A cozy throw sitting on a couch

During the winter season, with the sun setting earlier, you may find that you're feeling a mild case of the mid-winter blues. It’s hard to be happy all the time, especially when the weather is cold and dreary. But don’t fret! At Apartments.com we know a thing or two about creating the perfect apartment sanctuary to help you brighten your mood. 

Invest in mood lighting

a warmly lit living room

With the sun setting earlier in the day, your apartment may become gloomy looking due to the lack of light. To combat this, consider investing in some lamps and string lights to brighten up your apartment. You could even invest in some smart bulbs, which you can install into any lamp. Smart bulbs can be controlled with your smartphone, and you can change the color of the lights along with the brightness.

Let the natural light in

a brightly lit white room

Even though the sun sets earlier during the winter months, it’s important to let the light in while the sun is still up. To make sure you are letting natural light into your apartment, open your blinds and curtains. If you have blackout curtains, get some sheer curtains to ensure you are always letting in the natural light.

Embrace the darkness

a dimly lit room

Can’t escape the darkness of the winter? Well then, you might as well embrace it! Once the sun sets at 4 p.m., light some candles and get cozy on the couch or in your bed with warm blankets. Once you’re all cozied up, get some popcorn and your favorite candy and have a movie night!

Another way to embrace the darkness is by lighting some candles and having an at-home spa evening. To do this, all you need are some face masks, bath salts, candles, and nail polish. Once you have collected all the supplies, give yourself a facial and a manicure or pedicure. Aromatherapy is a great mood-lifter, so try scented candles or put your favorite scented oil in a diffuser. An at-home spa night is a great way to turn your apartment into a mid-winter sanctuary.

Create a cozy retreat

A quaint neutral living room

Another way you can boost your mood is by creating a cozy retreat right in your apartment! To create a warm wonderland, go to a home decor store and pick up some blankets, pillows, and maybe a rug or two. By creating the perfect comfy sanctuary in your apartment, your home will not only feel more relaxing, but you'll also enjoy spending more time indoors. Once you’re done creating your cozy retreat, share it! Invite your friends over for a movie or game night.

Bring mother nature indoors

a yellow watering pale over sunlit plants

Finally, invest in some house plants. House plants will help your apartment feel greener and brighter, plus they’ll force you to bring even more natural light into your apartment. If you don’t have a green thumb, don’t worry, there are plenty of easy plants to take care of such as snake plants, pathos, spider plants, and air plants. Just make sure the plants you choose aren’t toxic to pets if you have any.  

Once the holidays are over and the short, cold winter days settle in to stay a while, turning your apartment into a sanctuary can improve your mood while sprucing up your home.

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Helen Ann Wells

Hi! I'm Helen Ann Wells, a content writer at Apartments.com. Having lived in three different rental properties over the past two years, I bring a wealth of knowledge about the ins and outs of renting. When I'm not writing, you'll often find me immersed in a novel, catching up on the latest TV drama, or spending quality time with my friends and family.

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