Cozy is king this year, and with the weather cooling down, now is the perfect time to start creating a comfortable haven for you and your family to relax in. Bring in some seasonal comfort that is stylish as well as relaxing, and deck your halls in the coziest way possible with some of our favorite cozy home decor trends.

Not Just String Lights

It’s time to stop using just your overhead lights. Use the strategy of layered lighting, in which your home is lit by several different sources, to help set a calm and cozy atmosphere instead. It is easier on the eyes and creates a softer glow in a room, rather than a harsh light. Add a table lamp next to your favorite reading chair, or brighten up a corner with a stylish floor lamp. Make sure you pick the right bulb! There are a multitude of different wattage and color styles to choose from. In your home, especially in living and bed rooms, opt for warm, yellow lights. They create a relaxing, gentle environment that will effuse the room with a cozy light.

Candles? Can-do!

Another cozy light source? Candles! While they may not be the light you spend your evening reading by, candles can do wonders to warm up your decor, both literally and figuratively. Nothing is quite as cozy as snuggling up on the couch with ambience provided by a candle. It also is a great chance to break out your favorite holiday scents. While you want your home to look and feel comfortable, you also want it to smell that way too. Pair your holiday style with a fresh woodsy scent, or something a little more spicy and rich. You can even mix in holiday candle holders or lanterns for that extra bit of festivity in your room.

Home is Where the Hearth Is

What is more comforting in the winter than curling up by the fire? Electric fireplaces are a wonderful way to enjoy the cozy perks of a glowing fire during the winter months. These fireplaces are a lot safer and easier to maintain than a wood-burning fire! With a variety of styles available from traditional to modern, they are a simple and stylish way to warm up your home for many winters to come.

No More Cold Feet

Thick textured rugs and runners make a great addition to any room by not only adding to the decor, but insulating your feet from the floor. Look for thick rugs and a lot of texture to build a beautiful barrier between the cold winter floors to keep you cozy all season long. Hand-knotted, wool rugs are available in beautiful, one-of-a-kind designs, while SmartStrand, polyester and polypropylene are great options if you want something easy to care for and affordable.

Seasonal Snuggles

Another wonderful way to warm up any room this time of year is blankets (you can truly never have enough). They’re a simple solution that can be added to your space to add a pop of festive, cozy spirit while also allowing you and your family to snuggle up. Recently, we’ve seen a trend of natural and textured pieces at the forefront of decor. Grab yourself a chunky knit blanket, a soft faux fur throw or even a beloved quilt. Mix your new naturally-inspired blankets with some fun holiday throw pillows, and you’ve got a love seat you will fall in love with, especially on those chilly evenings.

Feeling Nostalgic

In fact, distressed vintage pieces are another popular decor trend this year. The design world has seen an uptick in nostalgic holiday decor, decor that calls back to a simple time. Bring out your rosy-cheeked Santa statue or your cutesy ornaments; the style is all about bringing back timeless pieces that make you feel comforted. Maybe find yourself a vintage cookie tin or tray and spend a day in the kitchen, stocking up on your favorite holiday sweets!

Blue Christmas

As for colors, dark and rich tones rule supreme this holiday season. With the Pantone Color of the Year “Classic Blue” taking a leading role in a lot of design, expect to see deep navy’s and other rich blues as well as forest greens this holiday season. These lush yet relaxing colors add a grounding, peaceful element to your decor and pair well with other holiday colors and designs. Along with the comforting greens and blues, designers are also bringing back a winter favorite: buffalo check. Buffalo check, and frankly most plaids, are a timeless way to add a pattern to your decor without making a room too busy. A soft buffalo check blanket or table runner could be the perfect addition to your winter look.

This year, it’s likely that you’ll be spending more time at home this holiday season, so bring the cheer to you! Make your cozy home your winter oasis, and enjoy snuggling in as the snow begins to fall.