Cozy Up! 9 Winter Accessories Every Home Needs

The first winter chill has arrived, and your home suddenly feels a lot less cozy. We’ve all been there: shivering under thin blankets, fighting over the thermostat settings, and dreading those cold tile floors in the morning. 

What if this winter could be different? I’ve spent years making homes winter-ready, so cozy up! 9 winter accessories every home needs will transform your space into a warm haven.

1. Heated Throw Blankets

Nothing beats the instant comfort of a heated throw blanket. These blankets have come a long way from the stiff, bulky versions of the past. 

Today’s heated throws combine plush fabrics with safe, energy-efficient heating elements. Look for options with multiple heat settings so you can adjust it based on the room temperature. 

Most come with auto-shutoff features for safety, and some even include dual controls for couples who can never agree on the perfect temperature. 

The best part? They cost pennies to run compared to cranking up your home heating. 

2. Draft Stoppers

You’d be amazed how much cold air sneaks in under doors and through window cracks. Draft stoppers block air leaks that make your heating work overtime.

The classic “door snake” design works well, but for a more permanent solution, try adhesive door sweeps that attach directly to the bottom of the door. For windows, removable weather stripping tape can seal gaps without damaging paint or finishes when removed in spring.

I made custom draft stoppers for our older home using fabric tubes filled with rice that work perfectly and cost next to nothing. 

Position them at the base of exterior doors and any interior doors leading to colder areas like basements or attached garages.

3. Insulated Curtains

Windows lose more heat than any other surface in your home. Insulated curtains act as a buffer between your warm room and the cold glass, keeping heat in and reducing your energy bills.

Modern thermal curtains come in countless styles and colors to match any decor. The best options have multiple layers: a decorative outer layer, a thermal middle layer, and a reflective liner facing the window.

The trick is proper installation: Mount the curtain rod wider and higher than the window frame for maximum coverage. During sunny days, open them to let natural sunlight warm your space, then close them as soon as the sun sets to trap that heat inside.

4. Area Rugs

Nothing ruins a cozy morning faster than stepping onto an ice-cold floor. 

Area rugs instantly warm up any room, both literally and visually. They insulate against cold floors while adding color, texture, and comfort to winter living spaces.

For winter, wool rugs offer natural insulation and durability. If budget is a concern, synthetic options can mimic the warmth of wool at a fraction of the cost. 

Think beyond just the living room – kitchen runners, bathroom mats, and bedroom rugs are winter game-changers.

In my home, we use washable area rugs with non-slip backing. They’re practical for homes with kids and pets, and they can be easily stored when winter ends. Also, layering smaller rugs over existing carpet adds extra insulation in very cold rooms.

5. Humidifiers for Comfortable Air

Winter air is notoriously dry, causing everything from static electricity to cracked skin and stuffy noses. A good humidifier adds moisture back into your home, making it feel warmer and more comfortable.

Modern humidifiers are whisper-quiet and come in sizes ranging from personal desk units to whole-room models. Ultrasonic versions use less electricity and run silently, perfect for bedrooms. 

For larger spaces, console humidifiers can handle multiple rooms at once.

Ensure you clean your humidifier regularly according to the instructions to prevent mold growth. Use distilled water if your tap water is hard to prevent mineral dust. A humidity level between 30-50% creates the perfect winter environment.

6. Flannel Sheets

Climbing into a cold bed is one of winter’s worst experiences. Flannel sheets eliminate that initial shock, feeling warm the moment you slide in. 

Unlike adding more blankets, which can feel heavy and restrictive, flannel works by creating a cozy microclimate without the weight. Today’s flannel sheets aren’t the scratchy versions from childhood. 

Look for cotton flannel with a high GSM (grams per square meter) rating for softness and durability. Most quality sets range from 160-200 GSM – the higher the number, the warmer and more durable the flannel.

For the ultimate winter bed, pair flannel sheets with a down comforter and a quilt for layered warmth that can be adjusted throughout the night. 

7. Smart Thermostats

A programmable thermostat pays for itself in energy savings the first winter. 

The newest smart thermostats learn your schedule, adjust automatically, and can be controlled from your phone. So you never heat an empty house or come home to a cold one.

Installation is simpler than most people think. Many models connect to your existing wiring in under 30 minutes. The interface walks you through programming, or you can let the learning features create a schedule based on your habits.

We programmed ours to warm the house 30 minutes before wake-up time and lower the temperature when we’re at work. You can save roughly 10% a year on heating by turning your thermostat down 7-10°F for eight hours a day. 

8. Electric Kettles

Winter calls for hot drinks, and an electric kettle gets you there faster and more efficiently than stovetop methods. Modern kettles boil water in under two minutes and use less energy than heating a pot on your stove.

Temperature-control kettles are perfect for tea enthusiasts who know different teas require specific water temperatures. Most models have auto-shutoff features and boil-dry protection for safety.

Keep your kettle on the counter for easy access. Stock it with a basket of tea varieties, hot chocolate mixes, and instant soups for quick warming treats. This small addition creates a winter ritual that everyone in the family will appreciate on cold days.

9. Slow Cooker

Nothing warms you from the inside like a hot meal, and slow cookers make this effortless. The gentle, all-day cooking fills your home with mouthwatering aromas and ensures dinner is ready when you walk in from the cold.

Modern slow cookers have evolved with programmable timers, locking lids for transport, and even smart features that allow control from your phone. 

The 6-quart size works well for most families, handling everything from soups and stews to roasts and even desserts.

Winter-Ready Warmth

These nine winter accessories create a sanctuary from the harsh weather outside. The best part is that you don’t need to renovate or spend thousands for this. 

Small, thoughtful additions can make your home feel completely different during the coldest months.