How to Make Your Bedroom Cozy for Winter: 6 Simple Ideas

When the days get short and the evenings get cold, the bedroom is where most of us want to retreat. The good news: making it feel cozier rarely means redecorating. A few small changes to light, texture and comfort go a long way. Here are six ideas you can try this weekend.

1. Swap bright overhead light for a warm, low glow

Harsh ceiling lights make a room feel like an office. In the evening, try turning them off and using smaller, warmer light sources at eye level or below: a bedside lamp, string lights, or a candle-style glow. Light that comes from several low spots feels softer than one bright source above.

If you like the look of golden-hour light, the Sunset Glow Projector Lamp casts a round wash of sunset-colored light onto your wall. It's USB powered and the head rotates so you can aim the glow. Keep in mind it's made for mood, not as a main light, and it looks best in a dim room.

2. Layer textures you want to touch

Cozy is as much about feel as about looks. Mixing a few textures (a knit, a smooth fabric, something plush) makes a bed look inviting even before you get in. A throw folded across the foot of the bed is the easiest way to add one.

The Cloud Ink Faux-Fur Throw is a plush 39 × 59 in throw with a soft ink-wash pattern in Milk White, Misty Grey or Camel. It's sized for one person on the sofa or as a layer at the end of the bed, and it's machine washable.

3. Give the bed a softer top layer

If your mattress feels a bit firm or tired, a topper is a simpler step than replacing the whole bed. The Cloud Bamboo Mattress Topper (Queen) adds a plush pillow-top layer with a smooth cover made with viscose from bamboo. Its deep-pocket skirt fits mattresses 8" to 20" deep, and it's machine washable. It ships compressed, so give it about 24 hours to fluff up. Sleeping on a bigger bed? There's a King size too.

4. Change your pillowcases for the season

Fresh pillowcases are one of the cheapest ways to make a bed feel new. Darker or muted colors also make a room feel calmer and more wintry. The Satin Pillowcase Set (2-Pack) has a smooth, silky feel and an envelope closure with no zipper. It comes in Light Grey, Grey or Black and fits standard pillows (pillows not included).

5. Make reading in bed comfortable

Long winter evenings are made for a book in bed, but propping yourself up on flat pillows gets old fast. A firmer backrest helps. The Bed Gap Filler Wedge (Queen) closes gaps of up to 7" between your mattress and headboard or wall, and doubles as a reading backrest. Side pockets keep your phone, remote or glasses close, and the cover zips off for washing. It ships vacuum-packed, so allow 24–72 hours for it to reach full shape.

6. Bring the weekend breakfast to bed

A slow morning with coffee under the covers is one of the best parts of winter. The Bamboo Bed Tray stands on folding legs over your lap, has raised edges to help keep cups and plates from sliding, and folds flat to store. It also works as a small laptop desk or a snack tray on the sofa.

A cozy room starts small

You don't need all six at once. Start with light and one new texture, then add from there. Shopping for someone who loves their nest? US orders of $49 or more ship free. Browse more ideas in our Gift Guide.