Colder weather means that it is time to get cozy in your favorite room of the house; your
bedroom. Whether you have the time and budget for a complete redesign of color and
furnishings, or simply wish to revise your space to make it more comfortable in the cold
weather, there are a number of ways to create the perfect bedroom to hibernate in this winter.
Remember that you spend approximately forty-nine hours per week in your bedroom, and if
you have a television in your room, chances are that you are spending almost sixty hours every
single week there. Decorating your bedroom or making the switch from summer to winter in
décor and accessories is an act of necessity and refuge against the cold months ahead. We’ll
discuss some DIY tips to transform your space.
Lighting up Your Space
The days are shorter in the winter, and the reduced hours of sunlight can impact both energy
level and mood as we are deprived of natural vitamin D and the opportunity to spend time
outdoors. Planning additional ambient lighting for the fall and winter is a great way to offset the
impact of less light, while creating new light sources and effects.
In your bedroom, consider the addition of table lamps and other portable light sources. Shop
for innovative wall wash lights that plug into a standard electrical outlet to help illuminate
corners of your room.
The addition of mirrors is another way to maximize both natural and artificial light. Hang a wall
mirror opposite to a light source or window to reflect light into corners, or lean a full length
mirror below a wall mounted light to create an attractive reflection and amplification effect.
And candles help create ambiance, warmth and comfort on colder nights. Think of them like
your own private fireplace, and opt for clean burning soy candles in glass jars (they are safer) in
seasonal scents like pine or cinnamon.
Teens wanting to add some creative flair to their bedroom for the winter can use holiday lights
for an affordable ambient light source. String up the lights along a curtain rod , or even a
headboard to create a fun look.
Texture for Insulation
When you see the large stitching of a sweater, you automatically associate the garment with
warmth. That is because the human eye reads patterns and textures in a way that associates
strength and durability, as well as comfort. Smooth or semi-transparent surfaces are considered
to be cold, uncomfortable and weak in structure.
When choosing accessories for your winter décor, allow for bold textures in textiles such as
accent pillows, throw blankets, towels and table linens. In addition to fabrics you can choose to
create that insulated effect, darker colors are also read by the human eye in a warmer hue than
colors such as gray, white or blue, which are associated with darker skies and colder weather.
Natural tones of deep green, or brown and natural wood materials all contribute to that warm,
cozy interior theme.
A Changing of the Linens
When winter arrives, it is time to trade in the light cotton sheets of summer, for the thicker,
softer and more luxurious fall and winter linens. The dry, colder air can make polished cotton
sheets feel drafty, so trade them in for flannel, or the popular t-shirt material sheets that are
not only soft, but warm and durable.
The coverlet used for summer should be replaced with a thicker and warmer night blanket.
Depending on your preference you can opt for an organic mattress and a sleep set for a healthy
change, or investigate organic duvets that can be used to make an existing mattress luxuriously
comfortable for the winter months. A comforter that is made of natural fibers will breath
better, and blankets made of wool top the list for retaining warmth and wicking away moisture.
When you are changing the linens for the season, don’t forget to invest in a set (or two) of
heavier towels for your bathroom. The air is chilly, and there is nothing better than stepping
out of a shower or bath into a thick, warm bath sheet. Choose thicker hand towels and face
towels to create a plush, cozy effect.
If you have accent tables, consider adding a small swatch of fabric or a scarf to add layers of
fabric dimension to your design. Switching out the lamp shade is also common, and changing it
to a more textured pattern for the winter. Draperies can also be changed to thicker materials
which help the room feel warmer and more insulated, and will actually act as a barrier to
reduce the drafts and heat escape from glass windows.
Adding Rugs to Your Bedroom
Do you think that area rugs can only be added to floors made from hard surfaces? The area rug
is a way of softening hardwood floors or tile but they can also be added on top of carpets . A
small faux fur or high loft area rug can be added to create a soft, padded area beside the bed
while ramping up the style quotient of your bedroom with a sassy floor accessory.
Adding Wood Furnishings
If your normal style leans toward contemporary or minimalist design, explore the impact that
natural wood textures would have on the aesthetics of the bedroom. Consider swapping out a
mirrored or glass side table with a solid wood, or rustic piece.
If you have shelves that are wall mounted or display areas within your bedroom, you can also
carefully select natural fiber accessories and decorative display items that further punctuate
the warm, cozy feeling you are attempting to create for the season. Accessories do not have to
be expensive either. Take a walk to your local beach to discover a piece of driftwood which
would make an excellent mantle display. Wavy willow branches and other natural wood
elements are excellent for accent vases as well, and can be placed on top of dressers, side
tables or in empty corners to add architectural interest.
A cozy bedroom is the first step to getting a restful night of sleep, particularly during the cold
winter months. Hibernate in style by transferring your bedroom into a space that looks and
feels comfortable with organic and natural fibers, rich textures and ambient lighting.
