It might be the most wonderful time of the year, but the run up to Christmas is one of the coldest and darkest periods, too. To escape the dreariness, you will probably find yourself staying indoors and curling up in bed with a mug of hot chocolate and a good book. As such, it is vital to transform your bedroom into a winter oasis, full of warmth, relaxation and a dose of good cheer. Of course, we’re not suggesting that you redecorate every season, but rather that you introduce a few clever touches that will enhance the look and feel of your space. With this in mind, we have rounded up the best winter bedroom ideas from the House & Garden archive to help you cosify your bedroom for the months ahead.
While great lighting is beneficial at any time of year, in winter it is absolutely essential. When the nights are long and dark and the sun sets in the afternoon, the last thing you want is an overly lit room that feels cold and jarring. The key to creating the right atmosphere is ambient lighting: a mix of wall lights and floor lamps, with dimmer switches where needed, and perhaps even some tasteful fairy lights. Whatever you do, don’t turn on those harsh overhead lights. Additionally, for those who find themselves particularly affected by those early sunsets and late sunrises, consider investing in a ‘SAD’ (Seasonal Affective Disorder) lamp, which mimics natural light.
Is there anything better than bundling up in an oh-so-soft blanket? Perhaps the most obvious of all these winter bedroom ideas, the addition of warm layers is crucial to amping up the cosiness at this time of year. As well as woollen blankets and cashmere throws, quilts and eiderdowns are having a real moment, as part of a wider return to old-school country-house style or ‘granny chic’. Investing in high-quality textiles will also add to the richly layered feel of your room and bring a touch of sumptuous elegance to the more practical act of staying warm. We always love a traditional Welsh blanket, as their geometric designs and earthy tones strike the perfect balance between timeless and contemporary. When it comes to choosing your bedding, consider a brushed cotton set of sheets for added warmth.
May we suggest: Why we should all embrace the process of preparing our homes for winter
Just like ambient electric light, candles can completely transform the look and feel of your bedroom in the dark winter months. They give off warmth, add a beautiful glow and, should you opt for those of the scented variety, fill your bedroom with a lovely aroma. For this time of year, it is often nice to choose classic winter (or festive) scents such as cinnamon, pine, orange or clove. And don’t forget about the more permanent addition of candle sconces, which interior designers love for their flattering light and touch of timeless glamour.
For those seeking a more extensive (and more labour intensive) transformation, a spot of redecorating might be in order. Choose the right colour and your bedroom will become an inviting haven all year round. There are two ways you can go with this: paler colours such as warm neutrals or sunny yellows will make the space feel brighter and more uplifting on the darkest days, while darker greens, blues or even deep reds, can feel wonderfully enveloping and intimate. Patterned wallpaper, meanwhile, can add some cheerful personality to the scheme. To switch up your colour palette without redecorating, consider adding textiles and accessories in warmer colours or livelier patterns for the same effect on a smaller scale.
If you have a four-poster bed, or are considering buying one, now is the time to think about having some weighty curtains made. Not only will they keep out the cold but they will create the perfect enveloping atmosphere for sleep, or even hiding away with a book on a chilly afternoon. We love tartans and plaids in the winter, but a timeless check or floral will work just as well, especially if you are planning to use the same bed curtains all year round. For a small bedroom that can only accommodate a single bed, the box bed or bed nook is the best solution for maximum cosiness and efficient use of space. You can add curtains here, too, as well as shelving for books and storage for extra winter blankets and bedding.
