7 Easy Ways to Create a Cozy Home

I am a self-professed homebody, so I invest a lot (like, a lot, a lot) of time and money into creating a cozy home. Although I obviously want to be as comfy as possible in my own home, I also want to create a cozy environment for my guests — because being a homebody doesn’t mean I’m an anti-social hermit; it just means I want things to be on my terms, on my turf. And my turf is comfy AF.

If you want to create a hygge experience in your home, there are a few things you can do.

1. Invest in a Comfy Bed

I don’t know about you, but I spend A LOT of time in my bed. It’s my favorite place in the entire world to be, so I want it to be as cozy as possible. If you love your beauty sleep as much as I do, you’ll need to invest in a quality mattress, plus bedding.

I personally love my NECTAR mattress. It’s memory foam, but it’s actually affordable — aka not $1,000+ like most memory foam mattresses. You order it online, it comes in a huge duffel, and then you unwrap it and let it balloon up to its natural shape. It’s a really fun process, which I unabashedly documented on my Instagram if you want to see it first. (Plus, you can read my full NECTAR review here!)

Use our code ESL100 for $100 off your NECTAR mattress!

If you don’t want to invest in a memory foam mattress, you’ll need to cozy-ify your mattress with a mattress topper (you can see our top recommendations here). You’ll also need comfy pillows, sheets, and a comforter or duvet cover. Target is a great option for affordable-but-comfy bedding, but if you want something higher-end I’d recommend Parachute.

Target Bedding | Parachute Bedding

2. Hang Some String Lights

You could go the Pinterest route and hang indoor string lights around your headboard. This is especially fun in a dorm bedroom. If you’re in an apartment or house, you can add string lights to your patio. It’s a fun touch whether you’re enjoying a good book or entertaining friends.

EchoSari Rose Fairy String Lights, $10.99* on Amazon

3. Collect Throw Pillows & Blankets

My boyfriend asks me “do we really need that?” every time I bring home a new throw pillow or blanket to add to my collection, but you know what? I DO need them to create a cozy home. Whether I’m curling up with a good book, watching TV, or even working from home, I’m surrounded by comfort. Plus, my friends love coming over because they know I always have plenty of blankets ready for them. Plus plus, when my nephews come over my place is always pillow fort-ready.

Erin Condren Sherpa Throw Blankets | Target Throw Pillows

4. Keep it Vanilla

Fall is upon us, so I’m officially suffering from Candle Fever. Vanilla scent is scientifically proven to elevate joy and relaxation, so invest in a few vanilla candles (or pumpkin for fall), and you won’t ever want to leave your cozy home again.

NEST Pumpkin Chai Candle | Onlywax Candles 4-Pack

5. Light a Fire

Literally nothing says “cozy home” like snuggling up in front of a fireplace. An electric fireplace is definitely more of an investment than some of the other stuff on this list, but come winter it’ll be worth it. Plus, some of them actually look real.

Altra Furniture Bruxton Simple Fireplace | Duraflame Infrared Quarts Fireplace Stove

6. Purify the Air

I recently bought a Himalayan Salt Lamp, and it’s kind of life changing. I’ve heard for as long as I can remember about how amazing they are — they purify the air, improve your mood, all that good stuff. Plus, they just look really cute on an accent table.

Mineralamp Himalayan Salt Lamp | Crystal Allies Himalayan Salt Lamp

7. Adopt a Pet

Like I said, I’ve always been a homebody — but leaving the house got even harder after I adopted my cat Laz. Pets truly do make a house a cozy home. They’re always waiting for you to get back, and they’re the perfect snuggle partners.

Follow Elise on Twitter: @elisewillrikard | Instagram: @elisewillrikard