As the days grow shorter and the weather takes a cold turn, there’s nothing like having a cosy and relaxing haven to retreat to after a long winter’s day. Changing your living room may seem like a daunting challenge, but by incorporating these simple features, you will have a soothing sanctuary for the winter months in no time at all. So, let’s find out how to make a living room cosy.

Ambient lighting

Darker days and early nights can feel cold and dreary, so adding some warm lighting into your living room can create a calming glow and enhance the cosiness of your space. Incorporating floor lamps, string lights, and swapping out harsh, white bulbs for more mellow, warm-toned lighting instantly transforms your living room into a tranquil space to combat the longer nights. 

Layer textures

Textures add depth to a living space, and layering different patterns and textures is an effective way to create a cosy and warm feel in your front room. Adding richly coloured and patterned curtains, or choosing velvet or plush upholstery for furniture, are great ways to make a living room cosy and stylish. 

Install wall panels

As the icy winter chill begins to set in, there’s nothing quite like having the warm cocoon of your living room to cosy up in on an evening. Installing natural-coloured or wood effect living room wall panels can enhance the cosy vibe whilst keeping your living room well-insulated and toasty warm during the colder months. Wall panelling adds an extra layer between the exterior walls and the interior space, reducing heat transfer and trapping the warm air inside to keep your front room nice and cosy. 

Rearrange seating

As the days get darker and the weather takes a turn for the worse during winter, crafting a welcoming and homely atmosphere in your front room allows you to create a space that is perfect for keeping warm and spending some quality family time, or perhaps entertaining guests. By rearranging your furniture into a more circular configuration, or opting for wraparound sofas, you can build an inviting, communal space that is perfect for those special memories with friends and family throughout the festivities of the winter months.

Add soft furnishings

If you’re looking for cosy living room inspiration, fluffy blankets, knitted throws and soft cushions are the definition of comfort during the winter season. Adding soft furnishing is not only an easy method to add pops of earthy hues into your winter sanctuary, but is also a simple and affordable way to keep warm whilst creating your cosy living room.

Create a reading nook

The cold winter months provide the perfect opportunity to cosy up under heaps of blankets and read a book. Dedicate a corner of your living room to some quality ‘me time’ by installing shelving and selecting a comfy chair adorned with fluffy throws and cushions as the ultimate reader’s paradise.  

White sofa with blue and orange cushions underneath a window, next to white shelving with books and ornaments

Use soft colours

When looking at how to make a living room cosy, incorporating a neutral, earthy colour scheme is one of the best ways to make your space feel warm and snug. Soft hues like beige, olive, ivory and grey, and low-contrast neutral colours are easy to add to any living space, from soft furnishings like rugs and cushions through to larger design features such as flooring and wall panels. Neutral, light colours can make your living room feel brighter, enhancing the natural wintery light from outside. 

White living room with light wood flooring and a white rug, with a stone coffee table and purple potted tree

Bring in darker shades

If you’re feeling adventurous, adding rich, dark tones such as navy,forest green, or even black can enhance the sense of intimacy and comfort to create the perfect cosy cocoon for the winter. Dark-toned jewel colours add depth and vibrancy to your living space and can be easily incorporated by adding an oversized rug, rich cushions and throws, or opting for dark upholstery on furniture. 

Add a rug

Rugs are elegant and luxurious additions to your living space, and deep pile rugs that are soft and warm underfoot can make your room feel even more cosy and comfortable. Rugs come in all shapes and sizes and are also a great way of defining your living room, creating an organised and relaxing atmosphere whilst adding a personalised touch. 

Incorporate nature

One of our favourite cosy living room ideas is bringing the outside in by incorporating natural colours and materials. Wicker, wood and stone-effect materials all add to the cosy atmosphere of your living space, celebrating the charming beauty of nature during winter without needing to leave the comfort and warmth of your front room. Opting for lightly coloured wood-effect flooring, or installing stylish wood slat wall panels are easy and low-maintenance ways to take inspiration from winter’s natural beauty in your cosy living room. 

Oak slat wall panelling behind natural wood cupboards, with a potted plant, and green and brown ornaments

Personalise your space

Adding a gallery wall, photo frames, or accessories that reflect your personality or hold sentimental value is a great cosy living room idea when creating a relaxing space for the winter months. Personalised touches such as photographs immediately make a space feel more welcoming and homely, and are simple ways of putting your own stamp on your living room. 

Add in a window seat

Crafting a window seat area, adorned with plush throws and comfy cushions, allows you to take full advantage of the beautiful natural light whilst providing a cosy area to snuggle up inside during winter. Window seats are a charming, multi-functional space that can double as extra seating when entertaining guests, or for simply taking some time out to watch the wintery world go by. 

Get some curtains

Choosing the right curtains for your cosy living room in winter can not only add the finishing touch to your peaceful and homely sanctuary by emphasising your colour scheme, but opting for thick or oversized curtains can provide extra insulation to keep out the cold during the winter months. Helping to retain heat, it’s no wonder curtains are one of the best cosy front room ideas for transforming your space in the coldest months of the year.

Accessorise with wintery ornaments

As we enter into the winter season, adding in some seasonal decor to your living room can really personalise your space whilst creating a cosy and relaxing atmosphere. Ornaments like pine cones, wreaths and woodland animal-themed decorations can contribute to the overall homely and inviting feel of your living room, as well as being a focal point for the room to pull the space together. 

Employ aromatherapy

Never underestimate the power of a candle! Candles, plug-ins and diffusers are great ways to elevate your cosy living room, creating a relaxing sensory experience while lifting your mood. Choose comforting and earthy scents like vanilla, cinnamon and lavender that are known for their calming effects to add the finishing touches to your soothing winter haven.

By incorporating these fifteen cosy living room ideas, you can easily transform your space into a peaceful and relaxing retreat that will provide a snug sanctuary during the chilly winter months. Explore the range of easy-to-use wall panels and flooring from DBS to enhance the cosiness of your living space and keep you well-insulated as the months get colder.