The 6 best ways to cozy up your home for winter

Get the best of both blanket worlds with this $15 (you read that right!) throw from Eddie Bauer, which boasts a rugged plaid print on one side and fuzzy sherpa on the other. It has more than 7,000 perfect reviews from customers who praise it for its large size (which some note is more akin to a bed blanket than a standard throw), warm feel and budget-friendly price tag. I'm also loving the brand's windowpane designs in burgundy and blue (more on incorporating color below).

Like shag, bubble blankets are having a serious moment (made popular by Cozy Earth's viral luxury version, which is currently sold out). I did some research in an attempt to find the next best thing and landed on this blanket from Evergrace. It's supremely soft, has a beautiful, touchable texture and, last time I checked, was on sale for an extra 20% off (available in 13 colors and two sizes).

For another easy (and low-cost) way to update dining and accent chairs, I've been eyeing these bubble-style seat covers at Walmart for only $6 a pop.

Teddy throws are generally lighter and slightly more casual than faux fur — great for those with kids and/or days when it's cool but not freezing. This one comes in a spectrum of colors, as well as different border designs (like tassels and pom-poms) for getting the look just right. "Unbelievably light, but so warm and cozy at the same time. I've had mine for ... almost two weeks and I've used it every day since I opened it," said one of its 3,000-plus five-star reviewers. I have several blankets in a similar teddy style, in different shades, and they've lasted me several seasons already.

If you have the room and budget, step up this chic look by incorporating a fuzzy accent chair. This bestselling boucle chair from Drew Barrymore's Beautiful line looks similar to the one shown and reminds me of one my sister has (and I love!). 

For a faux fur layer you can curl up in at the end of a long day, I'm loving this oversized throw blanket from Madison Park. Not only is it big (60"W x 70"L) and beautiful (it comes in 10 variations), but it can be thrown in the washer and it's Oeko-Tex Certified (so you can rest easy knowing it wasn't made with harmful checmicals). The tan shown looks just like one I own from a high-end home brand, but costs a fraction of the price. 

Shag is back, and this top-rated rug from NuLoom makes it easy to get the look for less. The light, neutral color will go with both warm and cool color palettes, while visually opening up smaller spaces. This rug is also stain-resistant, so it can stand up to everyday traction and messes.

This soft rug from Safavieh has a geometric tile pattern that's striking yet subtle, meaning it can stand on its own and will play well with other color palettes and prints. Use it in a bedroom or living room, or try the runner version in a hallway: The pattern is distressed by default and therefore less likely to show dirt or wear, making it safe for high-traffic places.

Patterned rugs are great for adding not just comfort, but interest to otherwise neutral spaces. This one from Kelson comes in a range of color variations — my favorite for winter is the brown/beige/cream option. It has a near-perfect rating for its softness, fluffiness and quality.

If you're going for more of a ranch aesthetic, a faux cowhide area rug will do the trick, and this top-rated option from Alexander Home is among my top (read: most versatile) picks. Its uneven edges render it particularly appealing for open — or less symmetrical — areas. See also: tan (warm) or brown for more of a wilderness-lodge effect.

Want the cowhide look with a fluffier feel? This faux sheepskin from Ashler Home has major flex appeal. It comes in more than 20 (yes, 20) colors — from snowy whites to chocolaty browns — and almost as many sizes for easily adding a touch of coziness to floors and upholsteries. I have one like this on an accent chair in my living room, and it always gets compliments. Oh, and the material is machine washable for easy cleaning! 

Pillows are one of my favorite decor items to update, especially if I'm just swapping out the covers (which are typically machine-washable and compact for storing!). This set from Miulee comes in soft velvet and a cornucopia of colors ranging from smoky gray to vibrant ochre. 

Need a pillow with an insert? Check out the Kensington Garden collection from Target. I'm currently eyeing the Juniper color, an olive-green-brown shade that would play equally well with cool or warm tones.

For a plusher, textured pillow cover, this set is worth a look and comes in a ton of sizes and shades, including every bright color in the book. The pillowed, ribbed paneling adds some visual interest, while neon pinks, yellows and oranges add unexpected (cozy) spunk — a welcome surprise anywhere, but especially in teens' and kids' rooms.

If you want to apply a warm tint to your kitchen, this "warm" set of glasses from Our Place is a solid place to start. It includes each of the brand's Clear, Rosa, Sunset and Dusk drinking glasses (you can also buy them separately). Hot tip: They double as stylish votive holders when you want to add a touch of glow in a pinch.

Mossy greens are sprouting up everywhere it seems, and for good reason: They're saturated enough to stand out, yet subtle enough to mix in with cool and warm tones (plus, woodsy vibes!). Turn your bathroom into a retreat with a full towel set (this one is also extra cozy for winter) or opt for a few hand towels to create a cozy cabin feel for yourself and guests. 

These faux leather baskets are rustic and durable — and they rival some of the premium designs I've seen listed at a much higher price. (Last time I checked, they were on sale for an extra 25% off, making this a ripe time to buy.)

Faux leather poufs present another effortless way to work in some natural (inspired) texture. This one is sold in several finishes ⁠— including the cognac shown and a rich, chocolaty brown ⁠— and is perfectly flat on top for added stability. Throw it in your living room to cozy up the space and you'll have another spot for people to sit when watching TV. Spill something? Just wipe it clean!

Wood, especially in dark finishes, warms up a space while making it feel elevated — and this tray from Vesta Homes is one of the most beautiful I've seen in this price range. Use it for serving or display it as decor. We also like this teak wood bath mat for playing up the lodge/spa aesthetic in the bathroom.

Swap fresh flowers for this curated mix of dried florals and pampas grass, which will look gorgeous hanging from a wall or mirror, or sitting in a vase on a table or nightstand — no watering required.

I'm also a fan of long-stemmed pampas grass for filling larger vases, with an emphasis on neutrals in winter and summer months. 

New York-based interior designer and lifestyle curator Luis Enrique Hill recommends dimmable switches to all of his clients for setting a warm tone throughout the home. Among his favorites are those from Lutron. The brand's LED+ Maestro comes in a rainbow of finishes, as well as value packs, for getting the mood — and price — just right.

For a quicker fix, scoop up one of these dimmable, Bluetooth-enabled lightbulbs from Govee. The smart bulbs emit a warm light that can be dimmed from 1% to 100% with voice control using Google or Alexa. It's a truly custom experience that costs as little as 7 bucks. Start by getting one for the lamp on your end table or desk! 

For more of a retro (or industrial) look, consider these vintage LED Edison bulbs, available in Cool White, Daylight and Warm White, the latter being our favorite for creating an inviting glow. Not only are they compatible with most dimming switches, but they look artsy, either affixed as-is or in glass shade.

String lights add a whimsical touch well beyond the holidays. Opt for ones with a green wire for easy camouflaging when dressing up greens, say around garland or trees, or white wire for adding a cozy touch to windows and mantels. These from Prextex also come in multi or pink as another way to add a pop of color to your space. We're especially loving the latter as a way to dress up winter white scenes or leaning into Barbie/Northern Light themes.

With flameless candles, you don't need to worry about forgetting to snuff the wick or setting something on fire. This design in particular is rechargeable, complete with a remote control, and can be scheduled to go on and off. Choose from seven styles for adding ambiance to consoles, tablescapes ⁠— the possibilities are endless! These also make a great gift for people with young kids at home or forgetful loved ones (like yours truly).

The name of this candle from Sweet Water Decor says it all: It's a blend of woods, warm spice and citrus that's pretty much guaranteed to warm hearts.

I also like Threshold's three-wicks for those who prefer a bigger candle, with emphasis on the Leather & Embers and Vanilla & Bergamot scents at this time of year.

Capture the magic of the season with this new candle from Snif, which features vanilla, brown sugar and Siberian pine. I can attest to the fact that it smells crisp and sweet — just like you'd imagine a winter wonderland. I'm especially loving this for spaces with neutral aesthetics (bonus points if you surround your candle with fairy lights for an extra twinkle).

If it's a cozy scent, and not necessarily a glow, that you seek, this diffuser from Nabila K is the perfect balance between sweet and smoky (it also doubles as a decorative accent). The brand offers Cedarwood and Fir & Pine scents for channeling your own little cabin in the woods — wherever you are.