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Feather Your Nest for Winter With These Cozy Finds

I have one thing on my mind this month – it’s not a resolution, a plan to get organized, or even an inevitable yearning for spring. It’s cozying up in my bed or on the sofa with the warmest blankets and softest pillows I can get my hands on. Light a candle or ten, add a few floor rugs for an extra layer of warmth and I’m set through at least April. If you’re looking to do the same, I’ve rounded up some of the best nesting essentials I’ve found yet: bedding, throw blankets, pillows, rugs, and candles that will help pull you through these chilly dark days (and nights) with the utmost comfort.

overhead photo of off white quilt and pillow shams

Velvet Quilt + Sham Set by Casper

Luxuriously soft and indulgent to lay under, this quilt and sham set is made from 100% cotton velvet. The textured pattern is subtle and plays nicely with both the Oatmilk and Bourbon colorways it comes in.

light-skinned woman sleeping on white pillow

Hybrid Pillow by Casper

This side sleeper has spent most of her life looking for the perfect pillow. It’s taken several decades, but I’ve finally found it in Casper’s Hybrid Pillow that uses three layers of memory foam to keep its squishy-yet-firm feel. Normally I’d sleep horribly on a new pillow for the first few nights, but with the Hybrid Pillow it was the best I’d had in months.

person holding up black and white quilt

Canopy Quilt Throw by Anchal Project

Hand-quilted in Ajmer, India using six layers of super soft organic cotton, the Canopy Quilt Throw found its inspiration in Indian culture and art deco. Wrap yourself in it this winter, then display it on your wall during warmer months – functional art!

bed with pink-brown bedding

Linen Sheet Set with Pillowcases in Cinnamon by Cultiver

Pre-washed, pure woven linen sourced from European flax will feel like you’ve been breaking in these sheets for years. The beautiful chambray look of this Cinnamon hue (12+ other colors are available) uses two different colors of yarn woven together for a more textured look. It really is the perfect shade of pinkish-brown.

jar candle styled with white vessels and greenery

Self Care Mint + Eucalyptus Candle by Anecdote Candles

If you’re looking for a scent to unwind with I have one for you: mint + eucalyptus. Notes of citrus, verbena, and mint leaf will help you relax and unwind with the help of base notes from lavender, moss, and eucalyptus. The hand-poured coconut-soy wax blend will give you 40 to 50 hours of burn time with great scent throw.

bed with black and white bedding and pillows

Grid Stitch Black and White Bedding by Anchal Project

One hundred percent eco-friendly GOTS certified organic cotton takes your bedding to the next level. Soft and luxurious, a delicate grid stitch makes the large pattern feel cozy and modern.

bed with lavender and white bedding, bench, and black and white rug

Haag Rug by Carret Design

Made from econyl, a material made from recycled plastic ocean waste, the Haag Rug is 100% recycled and recyclable. It features a graphic black and white abstract lines pattern that will have no problem settling in with your home’s aesthetic.

green velvet knot pillow on black chair

Emerald Green Velvet Knot Pillow by Knots-Studio

Whether it finds its spot sitting in your favorite reading chair or as your new cuddle buddy in bed, this velvet throw pillow is equal parts comfort and luxury. Stylish and soft, you won’t want to let it go.

black and white throw blanket

Noir Celestial Black Throw Blanket by Casa Amarosa

Ethically made in India and hand block printed by master artisans, this throw blanket is made with 100% slub cotton. The modern design and fringed ends will add that extra touch to wherever your next nap is taking place.

jar candle on white background

Cinnamon Chai Candle by Detroit Rose

On days when you’re searching for a little bit more warmth, light this candle with notes of vanilla, cardamom, cinnamon, and ginger. The hand-poured indulgence is made with additive-free soy wax that will burn for more than 66 hours.

black and white geometric throw pillow

Black and Cream Interconnection Pillow by Jillian Rene Decor

Handmade in the USA, this linen pillow cover is designed and handcrafted in Richmond, Virginia. The high contrast design pairs with just about every aesthetic, and scores extra points with minimalists out there.

red throw blanket with plus sign pattern wrapped around person

Eco Scatter Cross Throw by Kelly Harris Smith

Part of the Saturday Green collection, the scattered mini crosses throw is available in a trio of color options to cozy up with. Kelly Harris Smith specializes in organic, sustainable interior design, carrying it over into this blanket that’s made of 75% recycled cotton and 25% polyester that’s also mostly recycled.

geometric bath rug on white background

Mendocino Moon Jelly Bath Rug by Quiet Town

It may be meant to for the bath, but I wouldn’t hesitate to put this geometric Kilim rug next to my bed to avoid cold feet on winter mornings. Hand-woven and hand-dyed, the cotton floor rug was named after the coastal California town of the same name and is just as lovely.

off white abstract candle

Fortis Candle by Nlumec

Defined as strong, powerful, and firm, the Fortis Candle takes after its name. Its contemplative shape is made of a 100% natural, ethically sourced beeswax blend, and looks equally as good lit as it does unlit.

blue and white throw pillow on white backgrouond

Peak I Pillow by SSEN

Made in Brooklyn, New York, this handwoven throw pillow will add a shot of contemporary style to your space. Texture, color, and depth are unique in each thanks to the small batches the pillows are made in, including but not limited to indigo, cochineal, turmeric, avocado, acorn, hibiscus, and madder root. And you can rest assured that the down pillow insert uses responsibly sourced and certified feathers when you lay your head on it.

terracotta bedding

Organic Cotton Luxury Sheet Set in Terracotta by Nest Bedding

Available in three other colors, this terracotta sheet set just says spice and warmth to me – and what else could you want in the middle of January? Thoughtfully sourced and made responsibly, they’ll only get softer with washing and use. Bonus: the pillowcases have that brilliant internal sleeve that keeps your pillow in place!

blue and yellow throw rug in light blue space with person's legs

Jamakhan Stripe Rug by Tiipoi

For those especially overcast days there’s the Jamakhan Stripe Rug that comes in grey and yellow or pink and yellow. Inspired by the bold floor coverings of Bhavani, a town in the Erode district of Tamil Nadu, this hand-dyed cotton addition to your space will add a spot of brightness.

>>> Want to see more? Check out the other bedding, throw blankets, pillows, rugs, and candles in the Design Milk Shop! <<<

Kelly Beall is Director of Branded Content at Design Milk. The Pittsburgh-based writer and designer has had a deep love of art and design for as long as she can remember, from Fashion Plates to MoMA and far beyond. When not searching out the visual arts, she's likely sharing her favorite finds with others. Kelly can also be found tracking down new music, teaching herself to play the ukulele, or on the couch with her three pets – Bebe, Rainey, and Remy. Find her @designcrush on social.