These Items Will Make Your Home Cozier This Winter—and Help Fend Off Cabin Fever

By Claire Sullivan
January 28, 2020
Lennart Weibull
Consider these your new snow day essentials.
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Lennart Weibull

What's the polar opposite of cabin fever? Homebody heaven. And it can be yours wherever you live when you outfit your place with goods that invite everyone to get comfortable—and diversions that offer hours of indoor fun. We're fans of this two-pronged approach to combating the coldest (and darkest) months of the year. Stock up on soft, comforting items to get you through those snow days and long nights, and then fill your home with fun, engaging distractions—ones you can whip out when the going gets tough (or that stir-crazy feeling sets in).

As for the best items to fill that cozy category? You'll find several of our favorites in the slides ahead. From plush sheepskins that will turn just about any nook into a welcoming retreat (and encourage a little winter human hibernation) and slippers that will help you beat the chill to floor blankets (perfect for family movie nights by the fireplace) and the sleekest match holder (perfect for igniting said fireplace!), we found several products that do more than make winter bearable—they transform the season into one that is equal parts warm and welcoming. You won't want to tuck them away once spring shows its head.

As for what to do when you reach that idyllic cozy level? We have that covered, too. Paired alongside these relaxing elements are games, puzzles, spirits, and culinary activities—they're perfect for spicing things up. Replace your usual nightcap with a warming Japanese whisky; switch up your go-to cheese boards with a melted option, instead (we found a chic copper fondue set that makes it easy). Incorporate these essentials into your winter routine, and one thing is certain: The next time the temperature goes down, your outlook will be up.

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Sink in and Stay Awhile

Lennart Weibull

These feather-and-down-filled poufs implore you to do just that. The nubby, neutral cushions are crafted by artisans in Argentina and Guatemala from dense, durable organic sheep's wool.

Shop Now: Sien + Co Puna Handwoven Pillow in Ivory, $245; Molt Studio Handmade Wool Shag Pillow in Spice, $160; and Sien + Co "Campo" Pillow in Ivory with Gold Stripe, $235, bloomist.com.

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Pad Around Your Pad

Peter Ardito

Unlike slip-ons that leave your heels out in the cold, these slippers fully cocoon your feet.

Shop Now: Glerups Felted Wool Slippers, $95, llbean.com.

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Find a New Flame

Peter Ardito

These candles are infused with the aromas of this artisanal Brooklyn teamaker's specialty blends (lemongrass and sage, mint and cedar) and emit a glow in gleaming brass.

Shop Now: Bellocq Tea Atelier Candles, $86 each, bellocqtea.com.

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Get Warmer

Peter Ardito

Flick on Muji's electric kettle for instant tea: The Japanese plug-in pot boils a cup of water in exactly 80 seconds, and has minimalist mojo to spare.

Shop Now: Muji Electric Kettle, $95, store.moma.org.

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Have a Soft Spot

Peter Ardito

When you drape this plush, sustainably sourced sheepskin onto a sofa, the humans in your house may start to hibernate—or at least purr.

Shop Now: Jenni Kayne Double Sheepskin in Dark Linen, $260, jennikayne.com.

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Make a Blanket Statement

Peter Ardito

Evangeline Linens' wool, cashmere, and mohair throws are like your favorite chunky sweater, writ large.

Shop Now: Evangeline Linens Herringbone Throws in Harvest and Rosé, $275 each; and Mohair Throw in Rosé, $297, evangelinelinens.com.

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Light Your Hearth

Peter Ardito

Pluck a stick from the base of this handblown-glass fireplace match cloche, and starting a fire will be as meditative as listening to it crackle.

Shop Now: Skeem Design Fireplace Match Cloche in Smoke, $48, skeemshop.com.

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Clear the Coffee Table

Peter Ardito

Gray Malin's two-sided "The Snow" puzzle is a daily double: Complete an aerial shot of powdery evergreens, then flip and unscramble a slopeful of colorful skiers.

Shop Now: Gray Malin "The Snow" Puzzle, $20.40, amazon.com.

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Have a Hygge Moment

Peter Ardito

Sea-buckthorn leaves handpicked by family farmers in Sweden give this tea its delicate flavor and mood-lifting, anti-inflammatory effect.

Shop Now: Ayla + MyHavtorn Happy Tea, $39 for 40 grams, aylabeauty.com.

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Steep and Retreat

Courtesy of Martha Stewart Collection

Pack leaves into this dishwasher-safe tea infuser for a well-balanced brew without any waste.

Shop Now: Martha Stewart Collection Tea Infuser, $9, macys.com.

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Make It a Movie Night

Peter Ardito

The patterned side of this blanket is camping-grade and water-repellent (otherwise known as spill-proof). The downy underside is supremely snuggly. And it's made from recycled plastic bottles.

Shop Now: Rumpl Sherpa Blanket in Nantuck'y, $129, rumpl.com.

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Set the Bar High

Courtesy of The Whisky Exchange

Subtle tropical and floral notes (lychee, rose) distinguish Suntory Hibiki Harmony whisky. Our food editors suggest sipping the Japanese blend straight, ideally with a slice of fruit tart.

Shop Now: Suntory Hibiki Harmony Whisky, $75, thewhiskyexchange.com.

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Let Cares Melt Away

Courtesy of Boska

Bubbling with Gruyère and fontina or bittersweet chocolate, this fondue set, made of heat-conducting copper, will beautifully cap off your next snow day.

Shop Now: Boska Copper and Concrete Fondue Set, $139, food52.com.

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Keep Games on Deck

Peter Ardito

Don't let this looker languish in a cabinet. The ice-blue, aqua, and navy design on Printworks' backgammon set is fit for play and display.

Shop Now: Printworks Backgammon Set, $50, westelm.com.

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Flock Together

Peter Ardito

In the addictive, gorgeously illustrated Wingspan board game, you compete to fill your aviary with exciting finds—painted buntings, prothonotary warblers, sandhill cranes—from among 170 species.

Shop Now: Wingspan Board Game, $60, stonemaiergames.com.

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