‘Home’ has a special place in the hearts of most people. The German writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe even said, “He is the happiest, be he king or peasant, who finds peace in his home.”
It stands to reason that we’d want our home to be the most comfortable, safe place it can be. With more of us spending time at home now, finding peace at home is more important than ever.
You don’t need to spend a lot to make a house comfier. Read on for our top 10 tips to create a comfortable home.
1. Cut Down on Clutter
It’s hard to feel comfortable when you feel surrounded by piles of stuff. Have a thorough tidying session and decide what you need to keep.
You can recycle, upcycle, trash, or donate anything you don’t want. Having a blitz on your clutter will leave your rooms looking cleaner and larger.
It also opens up more space for you to relax. This is a great way to find the room to create a reading nook or a home office.
You’ll get the most out of our other tips if you start your quest for comfiness here. Make room for the other improvements by clearing your clutter.
2. Use Plants Everywhere You Can
Plants and greenery are a wonderful way to make your home more comfortable. They’re also low-maintenance companions that add a lot to any room.
They purify the air and even help improve your mental health. Plants even help to cut down on dust. Their leaves are natural allergen filters—as long as you pick plants without spores or pollen.
Potted plants are a better choice than cut flowers as they last longer. Cut flowers also look awful when they die off, which kills the comfy vibe. Caring for potted plants is a great way to relax into mindfulness.
3. Keep Your Workspace Separate
More of us than ever are working from home thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic. Don’t be tempted to work from your sofa or bedroom.
Instead, keep these spaces as relaxation zones within your home. Dedicate your living room and bedroom to comfort and joy.
If you can, set up a home office to give you somewhere quiet to work. A hallway nook or even dining room table can work if you don’t have a separate room.
This way, you can have a comfortable office without the rest of your home feeling too much like you’re at work.
4. Enjoy Beautiful Scents
Humans have enjoyed the benefits of aromatherapy for thousands of years. Think of fresh flowers and potpourri!
Joss sticks can feel too much like a college dorm room. They’re also not great if people in your home have smoke allergies.
Choose essential oil diffusers instead. Fill them with cold water and your favorite oils. Plug them in and let them pump gorgeous scents into the air!
Warm, earthy tones like cinnamon or frankincense work well in your living room. Try lavender for a restful night’s sleep. Meanwhile, citrus scents or peppermint will perk you up in your home office.
5. Move Your Furniture
Sometimes all it takes to make your home more comfortable is a new floor plan. Use furniture to create ‘zones’ in each room.
Bookcases make great dividers and you can create a reading nook in your living room. Add plush cushions to a comfy chair.
This is also a great way to find space for a home office. Divide a larger room into zones for ‘work’ and ‘play’.
It’ll help you with the mindset shift you need to move from one zone to another.
6. Go for Tactile Surfaces
If you want to improve comfort levels on a budget, don’t feel you need new furniture. Instead, buy textiles to accessorize what you already have.
Think fluffy cushions or woolen bolsters. If you’re a crafty type, crochet or knit a throw to go over your sofa.
Add rugs instead of a full carpet. Make interesting wall-hangings out of suede, macrame, or velvet.
Make your home a place where you can touch everything!
7. Bask In Candlelight
There’s something warm and comforting about candlelight. It’s less harsh and more nostalgic than modern fluorescent lighting.
Buy a range of candles and dot them around your home. Chunky pillar candles are a great choice for long burn times. Tea lights are also a safe choice inside lanterns or burners.
Scented candles also let you experiment with warm light and gorgeous scents. Orange and cinnamon will make your house smell like Christmas!
Just remember, never leave burning candles unattended. Fire safety is still important to your comfort.
8. Buy a Humidifier
Humidifiers push water vapor into the air to increase the moisture levels. This can help you avoid the irritation of dry skin, and ease breathing issues. If you have sinus problems, definitely consider a humidifier.
Running a humidifier is also a great option in the winter as it combats the dryness of indoor heating. This guide by Everlasting Comfort explains how humidifiers work their magic.
9. Check Your Thermostat
Few things will destroy your comfort levels like being too hot or too cold. Check your thermostat to make sure the settings are right for the season.
Only put the heating on when it’s actually cold. Or set your AC to provide a cooling indoor breeze in sunnier climes.
The U.S. Department of Energy recommends a winter temperature of 68°F.
10. Change Your Bedding
Treat yourself to new bedding. That might be a new comforter, new sheets, or even a new mattress.
It’ll turn your bedroom into a plush palace dedicated to rest and relaxation. Enjoy the spa experience without the price tag!
For extra luxury, buy soft new towels. You’ll start and end your day with a boost of fluffy comfort.
Enjoy Your Comfortable Home
These ten tips will help you create a comfortable home with the minimum of effort. You may already have some of these items but now you know how to use them.
Enjoy building a plant-filled, scented, and candlelit home. It will be your oasis of calm amid a hectic world!