9 Winning Ways To Warm Your Home This Winter
/The news about increased energy costs is inescapable this Winter, as many wonder how they will keep their homes warm as temperatures drop. Amidst incentives, credits and tips to reduce energy usage there is a lot of talk about sufficient insulation and protecting homes from cold getting in as a way to reduce bills and increase comfort.
Soft furnishings and fabrics are, of course, a great solution and we have some useful ideas to help insulate and protect your home against drafts and cold weather.
Door curtains
This might seem like a very traditional idea, but doors can be notorious for letting in draughts if they are poorly sealed. Not only that, but letterboxes and keyholes can also let air in where you would rather it was kept out. This is not always a cheap option, but if you have a particularly draughty door it is a great consideration. Using a nice, heavy fabric (such as a wool or velvet) with a good lining will set you up for success. A key consideration is whether there is room to one side of the door for the curtain to stack to, so that it does not block the door when you are trying to get in!
We have a number of lovely fabrics that would suit a door curtain, whether you are looking for a traditional or contemporary look for your home. Visit us in our showroom to have a browse.
2. Curtains and lining
Window dressings are so important when it comes to keeping your home warm. Radiators can often be positioned underneath windows, which also does not help heat to circulate with efficiency. Choosing your fabric carefully will assist you in making good choices for insulating curtains. Natural products like wool are very energy efficient but you could also look at tightly woven options, velvets and jacquards.
Building layers into your window dressings is also very important for retaining heat, so getting the right lining is a worthy consideration. Interlining keeps your room at a comfortable temperature throughout all seasons, keeping heat in (or out in Summer), and light and noise out. The heavier weight also makes the curtains hang nicely and offers a premium finish. Adding a blind underneath the curtains also adds an extra layer of insulation.
3. Insulating blinds
Adding a blind to your window is a great idea for an extra layer of warmth and insulation. Honeycomb cellular insulating shades are a good option, as well as a Roman blind made from thick, lined fabric. Roller blinds are also good, as unlike Venetian blinds, they do not let air through gaps in the same way.
Thermal fabrics are best at keeping the cold out, but a blackout blind is also a reasonable option (although the synthetic fabrics are not as effective). Making sure that your blind is properly fitted for your window is essential for keeping draughts at bay.
If we are making a blind for you, we will always come out and measure your windows first, to ensure a proper fit and the best solution for your space.
4. Throws and blankets - extra layers
You might be noticing a theme emerging within this post, which is that much of heat retention and draught prevention is about layers. Your bed is no exception! An obvious consideration is a duvet with a thicker tog, but you could also consider adding throws and blankets for extra warmth. Why not have a bedspread or throw made to match your curtains? These are effective for sofas as well as beds to keep you cosy in the Winter months.
5. Wool
Choice of fabric can make an enormous difference when it comes to furnishing your home. Not only is wool a natural insulator that is durable, but it comes in so many stylish patterns and finishes to suit your tastes. Cushions, throws, curtains and upholstery are all options for wool, demonstrating its versatility. Pop into our showroom and look at our ranges.
6. Draught excluders
If a door curtain is not the right solution for you, a draught excluder can be very effective in preventing air from entering your home or a room through gaps under the doors. Useful for interior doors as well as exterior doors, these are an affordable option for adding an extra layer of warmth.
7. Add a rug
Simple, but effective. If you have wooden floors a good quality rug can make a difference to insulating your room. Not only will this be warmer underfoot, but it will create an extra layer of insulation to prevent heat loss through the floor.
8. Lap quilts and blankets
A lap quilt or a blanket is a really simple way to retain heat in your legs, and can make a difference when you are sitting down in the evening. If you love sewing you could make your own out of stylish fabrics, otherwise there are many available options for purchase at affordable prices.
9. Rearrange furniture
Have a look around your home. Do you have pieces of furniture blocking your radiators? If so, think about how you could rearrange these to let the heat out into your room. You could move seating away from draughty spots so that you are not sitting by windows and doors, as well.
