Too many people begin the winter home decorating process with a bang only to end with a whimper, while far too few people realize that Christmas is only the beginning of the winter season. Although Christmas decorations are a lovely addition, they are also a temporary decorative addition in most homes lasting no more than a month if that long. This leaves at least two more months of winter with a sparsely decorated home in many cases.
There are many things that are associated with the winter season. However, many of these things have been grouped under the category of Christmas décor and their value as simple hallmarks of winter have been forgotten or relegated to the mere distinction of yet another Christmas decoration. Winter months for much of the world are long and cold. Anything that adds a feeling of warmth and cheer to the home is usually an excellent idea as a winter home decoration.
Believe it or not, hibernating animals for many people inspire a feeling of winter. For example, try using black bears as a home decorating theme to make your home feel a little more cozy and better prepared for the long cold nights of wintertime. Flannel fabrics in warm reds and blues are a great companion to these delightful black bears and can be used in throws, bedding, and curtains in order to complete the look with style and finesse.
In fact, you might want to throw in a few flannel pillows so that you can try to hibernate along with the cuddly black bears. Bears and other animals are popular home decorations these days so you should have no problem finding a bear or two. Another very popular animal motif these days is the penguin. You can find them everywhere unless you happen to be in my neighborhood because I've probably snapped them all up already.
Do you have a fireplace? I can't say enough about the ability of a nice roaring fire to add warmth and a wintertime glow to almost any room. It really isn't winter for many people unless there is a nice fire burning in the grate. The warmth is more than merely physical; it is also soul soothing and comforting to watch a fire burning brightly before your eyes while warming your cold hands, feet, and backside after coming in from a nice afternoon of sledding. fireplace can add a touch of romance to your winter nights so be sure to keep cozy blankets an
d candles close by as well.Speaking of candles. Much like a fireplace candles and oil lamps add a warm cheerfulness to the rooms they touch. There are certain fragrances that are perfect for wintertime candle burning. An appropriate fragrance in the winter months provides the soft glow and ambiance that makes the world seem so much smaller and friendlier in the process. Keep this in mind when you go shopping for your winter home decorating accessories as well as the fact that fragrances matter when creating an atmosphere so choose the fragrances appropriately to the season.
The oil lamps pictured here, are handmade, mouth blown glass vessels that may be used as oil lamps, reed diffusers (for fragrance), or vases. I love them because they are so versatile. I have several shapes and sizes that are offered by Coni Art Glass. In the dining room I use several small ones in different shapes and sizes as bud vases. In the bedroom, as reed diffusers, and in my living room as oil lamps to provide soft, beautiful lighting.
Don't forget to use pillows and blankets in your winter decorating to add layers of warmth and comfort as well as visual appeal. Isn't it amazing how these items convince the mind that you that you are warm, safe, and happy when you are surrounded by warmth. However, if blankets and pillows lining your sofas and chairs doesn't convince you there is always the option of just bundling up and letting your body convince your mind. Thereis something so soothing about the comfort and close softness of the pillows and blankets whether you are in perfect health or really feeling the chill of winter down to your bones.
Whatever you do this year, don't let the celebration of winter end when you take the Christmas tree down. Use one of these many ways to incorporate warmth into your home decorating style that only winter can accommodate. Embrace the season with affection and laughter and all that enter your home will be charmed by the charming atmosphere inside.
winter decorating ideas
