This Simple 5-Second Fix Made My Kitchen So Cozy (and Comfy!) for Fall

While my decor style leans into minimalism, I still want my home to feel cozy and inviting — especially during sweater weather. The one spot that bugs me every time the cooler months arrive is the dining area in my kitchen. This space just looks and feels … well, cold. 

I put this down to my stark, white metal dining chairs; these were an impulse purchase which I (pretty instantly) regretted. They made my already stark white kitchen feel even colder — and they weren’t very comfortable, either. Returning or replacing them was too much of a hassle, so I decided to get creative with a cozy, budget-friendly fix instead: (faux) sheepskin rugs.

The idea of draping a luxe sheepskin over your chairs is not a new one by any means; just look at these plush shearlings in Ina Garten’s kitchen. But I was still surprised by how much of an impact this quick fix had on my kitchen, and these IKEA SVINDINGE rugs are far softer and fluffier than I would expect for the price. They’ve made my cold, metal chairs much more chic — and comfier to sit on, too. 

My budget for this mini makeover was pretty small as well, so I was thrilled to find that IKEA had the perfect solution (as they often do), with the SVINDINGE rugs available at just $29.99 a piece. Though faux, these rugs have instantly cozied up my kitchen, making the space look and feel so much warmer. Plus, they’re machine washable — meaning any spills, which are almost inevitable in a kitchen, can be dealt with easily.

If you have a slightly bigger budget, though, and want to spring for the real thing, Quince sells authentic Australian Sheepskins for $79.90 each. They claim to use the highest-quality sheep’s wool for superior softness and density, and are ethically sourced from Australia and New Zealand. The only drawback with these, as with any real hide, is that a real hide is not washable — making it a riskier choice for rooms like a kitchen where spillages are likely to happen. 

Whether real or faux, this simple tip could triple your coziness factor this fall. Grab one on your next IKEA trip and see for yourself!