Those dreaded South Carolina winters are upon us, which means it’s time to layer up and batten down the hatches. While you’re shut in your apartment or dorm, mustering the courage to venture into the frigid tundra, you can at least make sure that your space will stay warm and inviting.
1. Purchase Some New Bedding.
Chances are you’ll be treating your bed as if it were an igloo in the icebox that is Columbia, so why not make it cozy? A new set of sheets and a comforter will freshen things up, while stacks of soft blankets will make your living space feel homey and cuddle-friendly. Take things one step further with a mock fur throw. The natural colors will warm up your room and you at the same time. Go the Restoration Hardware route for seriously good quality, or pick one up from Target if you’re on a budget.
2. Get A Rug.
If you already have one, put more in your other rooms. You’ll feel like you’re braving the arctic circle every time you step foot outside, so you might as well make sure every surface of your home will keep the cold at bay. Look for warm colors and delicate fibers; the more comfort-oriented, the better. IKEA is a go-to place for cheap, inexpensive rugs that look anything but cheap and inexpensive. Your toes will thank you.
3. Plants, Plants, Plants.
Everything’s dead outside, but your heated room offers a safe-haven from the frostbite. Rescue some evergreen plants and simultaneously liven up your space. A snake plant, or mother-in-law’s tongue as it’s also known, is almost impossible to kill and is recommended by NASA for its air purification qualities. Peace lilies do the same and add a more serene touch. Both flourish in low light, and snake plants actually thrive on neglect. Forget to water it during exam week…or every week? No worries.
4. Light It Up.
It may seem a little cliché to string lights up around your dorm or apartment, but unless your middle name is Scrooge, why not indulge in a little holiday spirit? Hang some holiday lights around your headboard for ambience or around the edges of your windows to keep things festive. They also help brighten up your space with something other than a harsh fluorescent beam. It’s getting dark much earlier, after all.
5. Candles.
No, you shouldn’t line every shelf with them. We’re trying to make your space feel warmer, not woo that Tinder date that we both know isn’t going to work out. Just a few will do. Simple scents like vanilla, mint or lavender are present without being overpowering. Steer clear of complex fragrances like “Grandma’s Homemade Gingerbread And Hugs With A Side Of Eggnog And Presents.” They tend to make your room feel stuffy after a while. We’re going for warmth, not the perfume department at Macy’s.
