Home & Garden

How to Make Your House Cozy

Have you ever walked into a home and instantly felt warm and comfortable? Have you ever spent time in a house where it felt like you were family? Hospitable people and relationships obviously come into play, but so does a home’s design and ambiance.

Simple Design Techniques for a Cozier Home

Certain homes just have that “cozy factor.” And, believe it or not, your home can too. In this article, we’ll show you some surprisingly simple ways to infuse your home with the kind of warmth and coziness that leaves a lasting impression.

Buy a comfy sofa.

The sofa is typically a statement piece in the living room. Outside of a large area rug, it usually takes up the most visual space in a room. So it makes sense to choose a sofa that looks good and fits your design vibe. However, be careful not to let your pursuit of a certain style prevent you from selecting a sofa that’s comfortable. Both aesthetics and comfort matter.

If you have a beautiful sofa that you can’t stand to sit on because it’s too firm, what’s the point? Choose a sofa that looks good but also makes you feel at home. This is why we recommend buying sofas in person rather than online. 

At the very least, you should test out sofas before purchasing online. This allows you to find something that fits your comfort level. 

Accentuate your fireplace.

Light a Blazing Fire

A fireplace is a quintessential element of a cozy home. Not only does it provide physical warmth during the cooler months, but it also has that comfortable ambiance that you’re looking to achieve. 

If you already have a fireplace, consider upgrading the surround or mantel to achieve the look you want. If you don’t have a fireplace, you might be able to install an electric or gas fireplace insert without having to structurally change anything about your home. Regardless of what you want to do, eFireplaceStore has everything you need.

Choose warm paint colors.

The right paint colors can make a world of difference in the feel of your home. If you want your house to feel warm and cozy, choose warm colors. 

What’s a warm color, you may ask? Well, it depends. It can be anything from a white or gray to a pastel. The key is to select something that has rich tones (even if it’s a white) and to go with eggshell or satin sheen. (Designers typically recommend avoiding a flat finish, because it feels…flat.)

Layer with rugs.

Hardwoods look great and give off a classic vibe, but too much exposed hardwood can make your house feel “unlived in.” One way to cure this problem is by layering rugs.

Rugs look great on top of carpet or hardwood. They can add some dimensionality and texture to a space and break up the visual appearance of a room. (Pro Tip: In small spaces, opt for larger rugs. This will make the room feel a little bigger.) 

Add vintage design elements.

Even if most of your home has modern design finishes, there’s something inviting about incorporating a few vintage elements. Whether it’s a reclaimed wood mantel, antique dresser, or an old clock from your grandmother’s house, these touches can really infuse a space with character and charm. Don’t be afraid to mix and match textures or eras. It’s about making the space your own, not replicating someone else’s Pinterest board. 

Choose the right light bulbs.

Lighting plays a major role in the look and feel of a room. If you have the wrong light bulbs (or lighting design), it’s almost impossible to achieve the cozy feel you’re going for.

In terms of which light bulbs you should use, soft white is considered the ideal range. What do we mean by soft white? Somewhere in the 2,700 to 3,000 Kelvin range. This gives you that warm and yellowish light that’s warm and cozy. This range is ideal for living rooms, bedrooms, and even dining rooms. In a functional space like a kitchen or bathroom, you may opt for warm white (3,000 to 4,000 Kelvin). Generally speaking, avoid bright white (anything above 4,000 Kelvin).

Give Your House a Cozy Vibe

People make a home. But if you want to give your home an added layer of coziness and warmth, you should think more strategically about the design and layout.