The antidote to chilly winter weather? Slow activities like curling up indoors and staying warm by a fireplace, or taking a long, luxurious bath. There are also design elements that can help create cozy surroundings to provide maximum comfort when temperatures drop. Here are a few ways to set the mood for coziness.

Natural Finishes

Lodges and ski chalets create coziness through the use of warm wood elements—both in their structure and as decorative accents. Rich hardwood floors, ceiling beams, mantels, and rustic furniture that shows wood’s natural beauty all contribute to a hygge environment.

Warm Up

No winter home is complete without a fireplace. Whether gas, electric, or wood-burning, it’s a sensory experience that provides immediate warmth, especially after a day spent on the slopes. Pair with fuzzy textiles, like plush blankets and pillows, for an extra snug setup while gathering around the hearth.

Accent Lighting

When the days are shorter and natural light is scarce, embrace the darkness and create ambience through soft indoor accent lighting. Well-placed floor lamps, dimmable overhead lights, and candles can set the mood instantly.

Soak It In

There’s nothing more relaxing than a long, hot soak in a bathtub in the wintertime. Try a freestanding tub—especially one that’s vintage inspired—or even an outdoor spa or sauna for enjoying an ultimate warming effect while taking in snowy views.

Observe the Landscape

Embrace magical outdoor views from the comfort of a home with plenty of windows. Glimpses of snow-covered mountains, forests, and lakes makes for a peak winter wonderland experience.

Staying warm and cozy indoors when it’s cold outside is one of the great joys of winter weather. With these ideas for creating coziness, set the mood at home for warmth, joy and light.

Find even more inspiration for staying warm with these five homes with distinctive fireplaces.