Top Tips For How To Keep Your House Warm This Winter

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On the JJ Barnes Blog, as the weather gets colder, I check out top tips for how to keep your house warm this Winter, to keep the energy bills down, and make sure your family is cozy!

I don’t know about you, but I feel the cold. I am, as my mother often says, nesh. For this reason, I am a big fan of fluffy socks, fluffier blankets, and even fluffier hoodies. I am also always on the lookout for ways to keep my home warm in the most cost effective way possible, especially as the cost of living crisis sends every bill we have to pay soaring, and our bank balances plummeting.

To help me out, Raf Michalowski, the owner of MebleFurniture.com, has sent over his top tips for how to keep your home warm this Winter by transforming your home into a warm and inviting sanctuary that break the bank. These invaluable insights on how a few strategic changes in your home arrangement can significantly enhance warmth, as well as saving money on heating bills.

How To Keep Your House Warm This Winter

1. Optimise Furniture Placement

Rearranging furniture strategically can do wonders. Place sofas and armchairs near interior walls to prevent heat loss through external walls. Creating a cosy seating arrangement around a central focal point, such as a fireplace or heater, maximizes warmth in communal areas.

Embrace the Radiator Glow:

• Move furniture away from radiators: This allows heat to circulate freely throughout the room instead of getting trapped behind sofas or bookshelves. Aim for at least 30cm of clearance for optimal heat flow.
• Don’t block radiator grilles: Curtains, drapes, or furniture covering the grilles significantly reduce heat output. Keep them clear and let the warmth radiate into the room.
• Position furniture for direct heat exposure: Arrange seating areas, desks, or workstations within range of radiators to reap the maximum benefit of their warmth.

Minimize Drafts and Heat Loss:

• Seal up the leaks: Check windows and doors for drafts and seal any gaps with weather stripping or caulk. This prevents cold air from seeping in and stealing your precious heat.
• Block open doorways: Use heavy curtains, draft stoppers, or even rolled-up towels to block drafts from doorways that aren’t frequently used.
• Create thermal barriers: Arrange furniture, such as bookshelves or tall cabinets, strategically to block drafts from windows or doorways without interfering with natural light.

Optimize Heat Distribution:

• Minimize large open spaces: Divide larger rooms into smaller, warmer zones with furniture placement. Create cozy reading nooks or dedicated work areas to concentrate heat where you spend the most time.
• Layer the warmth: Add throw blankets, rugs, and pillows to furniture for extra insulation and a feeling of coziness. Consider layering curtains for added thermal impact near drafty windows.
• Reflect the heat: Place mirrors strategically behind radiators or fireplaces to reflect heat back into the room. This can be especially effective in smaller spaces.

2. Utilise Rugs and Carpets

Area rugs and carpets aren’t just for aesthetics; they also act as insulators, preventing heat loss through floors. Placing them strategically in rooms, especially on bare floors, can add warmth and reduce the need for extra heating.

Insulation All-Stars:

• Bid farewell to cold feet: Bare floors are prime real estate for heat loss. Laying down rugs, especially thick-pile ones, adds an extra layer of insulation between your feet and the cold floor, giving you that instant “ahhh” moment when you step out of bed.
• Seal the gaps: Rugs fill small gaps between floorboards, preventing sneaky drafts from seeping in and stealing your precious heat. This is especially helpful in older homes or with drafty floor materials like tile.
• Trap and circulate heat: Rugs absorb and retain heat from your heating system, radiating it back into the room to create a more consistent and even temperature. Think of them as warmth reservoirs keeping your space from becoming frosty in between heater cycles.

Cozy Comfort Creators:

• Enhance the hygge factor: A well-chosen rug instantly adds a touch of warmth and comfort to any space. Layer a fluffy rug under your coffee table or sink your toes into a plush one beside your bed for instant cozy vibes.
• Amplify fireplace magic: Place a rug in front of your fireplace to capture and disperse the radiating heat, ensuring you soak up every bit of that crackling fire goodness. Bonus points for a sheepskin rug – the ultimate hygge hero!
• Define cozy zones: Rugs help visually define different areas within a room, creating pockets of warmth and coziness. Set up a reading nook or a play area with a dedicated rug to make those spaces extra inviting during winter days.

Material Matters:

• Pile it on with wool: Opt for natural materials like wool or wool blends for superior insulation. These fibers trap air effectively, creating a barrier against the cold and keeping your toes toasty.
• Consider texture: Plush, high-pile rugs offer the most warmth and comfort, but denser, flatweave rugs can still add a layer of insulation and bring visual texture to your space.
• Size it up: Choose rugs that are large enough to cover the majority of your floor space in key areas like living rooms and bedrooms. This maximizes their insulating potential and creates a truly cozy zone.

3. Layer with Textiles

Embrace the power of textiles. Adding thicker curtains, plush throws, and extra blankets not only adds visual warmth but also provides additional insulation, keeping the heat in and the cold out.

Embrace the Cozy Castle:

• Curtain Call: Heavy curtains are your allies against drafts and heat loss. Layer sheer curtains underneath for light control and visual depth, creating a soft barrier at windows. Don’t forget to draw them closed as dusk settles, trapping precious daytime warmth.
• Blanket Bonanza: Throw blankets are champions of coziness. Drape them over sofas, chairs, and even beds for an effortless invitation to snuggle down. Layer different textures and colours for visual interest, while ensuring everyone has a personal warmth shield.
• Pillow Parade: Plump up your pillows with cozy covers in wool, faux fur, or velvet. Arrange them on sofas, armchairs, or even the floor for impromptu backrest fortresses. This adds not only warmth but also texture and personality to your space.

Master the Art of Zones:

• Bedtime Sanctuary: Layer bedding like a pro. Start with a fitted sheet, followed by a soft, breathable flat sheet. Pile on quilts and blankets in varying thicknesses for personalized warmth needs. Top it all off with a decorative throw at the foot of the bed for that final touch of bedtime luxury.
• Reading Nook Retreat: Create a dedicated cozy corner with throws, cushions, and even sheepskins on the floor. Layer a small rug for added insulation and define the space. This becomes your winter haven for curling up with a good book and a steaming mug.
• Dining Table Delight: Elevate your dining experience with table runners and throws. Choose natural materials like linen or wool for warmth and texture. Layer napkins made from similar materials for a cohesive look and a delightful tactile experience during meals.

4. Harness Natural Light

During the daytime, open curtains and blinds to let natural sunlight in. Sunlight is a natural and free source of warmth that can naturally heat your home.

Open the Curtains to Opportunity:

• Embrace the sun’s embrace: Throw open those curtains, blinds, and shutters! Let the sunshine flood in, bathing your rooms in warmth and energy. South-facing windows are prime real estate for soaking up solar heat, so maximize their potential.
• Strategically sunbathe: Arrange furniture, especially seating areas and workspaces, to capture as much sunlight as possible. This allows you to bask in the natural warmth while getting things done.
• Clear the path: Remove any obstructions blocking sunlight, like drapes or heavy plants. Every ray counts in the winter months, so let it stream in unhindered.

Lighten Up for Warmth:

• Mirror, mirror on the wall: Strategically placed mirrors can reflect sunlight deeper into your room, amplifying its warming effect. Position them opposite windows or near radiators to bounce that precious heat around.
• Light colors as allies: Opt for light and airy paint colors on your walls. These shades reflect sunlight, brightening the space and creating a feeling of warmth. Think pale yellows, creams, and even light blues for a crisp yet cozy vibe.
• Skylights – windows to wonder: If you have the luxury of skylights, consider opening them on sunny days to allow direct sunlight to bathe your home in warmth. Just remember to close them when the sun dips to retain the heat.

5. Mindful Door and Window Sealing

Ensure doors and windows are properly sealed to prevent drafts. Simple solutions like weatherstripping or using draft excluders can make a significant difference in maintaining warmth indoors.

Ditch the Drafts, Embrace the Toast:

• Weather Stripping Warriors: These unsung heroes of winter warmth come in various forms like felt, foam, or vinyl. Apply them around door and window frames to fill any tiny gaps, effectively blocking drafts and preventing cold air from sneaking in.
• Caulking Crusaders: These trusty allies come in tubes and syringes, ready to seal any stubborn cracks and crevices around windows and doors. Choose silicone or acrylic caulk based on your needs and get ready to say goodbye to those sneaky drafts.
• Door Sweep Saviors: These low-profile barriers slide along the bottom of your door, creating a tight seal against the floor. Opt for rubber or brush sweeps depending on your door type and banish those sneaky drafts seeping in under the door.

Level Up Your Sealing Game:

• Upgrade your weatherstripping: For extra protection, replace worn-out or inadequate weatherstripping with thicker or multi-layered options. This can significantly improve the seal and block even the tiniest drafts.
• Consider door closers: Ensure doors close automatically and tightly with proper door closers. This prevents drafts from forming when doors get left ajar and keeps the warm air locked inside.
• Bonus tip: Sealing gaps around pipes and vents can also contribute to overall warmth. Check for potential leaks and seal them with caulk or foam tape to eliminate hidden heat loss culprits.

6. Embrace Decorative Elements

Incorporating decor elements like bookshelves against outer walls or hanging tapestries can act as an extra barrier against cold, insulating the space and adding a touch of style.

Textile Titans:

• Layer like a pro: Cozy blankets, plush throws, and chunky knit pillows instantly up the hygge factor. Drape them over sofas, armchairs, and even beds for an invitation to snuggle down. Mix textures and colors for visual interest and create dedicated “warm zones” for ultimate comfort.
• Curtain call: Heavy curtains draped across windows aren’t just stylish – they act as thermal barriers, trapping precious heat and blocking drafts. Layer sheer curtains underneath for daytime light control and added visual depth.
• Rugs and rainbows: Plush wool rugs insulate bare floors, adding a delightful layer of warmth underfoot. Layer smaller textured rugs on top for added visual interest and create “cozy islands” in key areas.

Light the Way to Warmth:

• Firelight flicker: Nothing says cozy like a crackling fire. Embrace the magic of fireplaces or invest in cozy flameless candles (bonus points for scented ones!). The warm glow and gentle ambiance instantly add warmth and atmosphere.
• String light serenity: Fairy lights and string lights draped across shelves, windows, or even bed frames create a warm and inviting glow. They cast soft shadows, adding depth and a touch of magic to your space.
• Lamps and layers: Ditch harsh overhead lighting and layer different lamps – floor lamps, table lamps, sconces – throughout your rooms. Create pools of warm light, encouraging relaxation and a sense of cozy intimacy.

Natural Enhancers:

• Wood wonders: Wooden furniture, accents, and even wall panels bring a natural warmth to your space. Opt for rich tones like walnut or mahogany for a luxurious feel, and pair them with soft textiles for a balanced look.
• Greenery galore: Indoor plants not only purify the air but also add a touch of life and freshness to your space. Choose varieties that thrive in colder temperatures like succulents, snake plants, or spider plants.
• Sun seekers: Embrace natural light! Open curtains during the day to let the sun bathe your rooms in warmth. Position furniture to capture its rays and create sunny nooks for reading, working, or simply soaking up the natural warmth.

Raf Michalowski, Interior Designer and CEO

Making thoughtful adjustments to your home’s layout and decor not only creates a cozy atmosphere but also contributes to substantial savings on heating costs during the winter months.

-Raf Michalowski

Raf Michalowski is an interior designer and the founder of Meble Furniture. He helps customers design, create, and purchase the perfect furniture for their homes. His company has helped over 10,000 people find their dream furniture and create a personalised interior space suited to their lifestyle.

MebleFurniture.com is a leading online furniture retailer offering a curated collection of stylish and functional furniture pieces designed to elevate any home’s ambiance. With a commitment to quality craftsmanship and customer satisfaction, MebleFurniture.com strives to provide exceptional products and design inspirations to discerning homeowners.