The La-Z-Boy guide to a cosy Christmas

With just days to go before Christmas, there’s still time to make your home extra cosy ready for the big day.

Whether you’re having guests over to celebrate the festivities with you or you’re looking forward to spending time snuggled up away from the cold, there are plenty of reasons to add some cosy comfort to your living room.

Here are our top tips for the ultimate cosy Christmas:

1. Add some warmth
   
   It’s hard to feel cosy when you’re cold so add some blankets, throws and rugs to your living room to help you feel warm without cranking up the thermostat (although there’s no crime in turning up the heating either – it is Christmas after all!) If you’re not lucky enough to have your own roaring log fire to curl up in front of, heated throws and electric blankets can make sure you stay nice and warm while watching your favourite Christmas film. La-Z-Boy even makes collections which come with the option of adding heated seats for subtle warmth to make sure you can chill out without ever feeling the chill. The power recliners in our Mayfield, Bella and Douglas ranges are all available with heated seats as an optional add-on.
   
   
2. Soften your lighting
   
   Avoid harsh, bright lighting if you’re going for a cosy atmosphere in your home. Using lamps rather than the main light can help create a more relaxing mood and choose Christmas lights which are warm, golden colours rather than cool whites or blues. Having a dimmer switch can be an effective way of making your living room seem cosier but if you don’t have one, don’t worry. Simply swapping your lightbulbs for ones which give a softer glow will make the world of difference. Many LED lights can seem very harsh and bright so look for products which describe themselves as warm white. Going for a bulb with a lower watt will mean it is less bright. And if you use energy-saving lightbulbs, brightness is measured in lumens (lm) so choose a bulb with a lower number. Typically, the dimmest on the market is around 200 lm, while the brightest goes all the way up to around 1525 lm. Remember, you can always add some more lamps or use a reading light or spotlight for those moments where you need to see more clearly. Some La-Z-Boy UK sofas, including Dixie, come with the option of adding a console unit, which includes discreet reading lights, which can be folded away when not in use.
   
3. Embrace festive aromas
   
   Make your home smell like Christmas with scented candles or wax melts. Candles are also a great way to add some mood lighting to your living room, but you may prefer to go for something without a flame for safety. Pot pourri, reed diffusers and flowers can also give your home a pleasant aroma without being overpowering. Scents which will make your home seem festive include orange, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, pine needles and gingerbread. Look out for Christmas-themed products with festive fragrances to give your home a welcoming, seasonal scent.
   
   
4. Create intimate seating arrangements
   
   Help your living room seem cosy and welcoming by arranging the seating so it is easy for you, your family and any guests to enjoy quality time together. Corner sofas are great for celebrations and also for snuggling up with your nearest and dearest and staying out of the cold. Love seats are smaller than two-seater sofas but perfect for cuddling up close to your partner. If you have a large open-plan living space, make sure your seating isn’t too far apart – you may want to create different zones so you have distinct and separate areas to relax, work and eat.
   
   
5. Reach for the accessories
   
   Layering your sofas and chairs with different textures will add to the feeling of cosiness in your living room. Mix and match fabrics like felt, wool, fleece and faux fur for a luxurious and indulgent effect and make sure you have plenty of cushions. Pyjamas, winter loungewear, thick socks and slippers will help you sit back, put your feet up and really enjoy a lazy moment this Christmas.