From layouts to layering, here's some energy saving advice to help keep the bills lower, and your home that little bit warmer.
As energy bills remain high, cranking up the thermostat can send shivers down our spines. But don't fret! There are plenty of ways to keep your home toasty warm without breaking the bank.
Our friends at interior design service, My Bespoke Room have put together this guest blog to explore some clever tips and tricks to help you heat and insulate your home like a pro. Check out these quick and easy fixes that you can implement today!
Image credit: My Bespoke Room. More bedroom design inspiration.
Carefully consider your room layout
Believe it or not, the way you arrange your furniture can play a big role in keeping your room warm and cosy. For example, positioning your sofa or armchairs near a radiator or fireplace can ensure you stay nice and warm. However, make sure you aren't blocking the radiator completely and wasting all that lovely heat on the back of your sofa!
Image credit: My Bespoke Room. More living room design inspiration.
Additionally, placing bookcases or other tall pieces of furniture against exterior walls can help insulate your home and reduce heat loss. If you have alcoves on either side of your chimney breast, this is the perfect opportunity to install shelves. Not only will you gain extra storage, but you'll also be insulating your walls from the cold!
Radiator covers are your enemy during the winter months. Instead of blocking in the heat why not replace this with a shelf above the radiator? This way you can still pop items down and keep the functionality but you won’t restrict heat from entering the space.
Image credit: My Bespoke Room. More living room design inspiration.
Layer in soft furnishings and textures
One of the easiest and most effective ways to keep your home warm is by using layers of fabric. Choose soft materials such as flannel, wool, and velvet to add texture and warmth to your living space. Also consider adding thick throws in your living room and bedrooms to create a cosy atmosphere.
Rugs are a must-have in any room with hard flooring like tiles or wood. Not only do they make a room feel more cosy, but they also help with insulation. Bonus: if you live in an older home, these rugs can fill in any draughty gaps in the floorboards!
Image credit: My Bespoke Room. More living room design inspiration.
Window dressings not only add to the aesthetic of your home, they can also provide insulation. While the obvious option is to use thick blackout curtains or heavy drapes to block out cold air in living and bedroom spaces, installing both blinds and curtains can maximise the benefits. The more layers you can add, the better the insulation, keeping your home cosy and warm during colder months.
For optimal insulation and draught-blocking, we recommend using curtain tracks over poles during installation. However, French-style poles can also be effective as they bend at either end, enabling curtains to be drawn back flush against the wall, keeping warmth in and reducing draughts.
Don't let long curtains block your radiator from heating your space effectively. If you have a window located above the radiator, ensure that the curtains end about 10 cm below the windowsill. This way, you'll keep the cold air out while allowing the radiator to heat the room efficiently.
Image credit: My Bespoke Room. More bedroom design inspiration.
When it comes to long and narrow windows, Roman blinds are an excellent choice as their thick material and heavy window cover serve as an insulator, keeping your home warm and cosy. However, keep in mind that they do block a considerable amount of light, which can make your space feel darker.
Make sure you keep your curtains or blinds closed at night to help to trap heat inside and keep your room warm.
Incorporate mind tricks!
Believe it or not, the human mind is both amazing and highly impressionable. So, why not use this to your advantage? By incorporating certain design elements, you can manipulate your mind into feeling like your space is warmer and cosier than it actually is.
Include warm tones like oranges, reds, and yellows in your design scheme. Experiment with different textures and patterns by adding throws, curtains, pillows, and rugs, or consider textured wall hangings. For a subtle yet effective touch, consider using wallpaper with hints of warm colours to create a cosy feel.
Image credit: My Bespoke Room. More bedroom design inspiration.
When you think of warmth we often think of glowing candlelight so guess what we suggest? Candles and low-level lighting! Opt for bulbs with a yellow rather than white hue to get the glow. Low-level lighting like table and floor lamps draw you down into a space and make you feel warm and snug.
Maximise light reflection in your room by using mirrors to bounce light around. This is an affordable and easy way to brighten up your space without incurring high electricity costs.
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