and comfortable. If your house feels extremely cold during a harsh winter day, it is time to make some changes to make it more comfortable and cozier. You’d be surprised to know how simple it is to convert your light and breezy home into a warm and comfortable coop for cold days.
Here are some effective ways to improve your home and feel better during winter...
1. Invest in an Electric Blanket
An electric blanket is a must during winter, especially if you live in a region that experiences harsh winters. Heated mattress pads are also an effective alternative to electric blankets as they offer a similar effect and are extremely comfortable and warm. If you suffer from recurring muscle soreness or body ache, you should definitely invest in one. At times, thick quilts are also ineffective during extremely cold days. This is when an electric blanket comes to your rescue.
Electric blankets can be bought online at an economical price. Compare various brands and assemblies to pick one with the best features. Choose an electric blanket that feels soft from outside. The outer layer should be made of cotton or fleece. Another important aspect to consider is the time it takes to heat up, which mainly depends on its temperature settings. Certain electric blankets are designed to detect cold and hot spots, which determines how evenly the entire surface will be heated. Lastly, you need to make sure that the electric blanket is energy efficient. While it does provide utmost comfort and warmth, you don’t want your electricity bill to plummet.
2. Get More Sunlight through your Windows
Sunlight on a cold day seems like a boon, especially if your place gets extremely chilly. The best way to stay warm is to get as much sunlight as possible during the day. If you are unable to step out of the house, treat your windows to receive maximum sunlight during peak hours. Light therapy is not only necessary to keep yourself warm, but it also helps stimulate brain chemicals that reduce stress and make you happy. If possible, create a seating area and move your desk near your window. At the same time, keep the glass pane shut as you’d want to avoid cold air from entering.
Consider window treatment to achieve warmer windows. The simplest way to do it is by adding curtains or blinds on your windows to provide a layer of insulation and keep cold air from entering. Pick heavy fabrics or the ones that provide enough thermal lining. Velvet drapes are quite heavy and thick, and go with almost any type of aesthetic décor.
3. Add Layers of Fabric in Your Bedroom
During winters, multiple layers of fabric are key to keep your surroundings warm. The first step is to use the right type of bedding and sheets to provide warmth. Replace your linen and cotton sheets with flannel, which is your best friend during winter. If it gets too cold at some point, keep a quilt handy at your bedside. Also, since your feet are the most prone to feeling cold and spread it to the rest of your body, it is wise to cover them too. Put on socks and wear slippers, even if you are moving within the house. Keep a pair at your threshold or house entrance.
If possible, stick to thicker textiles as these provide an extra layer of insulation. It is also a great way to change the look of your room’s aesthetic. Couch and throw pillows in your living room will not enhance the décor but also provide an extra insulation layer. The more layers you have, the cozier and warmer your room will be.
4. Crank up the Fire in the Fireplace
What’s winter without a warm and crackling fire swaying in your living room’s fireplace? Whether it’s for leisure or family time, a fireplace in the common area is a necessity during winter. Grab your favorite book and enjoy a steaming cup of coffee by your fireplace. If your fireplace needs work, begin redoing it before it gets too cold. Also, a fireplace in a living room is eye-catching and grabs attention, which is another reason to prepare it. Add a pop of color or lay white bricks around your fireplace to give it a rustic and modern look.
If you have a traditional wood-burning fireplace, keep a bunch of wood burning logs handy to keep the fire going. Wood experts at Buyfirewooddirect.co.uk recommend choosing mixed hardwood, birch, or kiln dried ash wood for best results. Make sure that you have enough space to store these logs. Electric and natural gas fireplaces are also two energy-efficient options. Irrespective of the type of fireplace you own, make sure that you get it checked once every year.
5. Install Warmer and Softer Lighting
The type of lighting and illumination you use in your house also plays a major role in the look and feel of your house. Soft and warm lighting automatically offers a cozier vibe, especially during cold days. Illumination is also necessary to keep you active during cool, winter days. This is because cold and dark days often make you lazy and bed-ridden all day. With soft lighting above your head, you will stay more active. However, avoid extremely harsh, white overhead lighting as it will cause more disturbance rather than comfort. Winter also often causes depression, which is also known as SAD or Seasonal Affective Disorder and is mainly caused due to lack of sunlight. To combat this situation, opt for light therapy lamps that emit natural-looking light.
Winter equals holidays, and holidays call for some soft and twinkling lighting. Go for white lights, rainbow lights, or any other type that gives a holiday vibe. String lights are also an effective way to jazz it up and feel lively. Lighting does play a major role in making you feel good.
6. Buy and Light Loads of Candles
Lighting candles will not only keep you warm but also enhance the aesthetic value of your home. Pick scented candles that make you calmer and feel relaxed. Among the myriad of options available, you can pick a winter candle that transports you to another dimension. For instance, if you feel like being in the woods on a cold day, pick a candle that invigorates scents of cedarwood, lavender, and some Mediterranean herbs to virtually transport you to your preferred setting. Similarly, you can pick options among various scent combinations and experience new settings while being comfortable at home. The lingering sweet scent and the warm glow from the candles are bound to make you happy on a chilly day.
However, ensure that the candles are kept at a safe distance. Keep an eye on them as it could lead to a fire hazard. Use a decorative plate or a fireproof mat to avoid accidents, especially if they are left unattended. For a decorative effect, use candles of different sizes and colors. Chunky pillar candles, table top candles, fairy lights, and tea lights are ideal for a cozy winter feeling.
7. Bake Warm Goodies
Warm muffins on a cold day sound tempting. The warmth from the oven and the wafting buttery smell in your kitchen make the cold days even more enjoyable. Recipes like warm apple sponge pudding, carrot cake, warm chocolate chip cookies, and banana and maple syrup moist cake scream winter holidays. Desserts like these are called ‘comfort food’ for a reason. Pick a recipe from the dozens of options available online and bake delicious treats every once in a while.
Unleash your baking skills with your partner and kids. It is not only a great way to polish your baking skills but also to spend some quality time with your loved ones. Since most people prefer to stay indoors during winter, you will get an opportunity to be with your family too. Bake goodies in a large batch to give to your friends and family too. If you still have some leftovers, feel free to have it for breakfast. Have some basic ingredients like flour, sugar, baking soda, butter, milk, and chocolate chips stored in your pantry to whip up a simple dessert to satisfy your winter craving.
8. Check your Dampers and Valves
Wintertime is when you keep your doors and windows shut to avoid cool air from entering. The type and efficiency of your heating ducts play a major role in regulating the air that circulates in your house. The dampers and valves in your heating ducts are mainly responsible for the quality of air you are breathing in your house. If your house is too old, the valves may be manual. Adjust them to ensure even heat distribution throughout your house. This is particularly necessary if you live in a house with multiple levels and rooms. In case the dampers and valves are not adjusted properly, the ground floor may experience 100% heating whereas the rooms on the top floor will pour only 25% heating, which could result in chilly and uncomfortable nights.
Since most openings in your house are shut to avoid cold air from entering, the air inside your house can turn stale and unhealthy. While you cannot leave your windows open for long, try to keep them open for a few minutes, once every few hours. Cross ventilation is necessary to ensure even air circulation in your house. If possible, invest in an air purifier that is built with a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter as it eliminates most of the crud circulating indoors, such pollen, mold, dust, and other contaminants, giving you fresh air to breathe.
9. Sip on a Warm Beverage
Something as simple as this can make a world of difference on chilly days. A hot cup of chocolate with marshmallows or any other warm beverage on a cold day is a good idea to feel some warmth. Whether it’s homemade, store-bought, or packed from a coffee shop, try to sip on a warm beverage every once in a while. Store some funky ingredients such as cinnamon, honey, sprinkles, mini marshmallows, or whipped cream to enhance the flavor and texture of your warm beverage. For dinner, feed on a steaming bowl of soup or ramen to feel the warmth inside your body.
10. Enjoy your Favorite Music with Aromatherapy
Lastly, enjoy your cozy winter days while listening to music and practicing aromatherapy, all while being wrapped in a warm blanket. Good scents are often associated with soothing effects on your brain. It is therapeutic and reduces stress. Essential oils are mainly used in aromatherapy, which come in various scents and offer medicinal properties. These are extracted from the useful parts of a plant such as roots, leaves, and flowers.
If you suffer from a particular issue such as anxiety, stress, or insomnia, the practice of aromatherapy can also reduce its effects. For this, choose scents and essential oils that treat specific issues. For example, lavender reduces anxiety and helps you sleep, whereas jasmine uplifts your mood. Turn on your favorite music while practicing aromatherapy to enhance its effect. Listen to some calming music if you can. It will not only lighten your mood but also help you deal with winter blues.
These ten tips will surely make your winter cozier, warmer, and more enjoyable. Most of these ways are inexpensive and easy to implement. Some of these tips will not only keep you comfortable but also enhance the aesthetic value of your home. Enjoy your cold, chilly days with your family and spend some quality time with them while being cozy and comfortable. Lastly, declutter your space to achieve a cozier feeling. Sort through and store clutter in an onsite storage unit. While it doesn’t do much to provide warmth, it does make living more comfortable and cozier. Make sure that your surroundings are minimal. Clear your walls and hang minimal art pieces. These ways are enough to make your winter days enjoyable.
