Top Tips For Cosy Living

By Ana Zuravliova

Trend Specialist at Blinds Direct

Thu 23 Mar 2023

Spring may have begun, and warmer days are incoming but that doesn’t mean we should give up on cosy spaces. Making a cosy area is important in any home, but particularly in smaller properties where space is at a premium. Luckily, there are a few easy steps you can take that are low investment, and high reward, that will enable you to create a beautifully comfy space at home. Read on for top tips guaranteed to help you create your own cosy living space.

Homely Hygge

Before we get into the specific steps for cultivating a cosy space, we need to think about Hygge. Hygge is a term used in both Denmark and Norway and used to describe feelings of cosiness and comfortable conviviality. It is these emotions that we want to nurture in a cosy feeling small space.

Central to Hygge in interior design are the colours, fabrics and textures which can help you to unwind and find inner peace. Think of chunky knit jumpers, hot drinks, and good company, and how you can translate that into the comforting decor of your cosy living space. The tips below should have you enjoying the benefits of Hygge in no time!

image of a cosy living room with warm colours

Comfy colours

The right use of colour is integral to any space, but what is the right use for a cosy space? With cosiness synonymous with warmth, we need to look at warming colours first.

Warming colours include reds, browns, oranges, and yellows, but it’s important not to to overly dominate your cosy space with energising colours, instead use them wisely and with purpose. For best effect, use warm colours as dynamic pops of contrast with neutral shades. Cosy, neutral shades such as oatmeal and warm greys are great foundation colours, and have been overtaking colder stone greys as the new neutrals! Take for instance red cushions and lamp shades with warm neutral walls and wooden furniture for colour inspiration.

Mix in metallics

Warm lighting is vital for creating that perfect cosy corner. By making sure soft light dances around your small cosy space, you can make it as comfortable and relaxing as possible. One of the best ways to help light add its magic effect to the space is by using metallics, and these provide two options.

Firstly, metallic fabrics. Metallic fabrics work well in a great range of design trends and decors from 1920s inspired homes through to modern takes on Cottagecore and scandi. By helping light glimmer and sparkle, you can add a luxurious finish to your home with many warming colours available in shimmering velvets and other alternatives.

Secondly, you can add a metallic inner to any lamp shade made by Blinds Direct. For best effect, think about brushed copper and gold!

Welcome woods

A connection to nature is fantastic for cosy living spaces. While there are plenty of natural fabrics available, and eco-friendly recycled fabrics too, nothing can quite compete with the aesthetic of wood.

Whether you enjoy wooden tables, chairs or wooden Venetian blinds, using quality woods will add character to your cosy space, especially when it’s a natural wood tone. Shades including walnut, oak and chestnut will partner well with a great selection of fashionable colours, and luckily, you can order up to eight free samples to see which options look best with your decor!

At Blinds Direct, we only use woods sourced from responsibly managed forests and only work with regulated, certified suppliers. For more tips for sustainable interior design, read our Sustainable Design blog

close up image of a textured cushion on a chair

Tactile textures

Our final tip relates not to the look of items in your cosy space, but the texture and feel of those pieces.

As we’ve established, a cosy space is perfect for relaxing in and calming the mind after a busy day. While the appearance of a space will help to that end, you also need to feel comfy, with gorgeous, tactile fabrics and soft items to sit on. Chairs and sofas should feature comfortable padding, any throws or blankets should feel soft and enjoyable to touch. And then there’s cushions.

Cushions are important for several reasons, including comfort, adding depth and as vehicles for colour, texture and pattern. We offer a great selection of colours, fabrics and finishes, along with the option to pick from different pads for different requirements, for example a plumper cushion will look fabulous on bedding, whilst a lighter pad may be more suitable for the space available on your sofa. Each cushion comes complete with a five-year guarantee.

Cosy corners are important in any space, regardless of size, and by following these steps you’ll be relaxing in peace and comfort in no time. You can learn more about each of our product types on the website in our collection of buyers’ guides, and if you get stuck, you can always contact our friendly Customer Services team.