To quote Jon Snow (spoiler alert), “Winter has come.”
And while it’s lovely to come home to a light and breezy house during the summer, it’s less appealing once winter hits. We may not have the fate of Westeros in our hands, but New Jersey winters require a Night King battle in their own right: how do keep your house warm and cozy while winterrages outside?
We’ve compiled a list of our top ten tips for keeping your home in peak comfort this season.
10. Opt for Humidity
Humidity in the summer is a nightmare, but it offers a welcome change once the winter months hit. Drier air can cause itchy skin and more static electricity. And no one wants to be shocked when they cozy up for the evening. Add a humidifier to bring moisture back into the air in your home.
9. Have Good Smells
The stench from last night’s Chinese food doesn’t exactly scream, “Come in and stay for a while.” Get rid of bad smells with an odor-eliminating candle.
Once you get your leftover egg rolls out of the air, it’s time to replace them with something a little more welcoming. Bring in nice plants with pleasant subtle fragrances like gardenias or lavender blossoms.
Not confident you can keep a plant alive? It’s understandable. Instead of purchasing gardenias with the best of intentions and then slowly watching them wither away, opt for the plastic alternatives and a fresh scented candle. You’ll get the welcoming sight of a plant, the cozy smell of a candle, and none of the responsibility.
8. Embrace the Fuzz
Faux fur rugs are having a moment in home design. Hop on the trend and add a faux fur rug to your living room to add a little texture and warmth. Your feet will thank you.
7. You Can Never Have Too Many Blankets
A wooly cable knit or rich velvet blanket amps up the coziness. Not only are they great for actually snuggling up with at the end of a long day, but the soft textures evoke warmth even when they aren’t in use.
6. …Or Too Many Pillows
More is more! While you’re tossing in all of those new blankets in your cart (literal or virtual), go ahead and grab some pillows for good measure. It’s the perfect excuse to finally splurge on one of those fluffy pillows. Add one or two to your living space to make it look and feel cozier instantly.
5. Don’t Neglect Your Window Treatments
It’s surprising what switching out cotton drapes for something richer will do for a space. Trade out sheer curtains for something weighty with a thermal lining. On top of adding the look of (you guessed it) warmth in your space, they’ll make the room warmer with their added insulation.
4. Improve Your Air Quality
Have you ever wondered why we all get sick in the winter? Part of the problem is that we spend more time indoors where our air quality is actually worse than it is outside. Luckily, there’s no shortage of ways to improve air quality. Find the one that works best for you with Heating Specialties.
Take one more step to ensure your family stay happy and healthy this winter. Say goodbye to making a beeline for your cough drops or cold medicine as soon as open your front door. With improved indoor air quality, you can lounge on all those fuzzy pillows you purchased in tip #5 instead.
3. Layer on the String Lights
Pinterest has a point about string lights. When it stays darker longer during the winter months (and we all forget what sunlight feels like), the soft lighting from string lights provides a cozy alternative.
2. Add Flameless Candles for Ambience
On the same note, flameless candles add all the warmth of traditional candles but without risk of forgetting to blow them out before you fall asleep. Cozy up responsibly with battery-operated candles that feature a realistic flicker.
1. Make Sure Your Heating System is Good to Go
It’s a bit obvious, but still worth mentioning: the best way to have your home nice and toasty is to ensure your heating system is working at peak efficiency. Call Heating Specialties at (866) 923-2653, and we’ll make sure everything is working as it should (fixed right, guaranteed).