29 things to keep you warm in your apartment this winter
Photo by Gaelle Marcel on Unsplash
Winters in New York City can be brutal, with even our notoriously hot, steam-heated apartments feeling uncomfortable during a cold snap. Thankfully, there are several ways to stay warm in your home, and we’ve researched the best products to keep you toasty during this frigid season. From thick throw blankets and cozy rugs to a towel warmer, these are the best items to keep you warm all winter long.
All of these products have been hand-selected by team 6sqft. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these affiliate links. All prices reflect those at the time of publishing.
Cozy bedding, throws, & rugs
Not only does this beautiful throw blanket look good, but it also does good. For every blanket purchased from Sackcloth & Ashes, the company donates one to a homeless shelter. The oversized throw is warm, too, crafted in Italy and made with thick fabric. The blanket is available in a variety of colors and patterns but we see this striped, neutral-colored one complementing a wide range of apartment aesthetics. Sackcloth & Ashes Sand And Blue Striped Throw Blanket, $100, World Market |
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A weighted blanket can produce a calming effect. This one is handmade, and it’s a 100 percent natural cotton chunky knit that’s machine washable. The 72” x 40” weighted blanket is available in 8 lb, 12 lb, and 15 lb sizes, and three luscious colors: blueberry, gray, and light gray. California Design 100% Cotton Chunky Knit Weighted Blanket, $160, Amazon |
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Just thinking about climbing into bed under these flannel sheets is enough to warm you up. They’re made of 100 percent GOTS-certified organic cotton flannel, with a double-brushed finish on both sides. The sheet set is warm, yet breathable, and resists fading, staining, shedding, and wrinkling. It includes a flat sheet, fitted sheet, and two pillowcases, and is available in over a dozen color choices. Mellanni 100% Organic Cotton Flannel Sheets, $50, Amazon |
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Photo: Courtesy of Brooklinen | Brooklinen is a 6sqft favorite, making our list of the best sheets and bedding several years in a row. Encased in a 400-thread count, the comforter’s shell is made of cotton sateen for a super soft feel. For snugglers looking for the ultimate warmth at night, Brooklinen offers an “ultra warm” version of its down comforter, filled with Canadian Hutterite goose down. Other options include a lightweight comforter made for hot sleepers and an all-season option that can be used all year. Down Comforter, Ultra Warm, from $399, Brooklinen |
A similar but more high-end option is the Marl Moroccan Wool Rug from Design Within Reach. Hand-knotted on a manual loom by artisans in India, this rug features natural wool and a subtle pattern, adding warmth to the space literally and figuratively. It’s available in a variety of sizes, including a runner, the most affordable choice. Marl Handwoven Moroccan Wool Rug, $1,295/Sale $647, Design Within Reach |
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This comforter feels silky against your skin and is designed to keep you warm and cozy without making you overly hot. It’s made of 100% bamboo viscose and the bamboo provides temperature-regulating properties. The lightweight bamboo comforter is also OEKO-TEX certified to be free from pesticides and chemicals and it has antibacterial qualities. In addition, it can be machine-washed in cold water. Bamboo Comforter, $299/Sale $150 at Nolah |
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A rug can help to keep your feet warmer when walking around. This handwoven rug is made of 50% wool and 50% jute, and it is designed to work well in high-traffic areas. The rug is available in five sizes. Adding an ultra plush rug pad will help to keep the rug flat and smooth. Oliver Wool and Jute Rug, starting at $130 at Quince |
Tools to stay toasty
One way to ensure you’ll be warm at home: Set your thermostat to turn the heat on before you get there. You can control this one from anywhere using your smartphone, and it even has Alexa and Siri built-in. It’s also smart enough to pause heating when you leave a door or window open. Ecobee3 Lite Smart Thermostat, $144 at Amazon |
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No one wants to step out of the shower into a cold bathroom, but imagine having warm, toasty towels to envelop your body. Since this electric towel warmer mounts on your wall and plugs in, you’ll get safe, electric heat from each of the 10 stainless steel bars. The on/off switch is used to heat the bars, and they’re nice and warm in 10 to 15 minutes. It’s also good for drying your towels and can even be used to dry your reusable face masks. Amba Radiant Wall Mount Electric Towel Warmer, $570/Sale $399 at Wayfair |
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When you get home, it’s important to take those cold, wet items off and dry them. This boot and garment dryer uses forced air to dry boots, gloves, and even garments. It has removable extension tubes for long boots, but can also dry tennis shoes and other types of shoes. DryGuy DX Forced Air Boot Dryer and Garment Dryer, $90/ Sale $72, Amazon |
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If you have a window air conditioner, cold air can seep in around the sides. This indoor air conditioner cover has double insulation to keep wind and cold out. It’s easy to install, just put the cover over the AC unit and then pull the drawstring on each side to tighten. Indoor Air Conditioner Cover, $70, Wayfair |
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Another way to stop cold air from entering your apartment is by using a door draft stopper. The stopper has an adhesive backing. It’s made of non-toxic, pure silicone, designed to firmly adhere without falling off. It’s available in black, brown, gray, transparent, and white. Door Draft Stopper, $10, Amazon |
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You can clean your air and heat it at the same time with this air purifier, which can also either warm or cool your room, depending on the season. The air purifier captures dust, smoke, allergens, pet dander, fumes, and other pollutants. It also has smart features to ensure that it doesn’t overheat. Using True HEPA multi-filter layers, the air purifier traps small and large particles, and it can intelligently adjust to the selected temperature and then maintain it. Shark 3-in-1 Max Air Purifier, Heater and Fan, $400/Sale $330 at Amazon |
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If your ears tend to get cold, you might prefer headphones to earbuds. These over-ear headphones completely cover your ears, and they’re comfortable enough to wear for extended periods of time. They also use Smart Active Noise Cancellation to drown out background sounds, and battery life is 36 hours with ANC on. The dust- and water-resistant headphones are available in black, copper black, gold beige, navy, and titanium black. Jabra Elite 85h Headphones, starting at $207 at Amazon |
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In the event of a power outage, this portable power station can power a 40W heating blanket, 1150W electric stove, and a 1000W coffee maker – in addition to a 13W light, 21W refrigerator, and 60W TV. The power station can also power other items like a smartphone, laptop, or microwave. And since it recharges via solar panels (not included) or a wall outlet, it’s safe to use indoors (unlike traditional generators that rely on fossil fuels and emit fumes). Jackery Explorer 1000 Pro Portable Power Station, $1,099/Sale $769 at Jackery |
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Hot liquids can warm a cold body, and this bottle can keep coffee, tea, and other beverages hot for 12 hours (and also keep cold beverages cold for 24 hours). The outer wall is made of 304 stainless steel, and the inner wall is made of surgical-grade 316 stainless steel. The interior glass-like finish (which helps beverages maintain their flavor) is unbreakable, and the bottle is leakproof. Color choices include bare, black, ash, bone, ever, drift, and rush. Founder 32oz Bottle, $56 at Purist |
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If your apartment is really cold, consider a down sleeping bag. This one is made with European Duck Down and has a Nikwax Fluorocarbon-Free Hydrophobic Finish. When zipped up, it traps warmth inside, and the neck baffle also includes insulation to seal in heat. However, the sleeping bag can also be opened into a quilt. It’s safe to use at temperatures down to 35 degrees Fahrenheit. Outpost 500 Down Sleeping Bag, $285 at Rab |
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This crew neck cashmere sweater combines the best of all worlds: the exterior of the sweater is made of 90% merino wool and 10% cashmere, while the interior is made of 60% cotton and 40% cooling yarns. It’s designed to provide natural thermoregulation to help your body maintain the right temperature. The machine washable sweater is available in numerous colors, including true navy heather, charcoal heather, forest heather, and malbec heather, and it also comes in a V-neck version. Tech Cashmere Crew Neck Sweater, $188 at Mack Weldon |
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When you want a thicker choice to provide warmth, this heavyweight cotton fleece boyfriend hoodie is both warm and comfortable. It’s made of 100% organic cotton heavyweight fleece to feel plush, yet cozy. The kangaroo pocket can keep your smartphone and other items on your person, and the hood provides additional warmth. Color choices include heather gray and black. Organic Heavyweight Fleece Boyfriend Hoodie, $50 at Quince |
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Save those barefoot walks through your apartment for a warmer season. These slippers have a soft faux shearling lining that is covered by suede. They envelop your cold feet in style and feel like you’re walking on a soft, warm cloud. The lightweight slippers are available in leopard, grey aqua, snow leopard, and pink leopard. Cozy Slippers, $60/Sale $51 at Reef |
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This classic fit long-sleeve T-shirt has a curved hem so you can look stylish while lounging around. It’s made of 100% cotton vintage surplice thermal in a waffle knit and ribbed cuffs. The pre-shrunk T-shirt is available in three faded Venice wash colors: black, ranger, and sandstone. It’s also available in four core colors: anchor, black, natural, and sandstone. Vintage Thermal Surplus Tee, $68 at Buck Mason |
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If you need to wear gloves in your apartment, mittens tend to limit functionality. However, these power stretch contact grip gloves are lightweight while being warm. They have a grippy silicone palm, and the thumbs and index fingers have a conductive print, so you can use them with your smartphone. Add the filament neck tube, and soft stretchy beanie for even more warmth. Power Stretch Contact Grip Gloves, $40 at Rab |
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This lightweight jacket is made of polarlite Pontetorto merino wool, a hybrid fleece that’s constructed of a breathable, poly-wool thermal knit fabric. Merino wool is a natural fiber that is both softer and thinner than regular wool and can naturally regulate your body temperature. And since it has an athletic fit, the jacket’s body mapped design efficiently provides insulation only to the parts that need it. The jacket also has a soft inner collar and 2 zippered outer pockets. It’s available in black/blackout, black/blue electric, and black/yellow gold. Ortles Merino Jacket, $200 at Salewa |
For the kitchen
Whether you’re making tea or hot chocolate, this electric kettle is made of borosilicate glass and stainless steel so your water tastes pure. It reaches boiling temperatures in three to seven minutes and has a blue LED indicator to let you know when the water is ready. In addition, there is also a safety feature that shuts off 30 seconds after it finishes boiling. Cosori Electric Kettle, $28, Amazon |
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The days of stirring soup on the stove or microwaving a can of soup are over. This soup maker allows you to add all of your fresh ingredients and then you can select one of the five automatic programs and it produces homemade soup in 18 minutes or less. The soup maker also includes blades to blend chunky, pureed, and milk-based soups – as well as smoothies and compotes. Philips Soup Maker, $150/Sale $130, Amazon |
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It’s hard to beat a hot beverage on a cold day. This temperature-controlled smart mug allows you to set your desired drinking temperature through a smartphone app, which in turn, helps keep you (and your coffee, tea, or cocoa) nice and warm. A built-in battery allows for sipping on the go, with a charging coaster perfect for long work-from-home days. While listed for a steep price, the mug does come in a designer-approved finish in sleek colors like rose gold, gold, stainless steel, and copper. Ember Temperature Control Smart Mug, $143, Amazon |
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They’re called “comfort foods” for a reason; hot meals not only warm you up but make you feel better. This smart skillet has a 6-quart removable, nonstick pot and it’s ideal for making chili or soup, and also for stir-frying, searing/sauteing, and also making grains, rice, and sauces. Other features include a large LCD display and one-touch setting, and the smart skillet has a temperature range from 160 to 450 degrees F. Ceramic Nonstick 6-Quart Essential Smart Skillet, $359 at GreenPan |
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On a cold night, who doesn’t love a hot apple pie, a batch of melt-in-your-mouth chocolate chip cookies, or freshly-baked doughnuts? This 3.5 quart, 12-speed stand mixer can handle all of your family favorites. It has a 300-watt motor, a stainless-steel bowl, and a tilt-head design. Accessories include a splash shield, coated metal flat beater, dough hook, and stainless-steel wire balloon whisk – and all of the accessories are dishwasher safe. The stand mixer comes in ruby, silver, and white. Crux 5.3-Qt 12-Speed Stand Mixer, $199/ Sale $139.99 at Macy’s |
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Rice is the base for a variety of hearty foods – although it can also serve as a meal by itself. Whether you want to cook white, brown, basmati, or quick rice, this rice cooker can hold 12 cups – and automatically switches to the warm setting when the cycle has finished. However, you can do more than cook rice in it. Other presets include sushi, quinoa, and stew, and the rice cooker serves as a multicooker, slow cooker, steamer, and stewpot. Crux 12 Cup Non-Induction Rice Cooker/Multicooker, $100/Sale $72 at Amazon |
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Editor’s note: The original version of this article was published on January 12, 2022, and has since been updated.