How to Make a Living Room Cozier for Winter

Warm, inviting home decor

When fall comes and you feel winter closing in, your house may begin to feel dark or cold as the days get shorter and the air gets brisker. Many people even develop seasonal depression, which is generally brought on by dark evenings and cold nights. You can combat the winter blues by changing your decor to accommodate the season. Make the living or family room cozier so that you will actually look forward to the frost and chill because it will give you the opportunity to enjoy the warmth and comfort of your own home.

Things You'll Need

• Afghans or quilts
• Throw pillows
• Thick pillar candles
• Flat glass candle plates
• Silk leaf garland
• Scissors

Instructions

1. Bring out the quilts. One of the best things about wintertime is getting warm and cozy under the covers. However, you do not have to go to bed to get this comfortable feeling. Bring out some afghans or throws in warm colors like red, deep brown or gold and drape them over the backs of chairs or your sofa. Then when you are lying on the couch watching television or snuggled up with a book, you will be able to stay warm and cozy.

2. 

   Dress up the coffee table. Place several thick pillar candles on the glass candle plates and arrange them on the coffee table randomly or in a line down the middle. Cut short lengths of the leaf garland and arrange them around the base of each candle. You can light these festive, warm decorations and enjoy the atmosphere and lighting from the flames even if you do not have a fireplace to cozy up to.

3. 

   Scatter some extra pillows. Even if your sofa is plenty fluffy already, a few throw pillows in warm fall colors will make the room seem brighter when the nights get long. Besides, when you are sitting up late enjoying the winter evening, you may need an extra pillow for your feet or head.

4. Cover bare walls. If you have a favorite quilt or a particularly beautiful afghan, consider hanging it on a bare wall for the winter. In the summer, bare or nearly bare walls make rooms feel bright, spacious and airy. However, in the winter this same decor can just feel hollow and empty. Bring the space in a little with the perfect wintertime decoration.

5. Snuggle in. Now that your living room is warmed up for winter, it is time to light the candles and enjoy the fruits of your labor. Grab a book, light the candles and get ready for the chilly days of winter.

Tips & Warnings

• Never leave your candles burning unattended, and place them higher up if you have young children or active indoor pets that might knock them over.