10 IKEA Essentials For Staying Cozy Indoors Or Out This Winter

When the hygge trend took off a few years ago, people didn't necessarily know how to pronounce it, but they definitely knew how it felt. A word that many think dates back to 'hug', 'well-being', and 'comfort' in Old Norse, hygge entered the international lexicon around 2017. Used to describe everything from hot mugs of cocoa to warm, chunky sweaters, fragrant scented candles to playing board games with friends, luxurious, plush fabrics to lighting the fireplace, hygge became an aspirational approach to weathering cold, bleak, and dark days. It's a design ethos that takes advantage of tricks to make your home feel warm. 

Founded in a Scandinavian forest town that experiences a long snowy season, it's safe to say that the experts at IKEA know a thing or two about keeping it cozy. Whether you opt for a double-sided woven blanket, extra warm duvets, wooly curtains, or water-resistant deck tiles, there are several IKEA essentials that can help you stay cozy indoors or out this winter.

There's more to it than just getting your home holiday-ready. Shorter days mean we get less sunlight and fresh air. And, with gifts to buy, parties to host or attend, and family gatherings that can be fraught with tension, the entire season can be extremely stressful. For many people, this causes distress ranging from the occasional "winter blues" to a lingering depression that mental health experts have dubbed seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Treating yourself to a soft new blanket or brilliantly-colored rug isn't just a way to stay cozy this winter. It can also be an important act of self-care.

Cuddling under a blanket is the perfect way to get warm when the weather outside is frightful. The SVARTFRYLE throw ($24.99 from IKEA) is generously sized, double-sided, and features a traditional Scandinavian pattern by designer Inga Leo. A jacquard weave in gold and grey, the 100% cotton blanket is heavy enough to keep your toes warm whether you use it while you're lounging on the sofa or even if it's just decorating the end of your bed. This just-released textile already has a 4.8 star rating from fans who call the design and colors "beautiful."

Featuring another new textile from Inga Leo, the SKOTERLED Rug ($59.99 from IKEA) pulls from similarly warm gold and brick tones to create an eye-catching pattern that doesn't just add beauty but also helps to dampen noise. Nothing is worse than walking barefoot on a freezing floor, which makes this rug the perfect addition to entryways, hallways, or other drafty areas. Reviewers say to get ready for compliments. Thanks to a durable polypropylene material and rubber backing, you'll love how easy it is to clean, too.

Indirect lighting can make any room feel cozier than ever, and it couldn't be easier to achieve a warm glow than it is with the TÄRNABY Table Lamp ($29.99 from IKEA). Constructed of a powder-coated steel base and glass shade, the lamp was created by designer Stina Lanneskog to look like a traditional kerosene lamp. A built-in dimmer controlled by a small knob creates a flame-like look from the bulb (sold separately). Hundreds of happy customers give this lamp a five-star rating, calling it perfect for coastal, retro, or vintage-inspired spaces.

Although watching children play in the snow for hours may lead you to believe they simply don't feel the cold, it's still a good idea to tuck them into an extra-cozy bed at the end of a winter day. The MINNEN Bed Frame ($119 from IKEA) is an extendable option, available in gray-blue, light pink, or white. It provides a snug feeling thanks to gently curved walls on each side. The design may be whimsical, but because of its steel construction and slatted wooden base, several reviewers say it's also extremely practical.

You may want to hibernate inside all winter long, but upgrading a small balcony or patio with deck tiles may be a good idea when you start to feel stir crazy. It doesn't take much ALTAPPEN Decking ($15.99 for 8 square feet from IKEA) to completely transform your space. Thanks to a click-lock system that is durable and easy to install, these deck tiles give a finished look while providing, as one reviewer put it, "a perfect solution [where] everything is raised off the ground to allow for evaporation of any moisture."

Draped over your favorite chair? On a mudroom bench? Right next to your bed? Inside a car seat? No matter where you put it, the best-selling ULLERSLEV Sheepskin ($39.99 from IKEA) adds squishy, soft, cozy comfort to any spot. A natural product that is sustainably sourced, each sheepskin is a slightly different size, shape, and thickness, adding a unique look whether you opt for the cream or light brown version. Hundreds of customers have given this product a five star rating thanks to its luxurious and fluffy feel.

If you live in a drafty house that sends a chill up your spine every time you walk past a window, thick curtains can make a big difference. The ROSENMANDEL Blackout Curtains ($24.99 from IKEA) offer a wool-like feel that does more than look warm. Window treatments act as a barrier that can significantly impact heat retention. The bestselling panels completely darken a room, and have both a rod pocket and tabs that make them easy to hang. Available in a variety of colors, reviewers consistently say these curtains are attractive and a great value.

Getting lost in the cloudy fluff of a perfect duvet is one way to almost guarantee a good night's sleep, and if you live in an extra cold climate, we've found one that may be the cozy essential of your dreams. The FJÄLLBRÄCKA Duvet ($149 at IKEA) is a super warm option that retains heat and provides a consistent temperature thanks to a breathable cotton fabric that has stitched inner walls, and downy feather filling inside that is machine washable and can be tumble-dried.

Whether you hang them in every window or just use one to make your bedroom more inviting, the STRÅLA Lamp Shade ($11.99 from IKEA) is an extremely easy way to amp up the holiday vibes in your home. Made of a linen-inspired material and cardboard, this simple lampshade comes in several snowflake and star shapes that can be combined with an LED bulb, and STRÅLA hanging cord set or lamp base. Reviewers agree that each of the unique lamp shades cast a beautiful glow, although you may need an extra set of hands during assembly.

Nothing is worse than asking your overnight guests if they slept well, only to hear back, "Actually, it was a little cold." One of the easiest ways to make sure your house is welcoming to guests is to always have an extra blanket or two nearby. Available in several rich colors, the TRATTVIVA Bedspread ($30 from IKEA) is a super-soft choice if you or your guests need an extra layer of warmth. Although many warn it will shed the first time you wash it, this fleece-like bedspread is highly recommended by reviewers who say it's warm and cozy.