POV: You Created the Cozy Bedroom of Your Dreams, Thanks to These 8 Editor-Beloved Must-Haves

First up: A candle I return to winter after winter. As soon as the sun sets—in late afternoon, mind you—I light this beauty and wait 20 minutes for the fragrance to transform my apartment into (what I imagine as) an old-world library filled with leather armchairs and glowing lamplight. The blend of rich amber, spices and precious woods creates an all-enveloping aroma—like wrapping yourself in a fur blanket (see number two on this list) by a crackling fire. Plus, its compact 6.5-ounce vessel also makes it perfect for medium-sized spaces, and with an impressive 50-hour burn time, it pulls its weight all season long. Whether I’m curled up with a book or hosting friends for a glass of red wine, it’s my go-to candle for setting a luxe cozy vibe that lasts me from December through February.

The first time I unpacked this blanket, I had to double-check if it was weighted—it’s that plush and thick. Its ultra-soft faux fur pile feels impossibly luxurious, like something you’d find draped over a designer sofa in a Montana ski lodge. And while the website doesn’t list the weight, I’d guess it’s easily 15 pounds, maybe closer to 20—it’s HEAVY. I keep the oversized version (80 inches by 60 inches) on my couch, where it’s perfect for curling up with a book and a steaming mug of chai. The walnut color also adds a touch of rich warmth to my neutral winter white decor, making it as stylish as it is functional. The cherry on top? It doesn’t shed or pill, even after multiple washes. Just toss it into a cold, gentle cycle and tumble dry low—surprisingly practical for something so indulgent.

No winter ritual feels complete without the comforting whistle of this tea kettle on my stove. Hand-painted with MacKenzie-Childs’ signature check pattern in soft, smoky grays, it looks like a functional work of art. The clear glass knob and brass accents add just the right amount of charm—think vintage elegance meets modern flair. Its 2-quart capacity is also perfect for brewing enough hot water to fill multiple cups of tea, cocoa or whatever cozy drink that’s getting me through frosty evenings. Plus, it gets a serious workout in the winter—and the heavy-gauge steel construction heats evenly while feeling substantial enough to last through generations. 

Made from 100 percent recycled post-consumer polyester, this robe is as soft as a cloud and feels like the perfect hybrid between my coziest blankets and favorite loungewear. The relaxed fit, complete with wide sleeves and a removable tie belt, makes it great for layering over pajamas or tossing on post-shower for extra warmth. And let’s not overlook the front pockets—big enough to stash your phone or a pair of lip balms. I live in it from December through March—whether I’m sipping my first cup of coffee while watching the snow fall or winding down with a nighttime tea ritual. Bonus: It’s held up after years of wear and washing—I toss it in the wash and it comes out of the dryer pill-free and good as new (tumble dry low). 

Here, my secret weapon for pulling off everything from a hearty chili to a velvety butternut squash bisque. At 5.5 quarts, this pot is roomy enough to whip up big batches (because leftovers are non-negotiable in my apartment), and its lightweight design makes it easy to maneuver even when it’s filled to the brim. The ceramic nonstick coating is a game-changer—it cleans up in seconds, no matter how many veggies, noodles or spices I’ve simmered into oblivion. And since it’s oven-safe up to 450 degrees, I can go from stovetop to oven without skipping a beat—and the self-basting lid comes with a built-in strainer, so draining pasta or rinsing beans becomes one less hassle. I have mine in the prettiest shade of blue, which adds a pop of color to my otherwise neutral kitchen and makes it as Instagram-worthy as it is functional. 

Working from home has its perks—like the luxury of staying in bed a little longer than I probably should. And this tassel velvet lumbar pillow? It’s one of the main reasons I can’t seem to get up and moving. At 14 inches by 40 inches, it’s not just a pretty accent piece—the feather-and-down fill is perfectly packed to keep my lower back comfortably propped, striking that ideal balance between softness and firmness. It’s also sturdy enough to hold its shape without sinking, making it perfect for mornings when I’m sitting against my headboard, laptop open, powering through a story. The best part is that it’s crafted from plush velvet, so it instantly upgrades your bedscape, and the playful tassels on each corner add a little extra flair. Mine is in natural which pairs beautifully with my neutral bedding, but the other color options—blush, light gray, sage and white—are just as inviting.

When it’s below freezing outside, nothing beats stepping out of the shower and wrapping yourself in a warm, toasty towel. With a 20-liter capacity, this towel warmer is large enough to heat up two oversized bath towels (or even your robe, socks, or favorite throw blanket), making it a winter essential in my bathroom. The even heat distribution means there are no cold spots—just all-over warmth that feels indulgent every time—and the built-in timer lets me choose between 15, 30, 45 or 60 minutes of heating before it automatically shuts off. It even has built-in cord storage to keep things neat and tidy—a small but thoughtful detail I didn’t know I needed until I used it. Trust me when I say once you try this, there’s no going back to cold towels.

Finally, another splurge-worthy blanket that I can’t recommend enough. This 50-inch by 70-inch throw is made from a quality blend of alpaca and merino wool, and its handwoven, basketweave construction offers a Goldilocks level of warmth—not so thin that you’re still itching for a sweater, but not so thick that you start sweating immediately. More importantly, it doesn’t have the scratchy feel I’d typically expect from a high-end wool. I was surprised by just how smoothly the alpaca wool glides on the skin—and its softness is almost comparable to a smooth sherpa or fleece. Not only has it held up with daily use in my apartment—whether draped over the sofa in the living room or used as an extra layer over my coverlet—but the elegant fringe has also managed to keep its shape without getting tatty.