subject: How To Decorate Your Living Room For Winter [print this page] "It's the most wonderful time of the year!"--Well, not yet, but winter is certainly my favorite season, so I am already considering how I should change up the decor in my living room to reflect its beauty and the special spirit that lingers throughout the holidays.
If you also hope to create the warm ambiance of a home bedecked for winter and its holidays but don't know where to start, allow me to offer some pointers.
Create a new centerpiece. The living room or den is generally focused around the television, but when it's snowing outside, refocus the furniture arrangement around the fireplace. If you don't have one, buy one! No, seriously.
Many furniture stores sell small electric fireplaces which are built to either fit right into a corner or flat against the wall, depending upon your need. These are relatively inexpensive and add a homey touch to any room. Because they are so compact, they can be transported from room to room to create a cozy ambiance almost anywhere in the house.
Regardless of what holiday you celebrate this time of year, string an evergreen garland from the ceiling and on the banister of any stairs that are in the proximity. Why? Because evergreen is an ancient symbol of renewal and eternal love. Remembering this can help you fight off the winter blues when it has been snowing for several days straight.
Holly is, of course, an option as well, but it does not carry the same connotations as evergreen. The combination of the vivid green leaves and the glowing red berries is striking, however, so at least a wreath on the inside of the door (and another on the outside) will instantly create a festive atmosphere.
Whichever one of these you choose to bedeck the walls, you should also wind lights with the garlands. If you are concerned about energy consumption, you can find strings of light-colored LEDs, which do not burn through electricity like other lights do.
Wintertime is a time for in-home luxury. If you don't already have one or two, you should visit your local furniture store to look at ottomans. After all, what could be better than coming inside, flopping down on the couch, and putting your feet up?
Plus, many ottomans offer additional storage so you know exactly where to put your winter/holiday decorations once the season draws to a close.
Each sofa should have a side table so that family members and visitors alike have a place to set their hot cocoa. Every detail should accommodate an overall coziness to the room, drawing people there after trekking through the snow.
