Whether you’re preparing for a holiday or just trying to stay cozy, most people tend to spend more time indoors during the winter. We also tend to associate winter with, well … coziness. People want to feel comfortable in their own homes when the weather outside is frightful.
With that in mind, it might be time to make a few changes or upgrades to your home that will last well beyond the season. Since you’re going to be spending more time inside this winter, now is the perfect opportunity to make your home as comfortable as possible – even when you’re on a budget.
Not sure where to start? We’ve got you covered with a few simple changes that can make a big difference.
Go Green – Literally
Multiple studies have shown the benefits of having plants in your home. Some of the pros include:
- Better air quality
- Improved mood
- Reduced stress
- More focus/productivity
Those benefits make houseplants perfect for your home office. If you’ve been working remotely lately and you’re having a hard time staying motivated throughout the winter, consider adding a few low-maintenance houseplants to keep you motivated and healthy.
You can give the rest of your home a festive, wintry look by using seasonal greenery and other elements found in nature, like pinecones and holly. Add a scented candle and you’ll send your senses into a cozy state of bliss as you read your favorite book or watch a movie before bed. What sounds more comforting than that?
Keep Yourself Safe
Comfort and safety go hand-in-hand. You’re not going to feel completely relaxed in your home unless you know you’re safe and secure.
Winter comes with a variety of potential safety issues, from harsh weather conditions to power outages and extreme temperatures. Making sure your home is protected from those issues will keep you and your family as comfortable as possible. Some of the best safety items to have at the ready include:
- A generator
- Fire extinguisher
- Surge protectors
- Dehumidifier
- First aid kit
Winter can also be a time when more break-ins occur, especially if would-be thieves see that you’re heading out of town to visit family for the holidays, or you’re away for work. You can keep yourself and your home safer by installing a security system or investing in smart home technology, like a digital doorbell with a video that streams to your phone.
Add Rugs for Warmth
Even if your home is warm thanks to an ever-running furnace, some spaces can “feel” colder when they’re too open or bare. You can upgrade the look and feel of coziness in your home by adding area rugs, or even several smaller throw rugs in each room.
This simple addition actually can help to make your rooms warmer, but it will also tie everything together and help you to feel more comfortable and relaxed. In addition to rugs, throw blankets and pillows can make a big difference. All of these things will absorb sound, give off a feeling of tranquility, and make each room more inviting for you, your family, and guests. If you’re really on a budget and can only do one thing to increase the comfort factor in your home, let this be it.
As you can see, it doesn’t take much to make your home more comfortable in the winter. No matter what your budget may be and no matter the size of your living space, these simple changes and additions can make a big difference in how you feel throughout the entire season. You might even start to look forward to the colder, darker months each year because it gives you a chance to enjoy more time indoors with these comforting upgrades.
