Tips for Creating the Perfect Cosy Winter Home

Tis the season to get cosy. Our homes rarely get such a showing off as they do during the winter season. At this time of year, we throw open our doors to family, friends, neighbours and unexpected guests – and close them quickly to keep the cold weather out. The dark winter nights invite us to embrace cosy nights in by the fire - or radiator! So, curl up as we count down four tips to create a cosy winter decor.

Let the Light In

Winter is a time when we openly embrace the transformative qualities of light. And with good reason, good lighting really can transform a space. To keep things cosy, ditch the harsh single light source in favour of some carefully placed lamps and a string of fairy lights. Candles and winter go hand in hand and the flicker of a few wicks will add instant warmth to a room, but try to opt for natural beeswax candles which are nontoxic and release a subtle aroma.

Increase the anticipation at Christimas time by investing in an advent candle, these traditional candles are lit every day to count down the days until the 25^th of December. Incorporating a ritual like this into your day gives you a moment to pause during the festive madness. Just don’t forget to extinguish those candles when you’re off to bed!

Keep it Tactile

Take an objective look at your décor to see if there are any opportunities to add texture and warmth. You can easily break up cold wooden floors with an inviting rug. If your décor is cool and modern, you can turn on the charm and break up harsh lines with a well-placed woollen blanket. Appeal to people’s tactile nature by only choosing items that feel soft, sumptuous and inviting. Faux fur and velvet are very on trend and an easy way to add opulence and comfort to a room.

Surround Yourself with the Things You Love

Your home should make you happy, so it makes sense to surround yourself with things that make you feel that way. Create opportunities for serendipitous cosy moments. For example, keep a few or your favourite books within reaching distance of your armchair or put family photo albums on your coffee table for nostalgic nights in.

Bring the Outdoors In

Often, we don’t get to spend much time in nature during the winter months thanks to the dark evenings. You can make nature the star of your winter décor by filling vases with pinecones, hanging dried orange segments, or placing evergreen foliage on your windowsills or mantlepiece.

Making Your Home Cosy this Winter?

From sofa beds for extra guests to a bigger table for your Christmas dinner, if you’re doing up your home for Winter AIB’s Home Improvement Loans can help. AIB offer loans from €1,000 with a loan decision in just three hours*. You can apply online through AIB Internet Banking and the AIB Mobile App. You can also book a branch appointment or phone 0818 724 725 if you’d like to speak to someone in person.

Use our handyloan calculatorto find out how much you can borrow today.

*3 hour loan decision applies to fully completed new personal loan applications processed within 3 hours 9am-5pm, Mon-Fri excl. bank holidays. Loans from €1,000-€30,000. Excludes applications: to restructure or clear existing AIB credit facilities; received through Branch and referred to a lender for review, from customers in financial difficulty; for Student and First loans; applications through Business Centres; or where total borrowings exceed €100,000 (excluding Home Loan debt up to €600,000).

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