How to turn your bedroom into the ultimate winter hibernation cave
Winter has officially arrived. The mornings are dark. The evenings are darker. And if you are anything like me, the only thing you want to do is curl up in a ball and stay there until spring.
I find that when the temperature drops, my bedroom becomes the most important room in the house. It is not just a place to sleep anymore. It is a sanctuary. It is a bunker against the cold wind and the rain. But there is a big difference between a plain bedroom and a truly cosy one.
You might be looking around your room right now and thinking it feels a bit cold or uninviting. Maybe it is functional, but it lacks that special feeling of warmth. Do not worry. I have spent years perfecting the art of hibernation. I have learned that you do not need to spend a fortune or completely redecorate to make a huge difference.
In this guide, I am going to walk you through exactly how to transform your sleeping space. We will look at everything from the perfect duvet to the right kind of lightbulb. By the time we are finished, you might never want to leave your bed again.
Get your bedding sorted first
The bed is the centre of the room. It is the star of the show. If your bed is cold, you will never feel cosy. This is the first place I start when the seasons change.
Check your tog rating
You need to look at your duvet. In the UK, we use a “tog” rating to see how warm a duvet is. In the summer, you might have a 4.5 tog. That is very thin. For winter, you want something much higher.
I usually swap to a 13.5 tog or even a 15 tog duvet when December hits. It feels heavier and traps warmth much better. The weight of a heavy duvet can also be very comforting. It feels like a hug.
Material matters
The cover you put on your duvet is just as important as the duvet itself. Standard cotton is crisp and cool. That is lovely in July. It is not so lovely in January when you first get into bed and it feels like a block of ice.
I highly recommend switching to brushed cotton or flannel bedding. The fabric is brushed to raise the fibres. This makes it feel soft and fuzzy against your skin. It feels warm the second you touch it. You do not have to do that shivering dance while you wait for your body heat to warm up the sheets.
According to the Sleep Foundation, materials like flannel are excellent for heat retention. This simple swap is one of the best things I have ever done for my winter sleep routine.
Layer up
One duvet is good. A duvet plus blankets is better. I like to layer textures on top of the bed. I usually add a chunky knit throw or a fleece blanket at the foot of the bed.
This serves two purposes. First, it looks great. It adds texture and makes the bed look inviting. Second, it is practical. If it gets really freezing at night, you can just pull the extra blanket up.
Lighting sets the mood
Lighting can make or break a room. If you want a cosy space, you have to follow one golden rule. Never use the “big light.”
The main ceiling light is usually too bright and harsh. It casts hard shadows and makes the room feel like a dentist’s office. That is the opposite of relaxing.
Warm white vs cool white
You need to check your lightbulbs. Bulbs usually come in “cool white” or “warm white.” Cool white has a blue tint to it. It is good for concentration, but it feels cold.
For a bedroom, you always want warm white bulbs. They give off a yellow, golden glow. This mimics candlelight and makes the room feel instantly warmer.
Create pockets of light
I like to use lamps to create small pools of light around the bedroom. I have a lamp on my bedside table for reading. I have another small lamp on the dresser.
You should also consider fairy lights. They are not just for children or students. A string of warm white fairy lights draped over a headboard or along a shelf adds a lovely, magical sparkle. It makes the room feel special.
Stop the draughts
You can have the warmest duvet in the world, but if there is a cold breeze coming through the window, you will still be chilly. Making a bedroom cosy is also about the physical temperature.
Deal with windows
If you have single glazing or old windows, you might feel the cold air seeping in. Heavy curtains are your best friend here. Look for curtains that have a “thermal lining.” This is a thick layer of fabric on the back that stops the cold air from entering the room.
Make sure your curtains are long enough to cover the whole window. Close them as soon as the sun goes down to trap the heat inside.
The door gap
Have you ever checked the gap at the bottom of your bedroom door? A lot of cold air from the hallway can sneak in there.
I use a draught excluder. It is basically a long, stuffed fabric tube that looks like a snake. You place it along the bottom of the door. It stops the draughts and keeps your room toasty. The Energy Saving Trust says that draught-proofing is one of the cheapest and most effective ways to save energy and keep your home warm.
Soften the floor
I have wooden floors in my bedroom. They look nice, but in the winter, they are freezing. Stepping out of a warm bed onto a cold floor is a terrible way to start the day.
If you do not have carpet, you need rugs. I like to use high-pile rugs. These are the fluffy ones with long strands. They feel incredibly soft under your bare feet.
Place a rug right next to your bed. That way, your feet land on something soft and warm first thing in the morning. If you have a larger bedroom, a big area rug can help hold the heat in the room better than a bare floor.
Use warm colours
Colours affect how we feel. Blue and white are cool colours. They remind us of ice and water. Red, orange, and earth tones are warm colours. They remind us of fire and wood.
You do not need to paint your bedroom walls to change the feeling of the room. You can just change your accessories.
I swap out my cushion covers in the winter. In the summer, I use light linen ones. In the winter, I use velvet or wool ones in deep greens, burnt oranges, or rich reds. These colours trick your brain into thinking the space is physically warmer.
The power of scent
A cosy bedroom should smell cosy too. Scent is very powerful for setting a mood.
In the winter, I love scents that are spicy or woody. Think about cinnamon, clove, pine, cedarwood, or vanilla. These are comforting smells.
Candles
Candles are great because they provide both scent and a lovely flickering light. Watching a candle flame is very relaxing. Just make sure you never leave a candle burning when you go to sleep. That is very dangerous.
Diffusers
If you are worried about the flame, use a reed diffuser. This is a bottle of scented oil with wooden sticks in it. The scent travels up the sticks and fills the bedroom. It is a safe way to keep your room smelling lovely all day long.
Clear the clutter
This might not sound very exciting, but it is true. You cannot relax if your bedroom is a mess. A chaotic room leads to a chaotic mind.
If you have clothes piled up on a chair (we all do it sometimes), put them away. If your bedside table is covered in old receipts and empty mugs, clear them off.
I find that when my room is tidy, it feels more peaceful. Peace is a big part of feeling cosy. You want your eyes to rest on soft textures and warm lights, not on a pile of laundry that needs washing.
Personal touches
A cosy bedroom needs to feel like your bedroom. It should include things that make you happy.
I like to keep a stack of books on my nightstand. Just seeing them makes me feel ready to relax. I also have a few framed photos of my family and friends.
You might like to have some plants. Real plants add life to a room. However, in the winter, make sure they are not too close to the cold window, or they might die.
The final step: Pyjamas
You have sorted the bedroom. Now you need to sort yourself. You cannot enjoy your cosy hibernation cave if you are wearing cold, uncomfortable clothes.
Invest in some proper winter pyjamas. Brushed cotton is great here, too. Or maybe some thermal leggings and an oversized t-shirt.
And do not forget your feet. I always wear thick, fluffy socks in the house during winter. If your feet are warm, the rest of you feels warm too.
How to afford a cosy update
You might be reading this and thinking it sounds expensive to buy new rugs and duvets. It does not have to be.
I buy a lot of my home items from charity shops. You can often find lovely heavy curtains or unique lamps for very little money. Just give them a good clean when you get them home.
You can also look at supermarkets. Many big supermarkets have a “home” section now. They sell fleece blankets, cushions, and candles for very reasonable prices. You do not need designer brands to get the look.
Why this matters
You might think that spending time on your bedroom is a bit silly. But I disagree. We spend about a third of our lives sleeping. In the winter, we spend even more time indoors.
Having a safe, warm, and comforting place to go at the end of a hard day is good for your mental health. It helps you switch off. It helps you sleep better.
So, take a look at your room tonight. Maybe move a lamp. Maybe put an extra blanket on the bed. Small changes add up. Before you know it, you will have created the perfect winter retreat.
Common Questions About Winter Bedrooms
What is the best temperature for a bedroom?
Most experts say that around 18 degrees Celsius (about 64 Fahrenheit) is the best bedroom temperature for sleeping. If it is too hot, you might wake up sweating. If it is too cold, you will struggle to fall asleep. It is better to have a cooler room and a warm duvet than a hot room and a thin sheet.
Can I make a small room feel cosy without cluttering it?
Yes. In a small bedroom, you have to be careful not to add too much stuff. Focus on the bed. Use a nice thick duvet and nice pillows. Use wall lamps instead of table lamps to save space. A mirror can also help reflect the warm light and make the room feel bigger.
Is an electric blanket a good idea?
I love my electric blanket. Modern ones are very safe. I turn mine on about 20 minutes before I go to bed. Then I turn it off just before I get in. It means the bed is lovely and warm when I climb in. Just make sure you check the safety instructions and never use one that is old or damaged.
How do I stop my windows from getting wet in the morning?
This is called condensation. It happens when warm air hits the cold glass. It is common in winter. Try to open the window for a tiny bit in the morning to let the damp air out. You can also buy moisture absorbers (little plastic tubs) that sit on the windowsill and soak up the water.
Ready to hibernate?
I hope this has given you some ideas. Winter can be long and grey, but your bedroom does not have to be.
By adding some layers, changing your lights, and blocking out the draughts, you can turn your room into the best place on earth.
I am going to go and put my fluffy socks on now. Stay warm!
