January Decorating Ideas for a Cozy Home this Winter

This post may contain affiliate links · This blog generates income via ads

As we step into the new year, it’s time to transition our homes from the festive cheer of the holidays to a cozy winter retreat. It can be challenging to decorate your home in January. Christmas is over, and it’s a bit too early for Spring decorations (even though I’d love for spring to come now)! January doesn’t have to be dull and lifeless. Today I’m sharing how to add comfort to your spaces with these easy and budget-friendly January decorating ideas!

1. Embrace Textile Layering

Beat the winter chill by layering up your textiles. Swap out lightweight throw blankets for chunky knit blankets and faux fur throws. Don’t hesitate to mix and match textures – it adds depth and visual interest! Pile on the pillows in various shapes and sizes on your accent chairs and sofa for an extra touch of comfort.

Now, you don’t have to go as “all out” as I did a few years ago in the photo above. I’m a huge textiles fan (especially when it’s -30 degrees celcius out!), but the key is lots of different textures. I made most of these cozy throw pillows, and you can find some of my DIY pillow tutorials right here.

2. Repurpose Christmas Decor

Who says the holiday magic has to end in December? Some Christmas decor can seamlessly transition into January. Consider keeping those twinkling fairy lights around – they create a warm and inviting atmosphere.

I also love using plain greenery as decor in January, like real or faux evergreen stems, eucalyptus stems, or cedar wreaths and stems. A touch of green is always welcome in the cold winter months! The faux cedar & moss dough bowl centerpiece above is a great idea of a neutral Christmas decor item that can continue to be used in January. You could even wrap twinkle lights around something like this for a warm glow in your kitchen or dining room.

Candles are another item to keep out. Whether they’re real or batter operated, there’s nothing like the warm glow of a candle to keep you feeling warm and cozy in January.

3. Opt for Light, Neutral Colors

January is all about embracing the calm after the festive storm. One of my favourite winter decorating ideas is using a neutral color palette with calming tones like whites, beiges, soft pinks and soft blues. These colors not only create a serene atmosphere but also provide a perfect backdrop for seasonal decor accents. In my living room last year, I used whites and off whites paired with the warmth of natural wood tones.

I always think a lot of white works well in January. It highlights freshly fallen snow and a clean start to the new year. If you’re a colour lover like me, throw in a pop of pastel to serve as a nod to the coming Spring. I like to use soft pinks in January because they flow so nicely into Valentine’s Day and Spring. I’ve also used navy blues and aquas as an accent colour during this time of year, and they work well too.

4. Cozy Reading Nook

There’s nothing like a comfy reading nook to escape the winter blues. Arrange a comfortable chair or floor cushions near a window, throw in a soft blanket, and add a small side table for your hot cocoa or favorite book. Personalize it with a few decorative touches like candles or a small indoor plant.

This corner in our Little Lake House rental is one of our guests’ favourite spots. I used an outdoor egg-shaped chair with lots of throw pillows for ultimate comfort and ease of cleaning. A basket of throw blankets nearby and a floor lamp are the finishing touches to this cozy little corner! A corner like this is sure to be one of your favourite January decorating ideas that your whole family will enjoy.

5. Nature-inspired Decor

Bring the beauty of the snowy outdoors into your winter home with nature-inspired decor. Pinecones, twigs, and evergreen branches can add a touch of winter charm. Create a simple centerpiece using these elements, or arrange them in vases for a subtle nod to the season.

A DIY pinecone wreath is a beautiful project for January. Hang it on your wall or your front door for a simple natural element this season. You can find my step-by-step tutorial to make one for yourself right here. You can also use handfuls of pine cones in bowls for tabletop or mantel decor. They have such a fabulous texture, and they’re the ultimate natural winter accent!

6. Warm Lighting

Lighting plays a crucial role in setting the right ambiance. Warm lighting will make a huge difference in the feel of your space… and your mood! Swap out harsh overhead lighting for warm, soft-glowing lamps and candles. Consider investing in flameless LED candles for a safe and cozy alternative to real candles. I also love this candle warmer as a stylish and creative alternative to lighting candles in the winter months.

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly candle project, I love this floating candle centerpiece idea. You can take a thrift store bowl, water, greenery and floating candles and create this gorgeous centerpiece in a few minutes. Find the full DIY right here.

7. DIY Winter Art

Get your creative juices flowing with some easy DIY winter-themed art. Create simple watercolor paintings of snowflakes or frosty landscapes. Frame them or hang them with twine for a personalized touch to your winter decor.

You could also play with plaster of Paris to create textured art like I did above. You don’t have to create a heart shape: it could be anything! Here’s how I made this DIY stucco heart art. It’s such a fun project.

Learn how to create a simple DIY "LOVE" tea towel and get easy, neutral Valentine's Day decorating ideas for the kitchen

8. Refresh Your Space with Indoor Plants

While the outdoors may be covered in snow, bring some greenery inside with indoor plants. Consider low-maintenance options like succulents or snake plants. They not only add a touch of nature but also contribute to better indoor air quality. Add small tabletop plants to your coffee table, mantel, or side tables, or larger plants in the corners of your rooms.

One of my best January decorating ideas? If you have a hard time keeping real plants alive, faux greenery and flower arrangements are another option. They can make a space come alive! I love this little faux topiary I have by our kitchen sink. It adds just the right amount of greenery, but it doesn’t use much counter space. Here are some other faux boxwood topiaries from Amazon that would also work!

January may be chilly, but your home can be cozy, warm and inviting with just a few simple touches. I hope you found these January decorating ideas useful and find comfort in adding cozy decor to your home this month. Here’s to a winter season filled with comfort and joy!

Looking for some cozy crafts to do this January?

Here are 10 of my favourite easy & budget-friendly crafts to try this winter. I hope you love them as much as I do!

This post was first published in January 2018 and has since been updated.

PIN ME:

9 Comments

  1. Hi Christina,
    This is the post of craft that has the all new ideas. I like to see all new ones.
    Thank you so much for sharing this amazing idea with us!
    Love your blog so much.

  2. I love this look
    I also have Navy and White
    I love your curtains
    Did u make them or buy them
    If you bought can you please let me know where
    Thanks
    Laura

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.