Winter is the perfect time of the year to get cozy indoors. Whether you want to spend long hours curled up next to the fireplace or enjoy a mug of hot cocoa with your loved ones, you can avoid the ice and chill outside. Find the top essentials you need to stay warm and comfortable all winter this year.
Scented Candles
Blocking out the cold is as easy as cranking up the heat and keeping your windows shut. Unfortunately, that may also cause the air sealed inside to become stale or stuffy. Create an inviting vibe with a few candles. Choose fragrances that remind you of the season or the holidays, like sugar cookies or cinnamon. Always practice proper candle safety, such as keeping an eye on burning candles and extinguishing them before you go to bed. If you don’t feel comfortable burning candles, you can use warmers that produce the scent without a flame. When possible, be sure to ventilate the area to allow the scent to disperse.
Comfy Bedding
Bedding doesn’t have to be solely for bed. Sure, you can combine a king-size mattress with the right bedding to create a restful and relaxing environment. Select a chenille blanket or a down comforter, but don’t forget the sheets. Flannel sheets are a great option because they retain heat so well. You might prefer microfiber sheets or even satin sheets for a luxury touch. Add a few pillows to create a spot you’ll love. You can use bedding to make couches and loveseats more comfortable and protect against spills, too.
Heated Blankets
One of the best ways to stay warm is with a heated blanket. Modern blankets have protective features that shut off as you sleep, ensuring you get the warmth you need without burning yourself. If you think heated blankets are antiques your parents or grandparents used, you’re missing out. Some bigger blankets even come with two controls, letting you and your partner adjust the heat based on the temperature each of you likes. Heated throws are perfect for tossing over your lap while you catch up on your favorite streaming shows. Heated blankets combined with adjustable beds can even help you battle back or muscle pain this winter.
Comfortable Pajamas
While you can’t spend as much time at home as you might have as a child, why not make the most of the time you’re indoors with a good pair of pajamas? Embrace your inner kid with a pair that features your favorite cartoon character or something equally quirky, like colorful cows or sushi. Go with flannel to stay as warm as possible. With holiday meals coming up, it may be a good idea to choose a size up from your normal one. That way, you can head off any potential discomfort from overfullness with a bit of extra room.
New Pillows
Transform your living room or family room with a new set of throw pillows. Choose a set that adds a fun touch around the holidays like ones with red and white candy cane stripes or images of reindeer. Add an elegant look with classy throw pillows in shades of silver or gold. Throw pillows work equally well in the bedroom to change the look of your bed. On top of throw pillows, consider better pillows for sleeping like those made from memory foam that mold to the shape of your head.
Air Purifier
While scented candles go a long way toward making your home smell better, an air purifier does even more. As air moves through your home, it passes through the purifier. This device removes toxins and bacteria before releasing clean air. Ones with charcoal filters can also help control the amount of scents floating throughout your home should you use candles or wax warmers. Some models are big enough to purify the air in your whole home, but you’ll also find smaller units that work in a single room. Keep in mind that there are different things to consider when buying an air purifier, such as the type, ENERGY STAR certification, and price.
Slippers
Unless you’re hosting a formal holiday party, you don’t necessarily have to wear shoes inside. Slippers are a much better alternative. They come in so many different styles that you’ll have no problem finding the ultimate pair for you. You might love an oversized pair that looks like your favorite animal or a pair you can slip on and off in seconds. House shoes are similar, except that they look more like ordinary shoes. Some even have a non slip sole that keeps you from slipping and sliding when you head outside to check the mail or grab something out of your car.
New Furniture
Designing the perfect winter oasis helps you create a space you’ll love this season and beyond. Even if a blizzard hits and you can’t leave the house, you won’t mind if you don’t want to leave in the first place. Start with new furniture, whether it’s bedroom furniture sets or a new table. Alternatively, start with a new bed frame in a design and style you love. It’s easy to find matching accent pieces like nightstands and dressers. You can then expand with an area rug, chair, or other decorations.
Electric Tea Kettle
Most households use either electric or gas ranges, which can take a while to heat water up to boiling. Using the microwave is faster, but an electric tea kettle might work even better. Many use inductive technology to transfer heat more effectively. It’s almost like having a dedicated boiling hot water line in your kitchen because it works so fast. Not only is the kettle perfect for making tea and hot cocoa, but it also comes in handy when making instant noodles or oatmeal.
Cozy Up During Winter
This winter, why not escape the cold and icy streets outside and spend more time indoors? You don’t need to spend a lot of money to create a space you’ll love all season, either. Just invest in one or more of these seasonal essentials to change the way you think about winter.
