The 5 Secrets to a Cozy Living Room this Winter

With the cold weather lingering and daylight becoming a rare commodity, it’s no surprise that snuggling up on the couch with a good book or your favorite TV show has become a common activity. Fortunately, we are here to help you achieve the ultimate cozy living room. We have some simple yet effective tips to make your space more inviting, offering some cozy living room ideas that will transform your lounge into a comfortable haven. Whether it’s through creating a new palette or adding texture we got you covered. Read on to discover how to make the most of your living room!

1. Create a bold palette

Living room with navy couches, deep rich colored rug, lots of blankets and pillows.

First we suggest incorporating rich and deep colors in your space can create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Dark charcoal and navy are excellent choices for wall colors and can be paired with furnishings in contrasting colors such as berry shades and mustard yellow. Wooden furniture also complements a dark color palette. For a bolder choice, you can bring in rich shades like burnt oranges, deep reds, mustard yellows, earthy tones, or saturated colors.

2. Keep the heat in

Couple with winter socks cuddled in front of fire place.

Ensuring effective insulation in your living room is essential during the colder months. The windows are often the primary cause of heat loss. If your windows are ill-fitting or drafty, you may want to consider replacing them with double- or triple-glazed units. These help to retain heat, prevent draughts, and keep your sills free from condensation. If that isn’t possible thick curtains can help prevent you from feeling the draft from outside.

3. Add rugs to hard flooring

Simple living room with a mix of dark and light furniture and a rug to soften the hardwood floor.

If you’re looking to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere in your living room, consider laying a rug over your hard flooring. We suggests positioning the rug just under the front legs of your sofa and completely under your coffee table. For a classic look, opt for a neutral color or a light patterned rug. Alternatively, to make a bold statement, select a bright colored abstract rug that can instantly transform the mood of your space.

4. Opt for deeper shades in your carpet

Desk area next to fire place with bright blue walls and printed carpet.

If you’re a fan of the plush feel of carpet underfoot in your living room, the colors you choose can make a significant difference. To create a cozy atmosphere, darker shades can add warmth and also make your furniture stand out more.

We recommend using rich charcoal grey or a dark stripe that can be complemented with moody shades of deep forest green or warmed up with lighter shades of beige or caramel. If an all-over color is too bold for your liking, consider a stripe that brings in toasty reds or burnt orange, and use it as a base to build your color palette from there.

Of course, an essential part of creating a cozy living room with carpet is choosing the right material. The deeper the pile, the better, so opt for something densely woven and luxurious to achieve that plush feeling underfoot.

5. Layer textures

Living room with lots of layers. Orange couch with various fun printed pillows and dark pillows and blankets. Light coffee table and side table. Light hardwood floor with black and white carpet.

Do you want the ultimate secret to create a warm and cozy living room? It’s layering. On a chilly evening, there’s nothing quite as inviting as soft, warm textures to sink into and snuggle up in. Layering and accessorizing with extra throws and cushions is a must for lounging. If you’re looking for the ultimate in coziness, go for a mix of throws and cushions in chunky knit, faux-fur and felted fabrics. Wool and silk can also be added in for a fabulously indulgent and luxurious effect. Neutral or contrasting dark shades are an ideal match for leather or bright colored sofas, toning your living room and making it weather appropriate. Oranges, reds and caramel are all great tones for this time of the year that will transform your sofa and the entire room. Consider creating a basket or box full of warm throws for your lounge so that when the temperature drops, your guests can reach for a comforting blanket to snuggle up and relax. Choose a selection of soft cotton velvet throws in a range of hues that co-ordinate with your current color scheme and roll them neatly into a wooden basket for a mid-century-inspired set up.