Christopher Patey/Burnham Design
A day bed located in the center of the room provides additional seating for guests.
Ikea
If it's in your budget, a new couch is perfect for naps. Ikea's Kivik sectional can be reconfigured a lot of different ways; it's hardy, comfy and versatile for a family room.
Room Service Home / The Associated Press
You’ll feel better about movie nights knowing guests are using sidetables for their snacks.
The year is practically over. We successfully got through the December grind, the holiday parties, the Christmas festivities and the overindulgent eating. Tomorrow we ring in the new year and, if you’re lucky, there’s nothing on the agenda but to unwind, relax and recharge for the year ahead. Cue lots of Netflix and sofa naps.
Anyone partial to the sofa nap can attest there is an art to spending an afternoon doing absolutely nothing — and it all starts with having an extra-cosy living room in which to laze around guilt-free. So whether you’re switching channels solo or having a movie marathon avec famille, these are the tricks that will make your living room feel ultra cosy. What you’ll need: pillows, throws, side tables and a whole lot of Stranger Things episodes.
Pile on the pillows
Pillows to rest your head on when a Netflix binge turns into a Netflix nap — or to rest your feet on when you’re tired of sitting up straight — are the foundation of a cosy living room. If you don’t want to buy pillows, repurpose some from around the house. You can relocate them back to their original spot once the holidays are over, but an investment in some floor pillows will also make great extra seating for guests.
Light a fire
Nothing says holiday movie marathon quite like the flickering of a fireplace. If you don’t have the luxury of a hearth, try a woodfire-scented candle to re-create the cosy smell and feel of an afternoon by the fire.
Supersize your sofa
If you’re considering a sofa upgrade, opt for an extra-deep one that’s both great for entertaining larger crowds and nap-friendly.
While you don’t want your sofa to overpower your space, you also don’t want one that’s too small or too narrow to be comfortable.
Multiply your seating
If switching sofas isn’t an option but you know you’re having multiple guests around, make sure everyone has a place to sit.
From lounge chairs to ottomans or even floor cushions, every solution counts as long as it’s comfortable.
Add texture
Beyond pillows, you can layer different textures to help make your space feel extra cosy.
Think soft rugs, throws, blankets and pillows — all of which will add to the comfort factor that will contribute to your ultimate lazy day.
Collect cosy throws
This is especially important when extended family is around. Keep a stash of throws and blankets for everyone to use. Nothing is worse than sharing a blanket with your sibling and having them consistently steal it from you. To each their own.
Black it out
If you want to really give your living room a cosy feeling, nothing accomplishes that quite as easily as painting the walls a dark, moody colour. Whether pitch black, blue-grey or forest green, a darker colour will make you want to hunker down and truly unwind from the busy year you’ve had.
Appoint accent tables
Lastly, make sure everyone involved in your Netflix binge has a side table for their drinks and popcorn bowls. You’ll be thankful when no glasses are spilled because someone was balancing it awkwardly on a sofa armrest.
— Tribune Media
