Tis the season to be cozy. As temperatures drop and the days get shorter, we love to curl up and settle in for a while. While a turn of the thermostat can certainly help, there are a ton of ways to make your apartment feel more cozy this winter without breaking the bank. To help you stay warm this season, the team at BentallGreenOak Residential Services has created this list of tips for giving your apartment a cozy makeover.
Lighting
Harsh fluorescents and lack-luster lampshades can negatively impact the warmth of a room. Pick up some daylight simulating bulbs, light some candles, and switch off the ceiling lights for lower wattage lamps.
Blankets
The easiest way to turn up the cozy is to invest in a good blanket. Don't go to the Dollar store for this one. It's worth picking up something thick made from wool, heavy cotton, or even fleece for a bit of insulation. And keep a few within reach in different rooms. Putting one on a chair can transform an otherwise benign seating area into a cozy corner. And there's nothing quite like a movie watched from the warmth of a couch blanket.
Cushions
Another easy way to increase coziness is by increasing comfort. Cushions -- on the couch, on chairs, on the bed -- can have a great impact on not only the feel of warmth and nurturing, but in the look of coziness as well. Comfort comes in large part from the appearance of a space.
Rugs
A great way to warm up a space is to get that hardwood or laminate floor covered up with some throw rugs. Nothing chills you more than bare feet on a cold floor. And while rugs can run into the thousands for good Persian varieties, solid stock can be found on the cheap at classic decor stores like Winners, HomeSense, and even Walmart.
Curtains
Windows in winter are both literally and figuratively cold. Good blinds or curtains not only increase privacy and help with drafts, they help add character and warmth to a room as well. From heavy cotton blackout blinds to gauzy translucent curtains that let in light while offering a cozy barrier, curtains are a must for improving coziness.
The BentallGreenOak Residential Services blog team hopes this list gives you some ideas for how to cozy up your apartment this winter. For more information about BentallGreenOak properties in your city, please visit our website.