As winter settles in and we spend more time indoors, there's no better opportunity to refresh your home for the colder months ahead. After 15 years of helping clients prepare their homes for winter, we've learned that the right seasonal updates can transform your space from merely functional to genuinely cozy and inviting.
This January is the perfect time to make these changes—the holiday decorations are down, and you're ready for a fresh start. Whether you're looking to create warmth, add comfort, or simply reorganize for the season, these 10 winter home updates will help you embrace the coziest time of year.
1. Create an Outdoor Winter Gathering Space with a Fire Pit
Don't let winter keep you from enjoying your outdoor spaces! A quality fire pit extends your patio season well into the colder months, creating a magical gathering spot for family and friends.
Wood-Burning Options for Authentic Ambiance
For those who love the crackling sounds and authentic campfire experience, the 32-Inch Outdoor Copper Wood Burning Fire Pit Bowl ($294.99) offers beautiful copper construction with included spark screen, grate, and poker. The natural patina that develops over time adds character and charm.
For larger gatherings, the Large 29-Inch Outdoor Smokeless Fire Pit ($253.99) features innovative dual-wall design that reduces smoke by up to 80%, plus a convenient pull-out ash pan for easy cleaning.
Propane Fire Pits for Convenience
If you prefer instant warmth without the hassle of wood, propane fire pits offer push-button convenience. The Rectangular Outdoor Propane Gas Fire Pit Table ($357.99) delivers 50,000 BTU of heat and includes a wind guard, waterproof cover, and decorative lava rocks.
For a stunning centerpiece, the Round Porcelain Tile Top Propane Fire Pit Table ($388.99) features a beautiful 22-inch fire bowl column with 40,000 BTU and auto-ignition system—perfect for elegant outdoor entertaining even in winter.
2. Layer Your Living Spaces with Cozy Throws
Nothing says winter comfort like soft, warm blankets draped over sofas and chairs. Strategic throw placement not only adds warmth but also introduces texture and color to your winter decor.
Luxurious Textures
The Luxurious Faux Rabbit Fur Throw Blanket ($12.99) offers incredible softness with flannel backing, measuring 150x200cm—large enough to share or wrap yourself completely. It's perfect for draping over your sofa or the foot of your bed.
Ultimate Warmth
For serious cold-weather comfort, the Sherpa Fleece Bed Blanket Twin Size ($11.99) weighs a substantial 5 pounds and features reversible design with plush microfiber on one side and fuzzy sherpa on the other. At 60x80 inches, it's perfect for snuggling on the couch during movie nights.
Lightweight Layering
The Soft Delicate Blanket Large Plush Ribbed Throw ($7.99) offers an incredibly affordable way to add warmth without weight. The ribbed texture adds visual interest, and the anti-static properties mean no annoying shocks during dry winter months.
Pro Tip: Keep 2-3 throws in each main living area. Drape one over the back of your sofa, fold one in a basket, and keep another on your favorite reading chair. This creates instant coziness and ensures there's always a warm blanket within reach.
3. Reorganize Your Pantry for Winter Cooking
Winter is prime time for baking, slow-cooking, and comfort food preparation. An organized pantry makes meal prep easier and more enjoyable during the season when we cook most.
The 2Pcs Large Food Storage Containers with Lids ($33.99) offer 8.5 liters of airtight storage each—perfect for flour, sugar, rice, cereal, and pasta. The included labels help you maintain organization, and the clear design lets you see when supplies are running low.
Winter Pantry Essentials to Stock:
- Baking supplies (flour, sugar, baking powder, chocolate chips)
- Soup and stew ingredients (dried beans, lentils, rice, pasta)
- Hot beverage supplies (coffee, tea, cocoa, honey)
- Comfort food staples (oats, nuts, dried fruits)
4. Tackle Garage Organization Before Spring
Winter is actually the ideal time to organize your garage—you're not using outdoor equipment as frequently, and you can work on the project gradually over several weekends.
Overhead Storage Solutions
The 2x8ft Overhead Garage Storage Rack ($240.99) maximizes unused ceiling space with adjustable height settings and heavy-duty metal construction. Perfect for storing seasonal items, camping gear, and holiday decorations you just took down.
Wall-Mounted Organization
The Garage Storage Organization Wall Mount Garden Tool Rack ($45.99) features 6 adjustable hooks and 3 panels, perfect for hanging garden tools, folding chairs, ladders, and sports equipment. Getting items off the floor creates more usable space and makes everything easier to find.
5. Create Dedicated Storage Zones
Winter means more indoor time, which often reveals clutter and disorganization. Creating dedicated storage zones helps maintain order throughout the season.
The Storage Shelves Heavy Duty Plastic Stackable 5-Tier ($65.99) offers versatile organization for closets, laundry rooms, pantries, or garages. The white finish looks clean and modern, while the heavy-duty plastic construction handles substantial weight.
Smart Storage Zones to Create:
- Winter gear station: Coats, boots, scarves, gloves, and hats near your entry
- Indoor activity center: Puzzles, games, craft supplies, and books
- Exercise area: Yoga mats, weights, resistance bands for indoor workouts
- Hot beverage bar: Coffee, tea, mugs, and accessories in one convenient spot
6. Upgrade Your Lighting for Shorter Days
With darkness falling earlier, proper lighting becomes crucial for both function and mood. Layer your lighting with ambient, task, and accent sources to combat winter gloom.
Winter Lighting Strategy:
- Add floor lamps in dark corners (check out our Lighting Collection for options)
- Use warm-toned bulbs (2700K-3000K) for cozy ambiance
- Install dimmer switches to adjust brightness throughout the day
- Place table lamps on timers to come on before you arrive home
7. Refresh Your Dining Space for Winter Gatherings
Winter is prime entertaining season—from casual dinners to holiday celebrations. Ensure your dining area is ready to welcome guests comfortably.
Quick Dining Room Updates:
- Add chair cushions for extra comfort during long meals
- Update your table linens to richer, warmer colors and textures
- Create a centerpiece with candles, pinecones, or winter greenery
- Stock your bar cart or beverage station for easy entertaining
Browse our Dining Room Collection for chairs, tables, and accessories to complete your space.
8. Prepare Your Outdoor Spaces for Off-Season Storage
Properly storing outdoor furniture and equipment now prevents damage and makes spring setup much easier.
Winter Outdoor Storage Checklist:
- Clean and dry all outdoor furniture before storing
- Use weatherproof covers for items left outside
- Drain and store garden hoses
- Bring cushions and fabric items indoors
- Store propane tanks safely according to local regulations
- Clean and cover your grill
9. Create Cozy Reading Nooks
Long winter evenings are perfect for reading. Designate a comfortable corner with good lighting, a soft throw, and a small side table for your beverage of choice.
Reading Nook Essentials:
- Comfortable chair or chaise
- Adjustable reading lamp
- Side table for books and drinks
- Soft throw blanket
- Small bookshelf or magazine rack within reach
- Footstool or ottoman for ultimate comfort
10. Maintain Indoor Air Quality
Sealed-up homes in winter can develop air quality issues. Take steps to keep your indoor environment healthy and comfortable.
Winter Air Quality Tips:
- Run humidifiers to combat dry air (aim for 30-50% humidity)
- Open windows for 10-15 minutes daily when weather permits
- Change HVAC filters monthly during heavy-use season
- Add indoor plants to naturally filter air
- Use exhaust fans when cooking to remove excess moisture
- Keep vents and radiators clear of furniture and curtains
Bonus: Multi-Purpose Fire Pit Tables
For the ultimate in winter outdoor versatility, consider a multi-purpose fire pit. The 3-in-1 Propane Fire Pit Table ($331.99) functions as a fire pit, dining table, and cooking surface with included griddle—perfect for winter outdoor cooking and entertaining.
Making Winter Your Coziest Season
Winter doesn't have to mean hibernating indoors feeling cold and cramped. With these strategic updates, you can transform your home into a warm, organized, and inviting sanctuary that you'll actually look forward to spending time in during the colder months.
The key is to focus on three main goals:
- Warmth: Both physical (fire pits, blankets) and visual (warm lighting, rich textures)
- Organization: Clear clutter to make your indoor time more pleasant
- Comfort: Create cozy zones that invite relaxation and connection
As a family business with over 15 years of interior design experience, we've helped countless clients prepare their homes for winter. The updates that make the biggest impact are often the simplest—a few quality throws, better organization, and creating gathering spaces both indoors and out.
Start Your Winter Refresh Today
You don't need to tackle all 10 updates at once. Choose 2-3 that resonate most with your lifestyle and start there. Maybe it's finally organizing that garage, adding a fire pit for weekend gatherings, or simply investing in a few luxurious throws to make your living room irresistibly cozy.
Browse our collections for everything you need:
- Fire Pits Collection - Wood-burning and propane options
- Lighting Collection - Floor lamps, table lamps, and more
- Dining Room Collection - Tables, chairs, and dining accessories
- Garage Organization - Storage racks and organization systems
- Closet Organization - Shelving and storage solutions
Here's to making this winter your coziest, most organized, and most enjoyable season yet!
