With the start of this fall season, I have found myself seeking out anything that provides me comfort. Fuzzy blankets, warm cups of chai tea, deliciously scented candles, knitted socks…should I keep going? As a college student, finding ways to relax and feel calm is vital for my mental clarity. This has led me to discover that maximizing comfort within my environment actually increases my productivity and helps me unwind at the end of the day. As a result, I have revamped my bedroom through what I like to call the art of coziness.
The art of coziness is not complex. In fact, creating a cozy space is quite easy and can be achieved with items that you probably already own. The magic of coziness relies heavily on your own individual preferences, so be sure to customize this guide in order to better match your own personal design taste.
Create Ambiance with Lighting
Lighting can determine the entire mood of your bedroom. In order to maximize coziness, it is important to keep overhead lights off and provide multiple sources of warm lighting. Fairy/string lights and soft lamps are perfect for creating an intimate and calming mood while also serving as cute decorations. In my bedroom, I keep a Himalayan salt lamp, a rainbow-colored oil diffuser, and a lamp shaped like a mushroom. As long as you utilize warm lighting and stay away from ceiling lights, you can easily create the right ambiance.
Add Anything and Everything That is Soft and Fuzzy
This step is pretty self-explanatory. When I think of the word cozy, the first thing that comes to my mind is a comfy bed with fluffy blankets and stuffed animals (yes, even as an adult). Using this vision, I have incorporated blankets and stuffed animals into my decor. The key is to place them on your bed and throughout your room. Chairs, storage bins, and shelves look way cuter with these cozy items. If you need more inspiration, feel free to look through Pinterest.
Utilize Calming Scents
The art of coziness appeals to all of your senses. This is why it is important to make sure your room smells just as good as it looks. In fact, scents can actually alter your entire mindset. If you have an oil diffuser, be sure to incorporate oils such as lavender, sandalwood, and orange. These oils can help ease anxiety and promote relaxation. You can also use candles to encourage a similar outcome. Since it’s fall, you might want to use scents like pumpkin spice, apple, or brown sugar vanilla.
Play Background Noises
Another easy way to make your room cozier is to play background noises. This step depends on whether you want to be productive or if you simply need to relax. To promote productivity, I like to play Lofi music or an instrumental vinyl on my record player. If you want to relax, you can play your favorite show/movie, zen nature sounds, or even frequencies in order to maintain a meditative mindset. Silence can often be unsettling, so using subtle, calming background noises can help add an extra element of coziness.
Add Personalized Decor Items
The last step to achieving coziness is to simply customize your room. When you are surrounded by items that you enjoy, it is easier to stay in a positive mindset. Be sure to decorate your walls with posters, art, or pictures that make you truly feel at home. For some more ideas, you can also add knickknacks, plants, crystals, and anything that makes you happy. As long as you don’t fill your room with too much clutter, your space will start to feel like your own cozy sanctuary.
“Ah! There is nothing like staying at home, for real comfort.”
Jane Austen