Homeware essentials for more relaxed living

Lilly Gidney
May 6
2 min read

How to make your room feel more like home

I’ve been thinking more about how a space can make you feel instead of just how it looks. Not perfectly styled or overly curated, but lived-in and comfortable.

It’s never been about completely redecorating or buying everything new. It’s more about small additions, such as the kinds of things that quietly change the atmosphere of a room and make it feel more like somewhere you want to spend time.

This blog post will list a few things I’ve noticed make the biggest difference.

Soft, instead of harsh lighting

The quickest way to change the mood of a room is lighting. Overhead lights can feel quite stark, especially in the evening, whereas softer lighting instantly makes a space feel calmer.

Lamps, wire fairy lights, or even a pink salt lamp can create a more relaxed environment without much effort. It’s less about brightness and more about the feeling it creates.

When it comes to shopping for these items, you can purchase a really high-end version or pick something up from your local supermarket. For example, George at Asda has some really affordable lamps at the moment.

Lamps available online at direct.asda.com

Textures that make a space feel lived-in

There’s always been something about layering different textures that makes a room feel more comfortable and cosy. Blankets, cushions, rugs and even slightly textured bedding all add to that sense of ease.

It stops a space from feeling too “done” or untouchable, and instead makes it feel like somewhere you can properly relax. Pieces such as rugs make a room feel warmer, especially when you're renting and don't have carpet.

All items are available at dunelm.com

Things you actually use, left out

Not everything needs to be put away and hidden. Sometimes the things you reach for every day, such as books, skincare, a water bottle, and a notebook, make a space feel more personal when they’re visible.

It’s less about creating a perfect layout and more about letting your space reflect how you actually live in it. Having perfumes or jewellery on display is a great way to start this, showing off some of your favourite things makes a room a lot more special and unique to you.

All items are available at next.co.uk

Small personal details

Photos, postcards, and little objects you’ve collected over time dotted around your room are really special. These are often the things that make a space feel like yours.

They don’t need to match or follow a theme. If anything, it’s better when they don’t. Also, accessorising with different frames or notice boards as a way of displaying these items is a good way to add more textures and colours to your room.

All photo frames are available at habitat.co.uk

Making a space feel like home isn’t about getting everything absolutely perfect. It's also not about going to the fanciest and most expensive homeware store either. It’s more about creating an environment that feels easy to be in, somewhere that doesn’t require too much thought.

The small changes usually have the biggest impact in a small space like a bedroom.

And often, it’s less about adding more and more and noticing what already makes you feel comfortable and building around that.