Summer has once again passed us by, we’re now facing the colder seasons ahead. While some are excited about the break in temperatures, others just want to find ways to stay warm throughout these cooler months. So, what can you do to keep you and your loved ones comfortable throughout the fall and winter? Let’s set the stage for “cozy.”
Fall starts us off with some warm color vibes that can help us create that toasty, snuggly ambiance. Colors like browns, mustard yellows, reds, and burnt oranges provide a warming effect. Setting the stage with these colors can help create that balmy feel. However, we know what season comes right after fall, and the colors don’t offer a warming vibe. The colors associated with winter tend to be more stark whites, cooler blues, grays, dark greens, deep purples, and shades of burgundy. All of these are in the cool color family. But even if you change your color scheme per season, you can still stay toasty even when winter hits.
Thankfully, we live in an era where most of us have working HVAC units, but that doesn’t mean we simply want to crank up the heat over the fall and winter. Sure, you can do that, but you also have a few other ways to stay cozy without having to completely rely on your HVAC. Let’s talk about your options.
Heated blankets and fleece sheets
Warming up your bedroom with fleece sheets and heated blankets will surely make your bed a cozy environment to slip into when it comes time to snuggle up. It would be almost impossible to get cold under there. Just remember to check the instructions on your heated blanket and choose one with an auto shut-off.
Warm drinks by the fire
If you have a fireplace, make sure you get it ready before using it. Check for cracks or loose joints in brick fireplaces, hire a professional to fix these if any issues are found. It’s also a good idea to have a professional check and clean the chimney prior to use. In addition, any old ashes should be cleared away before you stroke the fire.
Warm drinks can be used with or without the fire, it’s up to you. Either way, drinking a warm beverage like a cup of hot cocoa, hot tea, or hot coffee can quickly have you feeling cozy.
Carpeting, area rugs, and underlayment
Carpeting not only helps to keep your toes toasty, but it also helps to better insulate your home. If you don’t want to switch to carpeting, consider adding area rugs where you walk most often. This will keep your toes from having to step out on cooler flooring.
Keep in mind, the underlayment used will also affect insulation and how warm your floor feels. Some people even choose to add radiant heated flooring for an extra boost of warmth.
Cozy socks and slippers
Some of us like to walk around in our bare feet, but if you have cold flooring, this may not be ideal during the cooler seasons. Soft, cozy socks and slippers can keep your toes warm over the fall and winter months. If you don’t have a pair of fuzzy socks, go ahead and get a few pairs. And if you’re not a fan of your current slippers, it’s time for an upgrade.
Soft throw blankets
Keep some soft throw blankets handy. Layer one or two on your couch and loveseat, or keep them nearby. Nothing is quite as cozy as curling up with a fuzzy blanket when you’re reading a good book or watching a movie.
Natural sunlight
At night, you’ll probably want to draw your blinds or curtains closed; window coverings will help insulate your space and provide privacy. But, during the day, you can open up those window coverings and bring in the natural sunlight. The sun’s rays can help provide more warmth to your space.
There are plenty of ways to stay warm and cozy during both of these seasons. Even if you do enjoy some fall and winter activities, it’s nice to know you can come back home to an inviting environment where you can quickly get comfortable. While we can’t help you pick out a new pair of slippers or throw blankets, we can help you with new flooring and window coverings. Please stop in to see us at Carpets America. We’d be happy to help answer any of your questions and shop for your new favorites.
P.S. It’s easy to keep your toes toasty with a new carpet, you might not even need socks or slippers.
Bonus tip: Make sure to check for any air leaks so that cool air isn’t making its way inside over the fall and winter. You may want to add a draft stopper to your doors, replace weather stripping, or even get new windows depending on where the leak is coming from.