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13 Winter Home Essentials to Help You Through Short, Dark Days

These short winter days can be such a MOOD, but we’re sharing the items in our home that make these cold weather months bearable.

Stay Inside a While

I might be optimistic, but I like to start my spring countdown right around this time of year. I think to myself, We only have 2 months left of cold! Maybe 3, but close enough. These short, dark days can be so brutal, that we rarely leave the block – scratch that, the street – unless we absolutely have to. Walking back and forth across the street to hang out with our friends and neighbors is what gets us through, and it reminds us that we are whole human beings that need to interact with other whole human beings. Go figure!

This resource was originally published in January of 2023 and has been fully updated. We hope it provides you with inspiration to take on your own projects to create a home you love. For more, you can view every post according to house and room right here. Thank you for enjoying our virtual home!

After the holidays, I love bustling about the house, ‘cozying’ it up. A few extra pillows here, a fluffy fleece thrown over the arm chair, musky incense ready to go with a lighter nearby. In other words, survival mode for the next 3 months, as we count down to warmer weather.

To be fair, there is beauty during these winter months, too! Playing board games with a bottle of wine and good friends is so good for the soul! Hearty chilis, stews and pans of homemade macaroni and cheese are a given. Low, evening light on the lamps throughout the house is a vibe, and thick socks under the covers feels downright luxurious. We’re sharing our favorite winter home essentials below!


Winter Home Essentials

1. Amber + Moss Incense Sticks

It’s no secret we love candles, incense and our AromaTech, and I have new scent you must try! I’m a big fan of PF Candle Co, and Amber & Moss is a staple in our home. Pair it with this incense holder!

2. 15 oz Bistro Glass Mug

These were an investment when creating our beverage station, but we use them every. single. morning! The jumbo size feels nice while cupping my hands around my coffee, and the double walled glass keeps my drink warmer, longer.

3. Large Norfolk Island Pine

We scored a Norfolk pine off of Marketplace, and it was just what we needed to (quite literally) ‘spruce’ up the living room! Our Norfolk has the softest needles, a deep green color, and from what we hear, it’ll grow quickly, too! This one is delivered right to your front door.

4. Cooling Sleep Eye Mask

I have raved about my new eye mask every day since I received it. During nighttime meditation, I lay this across my eyes, and it provides a weighted AND cooling effect. It’s an instant stress reducer, and I now understand the 20,000 5-star reviews!

5. HEATTECH Crew Mellow Socks

Uniqlo has, hands down, the best knit socks. There, I said it. Stock up before they sell out!

6. Farley Pin-Up Sconce

We recently swapped our floor lamp for a pair of these sconces, and our living room is such a vibe now! Lamps are essential to make the home feel extra cozy, and when you pair any lamp with #8, it’s a sure winner.

7. Channel Orange by Frank Ocean

This album has been on repeat in our home for years, and it was recently re-released on vinyl – and yes, we pounced. Think: smooth R&B mixed with nostalgia and comfort.

8. Smart Dimmer and Remote Kit

Plug your lamp into this smart dimmer and remote kit, and – voila! – instant mood. It couldn’t be easier, and trust me when I say that every lamp and light in your home should be on a dimmer.

9. 5.2qt Nonstick Stock Pot

Newer version of Scott’s favorite stockpot for his famous chilis and soups! We invested in the whole GreenPan system (similar) when we renovated our kitchen, and we couldn’t love it more. Ceramic, non-stick, and works with induction beautifully. Scoop this one up while it’s on sale!

10. Ultra Soft Faux Fur Throw

This ultra soft blanket is the stuff of dreams. It’s large enough that it can be tossed on the foot of the bed, or better yet, it’s the perfect size for cuddling on the sofa with your favorite people.

11. Pure Enrichment Cool Mist Humidifier

We’ve been on the hunt for a humidifier that won’t make ev-er-y-thing around it soaking wet, and THIS IS IT. An essential winter accessory for your bedroom!

12. Bedsure King Comforter Insert

I can’t explain the price, but this budget duvet insert is worth the hype! It’s fluffy, warm and currently tucked into our bed at The Red House.

13. Heathered Cashmere Sheet Set

Pair it with the heathered cashmere sheets from Brooklinen! These are the softest sheets to touch your skin, like sleeping in a cloud. This sheet set is a staple for our winter bedding!


What would you add to the list? See also: this winter cheer kit and our favorite winter candles to burn all season long!

by Kim

One half of Yellow Brick Home. Big on the details, a stickler for a flawless caulk line, and your go-to girl for making undertones make sense.

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  • Judi1.23.24 - 10:55 PM

    It is against my religion ever to point out a spelling error on a site I love, but … I got to “playing bard games” and started laughing as I imagined my spouse and I and our friends sitting around trying to out-Shakespeare each other. “That was sonnet 142!” “No, it was 36!” “No, it was the witches’ scene from the Scottish play!” “No, Prospero’s speech from The Tempest!” I admit my nerdiness … and I needed the laugh. Thank you!ReplyCancel

  • Julie1.25.26 - 5:29 PM

    We really embrace watching movies this time of year. It’s always movie night and movies start at 4:30pm when it gets dark. But we are on the up and up now; spring, please come quickly!ReplyCancel

    • Scott1.26.26 - 11:50 AM

      Yes! We watched a TON of movies over the holiday break. Always fun finding a gem that the whole family loves.ReplyCancel

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Kim and Scott

We’re Kim + Scott, Chicago based content creators behind the Home + Lifestyle brand Yellow Brick Home.

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