How To Create A Cozy Winter Living Room For Your Family

As the temperature drops, moms all over the country will be scrambling for ideas on how to keep their kids warm, safe, and entertained indoors the whole winter. While it’s healthy to have a bit of a walk every now and then in the snow, there’s something attractive about the idea of staying indoors and snuggling on the couch with a warm cup of coffee or cocoa during the winter. Take advantage of this year’s cold and wet winter forecast and create an environment which will encourage your loved ones to bond with each other during the cold months. Instead of hiding out in their rooms all winter long, you can have everybody together in the same place by creating a fun and cozy living room that your family will enjoy. Your efforts will be rewarded once you look back on the conversations and moments that you had during the winter holiday season. To prepare your living room this winter, follow these tips to create a warm, fun, and cozy space for your loved ones.

Get rid of the electronics

You may be in one room at the same time, but if some of your family members are looking at their cell phones while others are staring at the TV, that’s not exactly what you would call a great bonding experience. According to experts, popular culture and technology are creating a family divide, and we need to leave the online world behind sometimes to be able to communicate effectively with each other. To do this, you can place the TV in a less prominent place in the living room, and tell your children to make the living room a gadget-free zone for a few hours.

Keep the living room warm and cozy

Nothing feels better than a roaring fire on a cold night, but if you don’t have a fireplace, consider installing an ethanol fireplace in your living room. There are various types of ethanol fireplaces to choose from—take your pick from a recessed, freestanding, tabletop, or wall fireplaces. They’re generally safe to use, but it’s still a good idea to keep very young children from touching the flames. You may also want to have some extra ethanol fuel on hand to feed the fire but keep it away out of kids’ reach.

Replace your small coffee table with a bigger model

Your family will be encouraged to gadget-free time together if you have a big table that’s perfect for board games and crafts. When picking a coffee table, keep in mind that a round or oval table is ideal if you have young children or pets. It should also be no lower than 1 to 2 inches from the seat of your couch.

Photo by Andrew Neel on Unsplash

Keep board games and toys within reach

Storing board games and toys on high shelves makes it easier for your family to forget about having them in your home. Keep games and toys within reach in your living room, but to avoid having a messy room, place these items in pretty wicker baskets that can fit under your coffee table.

Add softness with rugs, throw pillows, and blankets

An area rug will make a hard and cold floor instantly more comfortable for bare feet, so find one that suits your aesthetics but at the same time, will give your room a cozy feel. When choosing a good rug for winter, keep in mind that a high-pile or shag carpeting feels better underfoot, while jute or hemp rugs are more versatile but can get scratchy over time.

Spend some quality time with your family this winter. Follow these tips to create a fun and cozy living room that your loved ones will enjoy during the cold months.