Brrrrr it’s getting cold! This time of year, it’s tempting to hibernate and curl up with a good book and warm drink. If you don’t have a favourite spot in the house, hopefully these ideas on how to create a cosy nook in your home will inspire you!
Related article: How to do Hygge: Create cosy and inviting interiors
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1. Find the perfect spot
It sounds obvious but this is the most important step so take the time to walk around your home and look for a spot that you will love to spend time. Ideally, it will be somewhere with good natural light so you can warm up and get a dose of Vitamin D while you relax. If this isn’t an option, look for a spot that’s quiet and warm.
2. Sort out your seating
Once you find the perfect spot, it’s time to get the seating right. You may be happy with a thick rug and a bunch of scatter cushions on the floor, or for a more permanent nook an armchair or bench seat like the one below are great options.
The armchair we used in the video above is from Adairs or check out Temple & Webster for a huge range of occasional chairs at hard-to-beat prices.
While you can also buy bench seats, with a little DIY know-how you can create a custom-look bench seat for a fraction of the cost. Use flatpack furniture, such as the Smastad storage bench from IKEA, add a bench cushion on top (for a perfect fit, check out this article on getting custom cushions made) and finish the space with cushions and throws.
Just because you need a comfortable spot to relax, it doesn’t mean you have to limit your options to a chair or the ground — a hanging chair or hammock can be heavenly!
3. Create layers
With the seating sorting, it’s time to make it cosy. Do this by adding cushions in gorgeous winter textures (think knits, velvet and sheepskin) and throws… lots of throws!
You can also throw down a small rug or sheepskin on the floor so you’ll be warm underfoot.
4. Add a rest for your cuppa
It’s hard to relax when you don’t have somewhere to rest your coffee (or wine) so look at your space and consider what options would work best. Side tables are most popular but you could get creative and consider a wall shelf or something integrated into your bench seat.
5. Get the lighting right
Whether your nook is for reading, working or snoozing, it’s essential to get the lighting right. Do you need direct lighting for reading or softer lighting that won’t glare against screens? Check out our helpful tips on how to create a lighting plan.
6. Embrace scent
Use scent to help you unwind. You could burn one of your favourite candles or check out our round up of the best winter-scent candles here — it will have your cosy seating nook smelling heavenly and provide ambient lighting. Win win.
Otherwise, diffusing essential oils is another fab way to introduce a relaxing scent in your space.
For the ultimate day spa blend, mix a few drops of each of these essential oils:
- Peppermint
- Rosemary
- Lavender
- Bergamot
- Orange, and
- Ylang Ylang.
7. Finish with thoughtful accessories
Add some warmth and personality to your nook with special items that make you happy. A hanging planter, artwork or photos are some ideas to complete your nook.
Do you have other suggestions on how to create a cosy nook in your home? Share them in the comments below!
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This article was first published in June 2015 and has been updated with new information and images.
How gorgeous those spaces are, now I need to search where I could put one in my house. Generally I just rest in bed but I’d love to have a little sanctuary like this too.
Glad we could inspire you Genes! Hopefully you find a special spot in your home so you can have one of your own 🙂