In the design world, the term cozy is often mistaken for small. While the two characteristics certainly overlap in many cases, it’s still entirely possible for larger, open spaces to be cozy. The key to coziness is a sense of closeness and tactile comfort. By utilizing these two concepts you can make virtually any room in your home feel cozy, no matter the size.
Volume & Layers
If you’re trying to increase the level of coziness in your bedroom, the best place to start is with the bed itself. Increasing the volume and amount of both pillows and bed linens will instantly boost the feeling of comfort and make the bed look extra inviting. The key is to avoid using so many pillows that the bed feels crowded. You’ll also want to avoid too much symmetry and matching so your bed does not look like it belongs in a stuffy, overly formal hotel.
When it comes to blankets and comforters, the fluffier the better. If you live in a warm climate where multiple blankets and comforters might be too much, you can still create the same level of coziness with lighter fabrics. Opt for linen and cotton in a mixture of textures.
Use the Space Efficiently
Another way to make a room extra cozy is by using up the space. This doesn’t mean that you have to fill every square foot, but it does mean you want to avoid any large empty spaces. To start, assess the corners of your bedroom. Empty corners should ideally have something in them, whether it be a piece of furniture, a floor lamp, a potted plant or otherwise. Using the corner space will simultaneously make the room feel more cozy without diminishing the available space you have.
Don’t Forget the Floor
Area rugs are a one-step upgrade in coziness for any room. For the bedroom specifically, you can make the space extra cozy by choosing the perfect size and shape of rug to compliment the layout. Design experts say you should have a certain amount of space between the rug and the walls, as well as the correct amount of overlap when pairing a rug with large furniture pieces like the bed or a dresser. The most important thing is to choose something that feels good as well as looks good. Making things cozy is just as much about tactile experience as it is about looks.
Layering rugs is a trend made popular in more eclectic and boho design styles that can also add coziness. This is especially beneficial in a large room with a lot of floor space. Layering rugs of unique patterns, materials or colors can make the floor not only pleasant to walk on, but exude a sense of comfort from the bottom up.
The concept of “cozy” is hard to define. It’s something that feels and looks different for everybody. However, the above tips should help you get started if you’re looking for ways to add more comfort to your bedroom. From there, you can develop your own personal version of cozy for maximum comfort and aesthetic.
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