Research shows that Seasonal Affective Disorder affects up to 3% of the United States population. The condition makes it difficult to do normal activities, let alone holidays and other family gatherings. Those without the condition can sometimes feel down due to the weather or weaning amounts of daylight.
Whether or not these months affect you, winter is an excellent time to treat yourself. One way to do that is by updating your home. Here are six ways you can update your home this winter.
Comfy Chairs
A great place to start with any home addition is to upgrade your seating. If you live in an area that is conducive to outdoor winter gatherings, then consider upgrading your outdoor chairs, swings, and couches to cozier models. Outdoor furniture upgrades include getting large, cushioned chairs where you can add blankets and other cozy items.
Another chair that lets you treat yourself is a massage recliner. These unique seating options are an excellent way to relax and unwind. Most come with remotes that allow you to choose different massage and heat settings, letting you tailor your experience. If you can’t afford a massage chair or outdoor furniture set, just upgrading your living room couch or adding a cozy chair can make a difference in your comfort.
As the nights get colder, there’s nothing like relaxing in the comfortable seating by the fire.
Fireplace
A fireplace is a great way to treat yourself this winter that will bring you joy throughout the year.
There are different types of fireplaces for your home. A wood-burning fireplace provides an authentic experience but requires a chimney.
Gas fireplaces provide fire and may or may not need a vent. You will need to connect them to a gas line.
Electric fireplaces are inauthentic but can create a great ambiance without the hassle of the other options.
Fireplaces are relaxing and can add extra warmth and comfort to your home on cold nights. However, they’re also a great way to add to your home throughout the year.
Gaming Table
Games are an excellent way to bring family and friends together, so adding a pool, table tennis, or air hockey table is a great way to enjoy some indoor fun.
You’ll want to choose a size that fits in your space of choice, whether it be your family room, guest room, or basement. You want to place your table somewhere that your family and guests will want to play.
Including a gaming table in your home helps keep your body moving and creates a way to enjoy gloomy days without screens, giving you and your family’s eyes a break.
When you install a gaming table, you’re sure to become a top gathering place within your social group.
Television
If you want a new television, winter is a great time to make that investment.
There are many things to do with your television throughout the season, from watching holiday movies, turning on a sports game, or streaming your favorite shows on a cold day. There are different resolution options on the market, such as high-definition (HD), 4K, and cinematic 8K. Some even come with streaming options built in. Winter is a great time to enjoy a new television, but now is also an excellent time to purchase one, with many stores offering Black Friday and Holiday sales.
Heated Blankets
Want an inexpensive way to make your home a haven of warmth and coziness? Treat yourself to some heated throws and blankets.
These electric innovations give you the personal heat of a radiator or heating pad combined with the comfort that a nice blanket brings. Get one for each member of your family to enjoy when snuggling up on cold nights.
These don’t just work well for the winter months, they’re excellent for athletes and anyone who relies on a traditional heating pad. New versions of this innovation provide different heat settings, so everyone can reach their optimum comfort level.
Coffee Bar
A final fun home idea to treat yourself to this season is to create a coffee bar. Hot beverages can help anyone wake up on a winter morning or defrost after time in the cold.
You can designate a section of your countertop or invest in a small table or bar. Place your coffee pot or one-cup machine on the bar before surrounding it with your favorite coffees and teas.
Add some napkins and hang up your favorite mugs for a station you’ll want to visit throughout the day.
Treating Yourself Through Winter Months
Regardless of how the season affects you, winter is a great time to practice self-care and treat yourself and your home to items that will put a smile on your face all year long.
About The Author
Ava Roman (she/her) is the Managing Editor of Revivalist, a women’s lifestyle magazine that empowers women to live their most authentic life. When Ava is not writing you’ll find her in a yoga class, advocating for body positivity, whipping up something delicious in the kitchen, or smashing the patriarchy.