Winter is a time filled with a lot of joy–but at the same time, the short days and long nights can cause us to catch the case of the infamous winter blues. It doesn’t help that the outdoors look drearier than ever. Because we spend a lot of time inside to keep away from the cold, there’s no better place to start. Here are five decor ideas you can use to beat the winter blues.
1. Introduce Some Color
SOURCE:PEXELS
Maybe this seems a little obvious, but it works. Traditional winter colors include dark greens, reds, blues and a lot of grays. While attractive, those shades can get old fast. Think about Scandinavia for a second. More than any other place in the world, these northern countries endure extreme darkness. As a result, up to 8% of people there experience severe depression.
So, it’s no surprise that the traditional color palettes in these areas are vibrant and warm. These shades help residents maintain a positive attitude. To brighten up your space, bring in some color. You can make this happen on a smaller scale. Update accent pillows and bedsheets with vivid colors.
2. Update Furniture
That dull, worn-out couch isn’t so lovely to look at, right? It doesn’t help that you’re probably spending a lot of time on it, too. This season, try to pay a little more attention to your furniture. Whether you want to bring in a new piece or go for a deep clean, you can’t go wrong. Furniture plays a huge role in how our spaces look and feel. If you want to spruce up your home, give your furniture a makeover.
3. Switch Lighting Fixtures
A terrific way to alleviate those winter blues is to figure out your lighting situation. Maybe your rooms are too dim. In that case, bring in a floor or table lamp to brighten the space. It’s always a good idea to opt for soft LED bulbs, which allow for a warm glow and reduced electric bill at the same time. As an accent piece, string lights are functional and funky.
4. Add Plants
SOURCE: PEXELS
Some greenery can go a long way. From flowers to succulents to trees, several parts of nature make us feel happier and healthier. So, try to bring the outdoors in. Ferns and Chinese evergreens are great for low-lit rooms. Jade plants work well in large pots placed by windows so they can bask in the drafty air. Whatever type you choose, plants are the perfect way to add some life to your home.
5. Burn Candles
SOURCE: PEXELS
Fire brings about a unique sense of warmth and comfort that’s hard to achieve otherwise. If you have a fireplace or an electric one, use it to create a cozy space.
You can also light candles to get the same effect. Place a few around your tub when you take a bath, or at the dinner table for a peaceful presence. Either way, sources of light are the way to go.
Create a Serene Space to Beat Winter Blues
The primary way to avoid winter blues is to make your personal spaces vibrant. Add colorful accents and transform your furniture. Plants provide a needed dose of nature, while candles and fireplaces contribute a warm glow. The more you can do to brighten up the space, the better.
AUTHOR: KACEY BRADLEY
Kacey Bradley is the blogger behind The Drifter Collective, an eclectic lifestyle blog that expresses various forms of style through the influence of culture and the world around us. Along with writing for her blog, she has written for sites like U.S. News, SUCCESS, Guides for Brides, Hotel Online and more!
Follow Kacey on Twitter and subscribe to her blog to keep up with her travels and inspiring posts!
