9 Ways to make a large room feel extra warm and cosy

Big rooms can be beautiful – the high ceilings, the sense of openness, all that natural light. But without the right touches, they can also feel a little too grand, a bit echoey, and not exactly inviting.

The good news? It doesn’t take a full renovation to bring warmth and cosiness into a large space. With a few clever tricks and a bit of layering, you can turn even the biggest room into a homely haven.

Use bigger furniture

It might seem counterintuitive, but in a big room, small furniture can make everything feel even more disconnected. Go for larger, chunkier pieces – a generous sofa, deep armchairs, an oversized ottoman. They’ll help fill the space without making it feel cluttered. Think plush and comfy, not stiff and formal.

Warm up your lighting

Swap harsh overhead lights for table and floor lamps, wall sconces or even fairy lights. Warm-toned bulbs (think soft white, not bright white) make all the difference in how a space feels at night. Layer your lighting to create glow in every corner.

Fill the walls

Blank walls can leave a room feeling cold and empty. Fill them with art you love, framed photographs, woven hangings, or even a gallery wall of small prints. If you’re not into art, consider adding shelves with books, plants, or collected treasures.

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Break it up

Rather than treating the room as one big block, try creating smaller zones for different activities. A reading corner with a floor lamp and armchair. A games area with a table and two chairs. Maybe even a tucked-away spot for morning coffee. Rugs are a great way to define these spaces without putting up walls.

Mix it up

Cosiness comes from character – not perfection. Add personality by mixing fabrics, colours, and styles. Pair modern lighting with vintage furniture. Throw a patterned blanket over a plain sofa. Use mismatched cushions in soft, textured fabrics. The more lived-in and layered it feels, the warmer the room becomes.

Start with a focal point

Every cosy space needs an anchor – a spot that draws the eye and invites you in. It could be a fireplace, a picture window, or even a statement coffee table. Once you know where the heart of the room is, you can arrange your seating around it. This helps ground the space and makes it feel more connected.

Soften the edges

Tall ceilings and wide walls can feel stark, so soften them up with textiles. Curtains that pool on the floor, thick rugs underfoot, woven throws draped over the couch – all of these add warmth and absorb sound. It’s about adding comfort you can feel and see.

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Bring in nature

Natural elements help soften large rooms and make them feel grounded. Wooden furniture, woven baskets, leafy plants, stoneware – these earthy textures bring life and warmth into the space without overpowering it.

Add something personal

The cosiest rooms are the ones that reflect the people who live in them. Display your favourite books. Put out the board games you love playing. Keep a basket of blankets by the couch for chilly evenings. These personal touches turn a space from styled to lived-in – and that’s the goal.

A large room doesn’t need to feel formal or untouchable. With a few thoughtful changes and some creative styling, you can transform it into a space that feels just right – welcoming, layered, and unmistakably yours.

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