Cozy Bedroom Upgrades That Will Make You Want To Take A Nap

By: Samantha Pynn

Portrait Photography, HGTV Canada. Room Photography, Virginia Macdonald

Design Lesson

Jan 5, 2024

Cozy Bedroom Upgrades That Will Make You Want To Take A Nap

By: Samantha Pynn

Samantha Pynn shows us how to add layers of coziness for a long winter’s nap!

As the days get chillier, we crave warmth, coziness and comfort, especially when we tuck in at night. So, let’s look at decorative ways – from paint and drapery to furniture and accessories – to get your bedroom hibernation ready!

The backdrop

PAINT, White Dove OC-17 (walls), Louisberg Green HC-113 (night tables), Benjamin Moore. Truro LAMP; Bedford III RUG; Renwil. DRAPERY FABRIC, Cyprus in Blue Smoke and Palermo in Oyster; BED BOLSTER PILLOW; small green PILLOW; Tonic Living. DRAPERY SEWING AND INSTALLATION, Workroom By Design. Vintage ART (dark framed, beside lamp), Béazley Antiques & Vintage. Fine art PRINT (gold framed, beside lamp), Allbright House; PRINTING, Poster Jack; FRAME, IKEA.

Ever walked into a grey bedroom and felt like the temperature dropped a couple degrees? If your room is stark white or chilly grey, start with a coat of paint. Dark, rich colour will make a large room feel cozier. In this bedroom, we painted away the cool blue walls with a wash of warm white. The creamy tone created the perfect backdrop to layer in earthy neutrals. The wheat-toned upholstered headboard cued the flora and fauna pattern of the smoky blue and oatmeal drapes and the handwoven beige rug. The floor-to-ceiling drapes have a heavy blackout lining that dampens sound, adds softness and helps retain heat. The large rug similarly makes the room feel cozier. I get the chills just thinking about stepping onto a cold floor! A rug also adds insulation and cushioning underfoot. Don’t be afraid to layer one over wall-to-wall carpeting for even more warmth and luxury.

The furniture

A headboard is key because a mattress alone against the wall just feels austere. If you don’t have an upholstered headboard, add softness with an extra set of pillows with Euro or standard shams. For a deep and snug sleep, choose a mattress with support and a plush quilted top layer. If your mattress is hard, a pillow topper will create a cozy sink-into feeling. When it comes to choosing furniture, wood tones and nature-inspired colour will warm your room in a snap. We refinished the dark bedside tables in a sage green. Working with what you have saves money, but it also creates a comforting sense of history. If you have room, add an upholstered chair, bench or footboard in a tonal, textured fabric.

Small but mighty accents

Samantha Pynn Home DUVET COVER AND SHAMS, TRAY; JUG; BOOKS (on night table); HomeSense. White SHEET SET, DUVET, hybrid MATTRESS, Endy. PAINTING (night tables), Benjamen Refinishing.

For me, lighting is a room’s most powerful design element. For a warm, inviting feel, layer task and ambient light at varying heights. Think: floor, bedside and highboy lamps, as well as sconces. (The trend is to have both sconces and bedside table lamps.) We chose a wood-grain lamp with a linen shade for added texture. You’ll also want to layer bed linens. Flannel is cozy, but for those who run hot, consider cotton percale. A heavy duvet is comforting and lets you make the bed with ease, but wool blankets can offer easy temperature regulation. Whatever you prefer, choose seasonal fabrics like this textured wheat-patterned duvet cover and velvet lumbar and patchwork-quilt-inspired bolster pillows. Lastly, personal touches, like art and books, will give you an emotional and nostalgic connection to your room, making it feel homey and warm.

Warming the windows

Don’t skimp on window treatments. They totally transform and add polish to a space.
Harmonize your drapery with the palette and patterns of your room.
Fix bare, cold and even drafty windows with textiles. High-quality lined drapery can reduce heat loss and your energy bills.
Layer roller shades or wood blinds underneath drapery panels for instant softness and interest.
Add hygge with drapery panels in luxe fabrics like velvet, wool or slubby linen.
Consider a double rod with a sheer and curtain combo for a cozy, layered look that allows you to filter light or completely block it out.