Top 8 Cozy Home Essentials

Make sure you have all the basics covered with these top 8 cozy home essentials.

There are some specific decorative pieces that every home needs to help it feel a little more cozy and inviting.. That’s what you’ll find with these cozy home essentials. You can add dimension and warmth to any space with the right textures, fabrics, lighting, and decor. Let’s break down the details of exactly how these different elements can be used together to make your home a dreamy space to love.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you.

 

Add Soft Layers to a Room

Layering a room with soft textures and fabrics can make a home feel cozier from floor to ceiling. Choose complimenting tones and patterns to create a cohesive look without being overly matchy.

If you have color commitment issues like me, here is where you can take the liberty to play around with textiles because they’re so easy to swap out.

Basic cozy home essentials to use…

1. Blankets

Keeping soft blankets on display for you and guests serves both design and function. I love a good tasseled or cable-knit throw to add visual interest.

Ways to decorate your space with blankets: fold and layer it on furniture, roll several in a basket, or drape over a leaning ladder.

 

2. Pillows

Do you know what every super cozy space has in common when it comes to pillows? Down-filled pillow inserts.

They are really comfy and stay so fluffy! Plus these give you that magazine-worthy look that is easily accomplished with the ‘pillow chop’.

I like to keep the same down feather inserts and just rotate the zip covers whenever I’m looking to change things up. This obviously saves a ton of space when storing decorative pillows.

Find some new inspiration for decorative pillows from my post on 21 Gorgeous Etsy Throw Pillow Covers. Where I break down some of the best categories of throw pillow covers that Etsy has to offer.

 

3. Curtains

And even if you never pull them shut, they’re such an important design element.

I’m going to confess that I have put a few too many holes in the walls while trying to hang curtains. No matter how many times I’ve done it, I always seem to forget the basic rules. So if you feel the same way, just know that you are not alone 🙂 Here’s all you need to remember to get that professionally designed look just right…

1. Get a rod that’s wide enough for curtains to be completely pulled back without blocking any of the window (this promotes natural light and makes your window look bigger).
2. Position your rod at least 4-8 inches or more above the window (this draws the eye up and makes the ceiling look taller).
3. It’s always better to have curtains that are too long than too short. If you prefer a streamlined look, aim to hang curtains flush with the floor. However, a light curtain puddle is also designer-approved and creates a more lived-in, cozy aesthetic.

 

4. Rugs

Rugs that successfully cozify a room have one important job: blend. It shouldn’t demand attention, but rather subtly marry together the layered palette working in the room.

Think calming, neutral tones or the faded patterns of age-inspired Turkish or Persian rugs.

Find inspiration from my Best Neutral Area Rugs On A Budget post. You will love these gorgeous rugs that won’t break the bank.

 

 

 

Mood Lighting

Like a sunny day in California, good lighting can drive the way we feel. The same is true of a room.

One of my favorite design books, The Perfectly Imperfect Home, says, “Consider good lighting to be a prerequisite to style.”

 

5. Accent Lighting

Accent lighting is at the top of my cozy home essentials list. Who doesn’t love that ambiance when you have soft pools of light illuminating a room from multiple places? A blanket of harsh overhead lighting can take away from the mood.

It doesn’t matter what type of lamps you use… table lamp, floor lamp, pendant, sconces… But it is important to test the shade and bulb combination to see that they work together nicely to put out a warm glow.

 

6. Candles 

With their flickering light and appealing scent, candles are a sure-fire way to make a home feel cozy (like my pun?).

But not everyone likes using wax candles, which makes flameless candles a great alternative to achieve a similar feeling. You’d be amazed at how much they can look like the real deal if you’ve never tried them before.

I have them on my coffee table and dining table. They are on a timer and turn on and off automatically in the evenings which makes me even happier.

 

 flameless pillar candles // flameless candlesticks

 

 

Decor

7. Natural Elements

Decorate the room with natural elements like wood, stone, and greenery. Mixing soft and rough natural textures is sure to bring a feeling of calmness to the space.

 

8. Meaningful Decor

The final step to creating a cozy home is to ensure your space has some sort of personal narrative… Bring in pieces that are unique to those living there.

Decorate with art or books that speak to your personality and experiences. You will find that DIY pieces, family photos, or custom furniture can become a special conversation piece.

In our home, the decorative greenery on our coffee table was originally used in the tablescape at our wedding, and the lavender on our dining table was a favor from my baby shower. Those are the decorative elements that just feel like home to me.

 

Shop the Post

down-filled pillows / cable knit throw blanket / greenery / coffee table / ceramic vases / area rug / Bamboo shades / curtain hooks / curtain rod / curtains 

 

 

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