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The opinions expressed in this article are the writer’s own and do not reflect the views of Her Campus.
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Tampa chapter.

With the start of this fall season, I have found myself seeking out anything that provides me comfort. Fuzzy blankets, warm cups of chai tea, deliciously scented candles, knitted socks…should I keep going? As a college student, finding ways to relax and feel calm is vital for my mental clarity. This has led me to discover that maximizing comfort within my environment actually increases my productivity and helps me unwind at the end of the day. As a result, I have revamped my bedroom through what I like to call the art of coziness. 

The art of coziness is not complex. In fact, creating a cozy space is quite easy and can be achieved with items that you probably already own. The magic of coziness relies heavily on your own individual preferences, so be sure to customize this guide in order to better match your own personal design taste.

Create Ambiance with Lighting

Lighting can determine the entire mood of your bedroom. In order to maximize coziness, it is important to keep overhead lights off and provide multiple sources of warm lighting. Fairy/string lights and soft lamps are perfect for creating an intimate and calming mood while also serving as cute decorations. In my bedroom, I keep a Himalayan salt lamp, a rainbow-colored oil diffuser, and a lamp shaped like a mushroom. As long as you utilize warm lighting and stay away from ceiling lights, you can easily create the right ambiance.

Add Anything and Everything That is Soft and Fuzzy

This step is pretty self-explanatory. When I think of the word cozy, the first thing that comes to my mind is a comfy bed with fluffy blankets and stuffed animals (yes, even as an adult). Using this vision, I have incorporated blankets and stuffed animals into my decor. The key is to place them on your bed and throughout your room. Chairs, storage bins, and shelves look way cuter with these cozy items. If you need more inspiration, feel free to look through Pinterest.

Utilize Calming Scents

The art of coziness appeals to all of your senses. This is why it is important to make sure your room smells just as good as it looks. In fact, scents can actually alter your entire mindset. If you have an oil diffuser, be sure to incorporate oils such as lavender, sandalwood, and orange. These oils can help ease anxiety and promote relaxation. You can also use candles to encourage a similar outcome. Since it’s fall, you might want to use scents like pumpkin spice, apple, or brown sugar vanilla.

Play Background Noises

Another easy way to make your room cozier is to play background noises. This step depends on whether you want to be productive or if you simply need to relax. To promote productivity, I like to play Lofi music or an instrumental vinyl on my record player. If you want to relax, you can play your favorite show/movie, zen nature sounds, or even frequencies in order to maintain a meditative mindset. Silence can often be unsettling, so using subtle, calming background noises can help add an extra element of coziness.

Add Personalized Decor Items

The last step to achieving coziness is to simply customize your room. When you are surrounded by items that you enjoy, it is easier to stay in a positive mindset. Be sure to decorate your walls with posters, art, or pictures that make you truly feel at home. For some more ideas, you can also add knickknacks, plants, crystals, and anything that makes you happy. As long as you don’t fill your room with too much clutter, your space will start to feel like your own cozy sanctuary.

“Ah! There is nothing like staying at home, for real comfort.”

Jane Austen
Megan Kelly is a writer for Her Campus at the University of Tampa chapter. Focusing mostly on entertainment and lifestyle tips, Megan publishes an array of opinion articles on the site that help readers find anything from new shows to watch to tips for waking up early. Her writing gravitates towards a combination of both trendy topics and whatever she is obsessed with at the moment. Outside of Her Campus, Megan is a junior at the University of Tampa. She is majoring in Advertising and Public Relations, with a concentration in Creative Advertising. She hopes to one day pursue a career as a copywriter or graphic designer within the advertising field. Experienced in digital design softwares, such as Adobe platforms, Megan is interested in all things related to visual media content. From creating designs for her Redbubble shop or designing children’s books, Megan hopes to continue utilizing her digital design skills. In her free time, Megan can often be seen wearing headphones and listening to music genres ranging from indie-pop to 70’s classic rock. Her love of music inspired her to play guitar, learning from artists like Bob Dylan and Hozier. Besides music, Megan also loves watching tv shows and movies, drawing in her sketchbook, exploring nature, and drinking coffee.