How to Make Your Home Feel Cozy After The Holidays

When the Christmas decorations come down, the house can feel a little empty. That warm glow from the tree lights is gone. Let’s talk about how to make your home feel cozy after the holidays!

I miss the lights so much! The sparkle that filled the room is gone.

It’s normal to feel like something is missing. But this is the perfect time to bring in new cozy touches. Let’s talk about a few simple ways to keep your home feeling warm and inviting during the winter months.

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Finding the Beauty in an Empty Space

A simple step that you can take is to realize that less stuff can also be cozy. Instead of adding in extra decor, consider leaving a few spaces open. That will give you a fresh start to the new year and help you to see spaces in different ways.

Leave it like that for a couple of days. You may become inspired to do something new with that space or area. Or, you may decide that you are okay with nothing being there.

Fill the Empty Space with Softness

After the Christmas tree comes down, fill that empty space with something soft.

A few big wicker baskets filled with blankets works perfectly. Choose ones that feel good to touch—maybe a chunky knit or a faux fur throw. Add a couple of pillows too. We love our Plufl (a human dog bed). I mean, we really love it! My sister just got hers before Christmas and they have been sleeping in it for the past month. Ha! She got the extra large Plufl and her and her husband both fit it there perfectly.

You don’t have to overthink it. Just toss them in a way that looks relaxed and welcoming. There is something about soft blankets that give off cozy vibes.

We have a guitar on a stand and a basket of books that fill our space. Instead of buying something new, check out what you have and see if you can repurpose it or move it to a different location.

Create a Reading Nook

Nothing says cozy like a little spot just for reading. If you don’t have a dedicated space, that’s okay. A comfortable chair and a small table will do the trick.

Add a lamp with soft lighting and a basket for books or magazines. You don’t need to have a full library to make it feel inviting.

I will even have my books that I checked out from the library sitting on a chair, nightstand, or side table.

Bring Back the Glow

If you miss the glow of the tree lights (like I do), bring in some candles. Battery-powered candles are my favorite. They’re safe, and they flicker like real flames.

Place them in clusters on shelves or tables. If you like a bit more light, string fairy lights around a mirror or across a mantle. That soft cozy glow instantly warms up a room.

Add Cozy Scents

A cozy home smells inviting. Choose a scent you love. Candles, essential oils, or wax melts are all great options. For winter, go with something warm like cinnamon, vanilla, or even a woodsy pine.

If you bake, let those smells fill the house too. Nothing beats the aroma of fresh cookies or bread.

Use Rugs to Warm Up Spaces

Bare floors can feel cold this time of year. A soft rug instantly changes that. Even a small area rug under a coffee table or by your favorite chair makes a difference.

Look for something textured or with a pattern that feels cozy and fits your style.

Keep Things Within Reach

Think about comfort. Keep a basket or tray with essentials nearby. Place books, a journal, or even a deck of cards where you sit most often.

Add a small bowl of wrapped chocolates or a favorite snack. When everything is within reach, the space feels lived-in and comfortable.

Play with Layers

Layering adds warmth to your home. Drape a blanket over the back of a chair. Stack pillows on the couch. Mix textures like velvet, wool, and cotton. Layers make things look and feel cozier.

Bring in Natural Elements

Nature has a way of grounding us. Even in winter, you can bring some of that indoors. Place pinecones in a bowl, or add a small evergreen plant to your space.

A vase of dried flowers works too. These touches connect you to the season without feeling stark.

Use Lighting to Set the Mood and Keep Your Home Cozy After the Holidays

Overhead lights can feel harsh. Use table lamps, floor lamps, or string lights instead. Look for warm-toned bulbs. They create a softer, more inviting atmosphere.

Place lights in corners to brighten dark spots in the room. Lights brighten the winter season. They are a wonderful way to make your home feel cozy.

You can even use timers to have them set to turn on when you get home from work and to turn off right after you go to bed. I set mine to turn on at 3:30 PM. I love walking in the door to the soft glow.

Make It Personal

Add items that make you smile. A framed photo, a favorite piece of art, or a sentimental object can make a big difference. Personal touches make a house feel like a home.

Enjoy the Process

Creating a cozy home doesn’t have to be done all at once. Add things here and there. Take time to enjoy the process. Look around your space and think about what feels good to you.

There’s no right or wrong way to do it.

How Do I Refresh My House to Keep It Cozy After the Holidays?

After the holidays, start by giving your home a clean slate. Pack away decorations carefully to avoid feeling rushed. Then, take a moment to declutter.

This is the perfect time to put away items that feel overly busy or don’t serve a purpose.

Consider rearranging your furniture slightly. Even small changes, like moving a chair or repositioning a table, can make the room feel refreshed and new.

How to Transition from Christmas Decor to Winter Decor to Keep It Cozy After the Holidays

Transitioning from Christmas to winter decor doesn’t have to be complicated. Focus on keeping things simple and neutral.

Remove the explicitly Christmas-themed items, like ornaments or Santa figurines, but leave out things that work for winter.

Keep the greenery. Garlands, wreaths, and small evergreen trees still feel seasonal without being too Christmassy. Swap out red accents for neutral colors or cool tones like white, cream, warm greys, or even icy blues.

Textures are key. Bring in cozy fabrics like cable-knit blankets, faux fur throws, and velvet pillows. These items help your space feel warm and inviting as winter continues.

What Decor Goes Up After Christmas?

After the holiday season, you want decor that feels cozy and natural. Start with soft lighting. Battery-operated candles, twinkle lights, or table lamps with warm-toned bulbs create a welcoming glow.

Add decorative baskets to store blankets or magazines. Include textures like woven or knit items to keep the cozy factor high. Swap out any holiday-specific tableware for neutral or winter-themed pieces, like ceramic mugs or wooden trays.

Seasonal decor like pinecones, birch logs, or winter flowers can bring subtle beauty to your home. If you love a theme, try “winter woodland” with muted tones, natural elements, and soft lighting.

By focusing on these small, thoughtful changes, you’ll keep your home feeling both refreshed and cozy after the holidays. It’s your personal touch that makes your home cozy. 

With Joy,

Anna Sue

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