Tips to Keep Your Home Warm and Cosy

As the colder months settle in, there's nothing quite like the feeling of stepping into a warm and cosy home. Whether you're curled up with a good book or spending time with family, creating a comfortable environment is essential for making the most of the winter season.

However, keeping your home warm doesn’t have to mean cranking up the heating and watching your energy bills rise. With a few simple adjustments, you can maintain a cosy atmosphere while also improving energy efficiency. In this blog, we’ll share some tips to help you make your home as warm and inviting as possible, without compromising on comfort or cost.

The importance of insulation

Proper insulation is vital to maintaining a warm and cosy home. It will help to trap heat inside and prevent it from escaping through walls, windows, and other openings. When you improve the insulation in your home, you can reduce the need for constant heating, which not only saves energy but also lowers your heating bills.

To improve insulation in your home, start with your windows. Single-glazed windows can be a significant source of heat loss, so upgrading to double or triple-glazing can make a big difference. If replacing windows is not an option, consider installing thermal blinds or curtains. These will not only add a stylish touch to your rooms but also help stop heat from escaping from the room and prevent cold air from entering.

Next, check your doors. Gaps around doors can let in drafts, which can reduce the efficiency of your heating system. You can install weatherstripping or draught excluders around doors to help keep your home warmer.

Finally, you should check your loft space. Heat rises, so a poorly insulated loft can lead to significant heat loss. You can insulate your loft with materials such as fibreglass or spray foam which will help keep the warmth inside your home.

Invest in quality window treatments

Your window treatments will also play a crucial role in heat retention and can help to keep your home warm and cosy during the colder months. Quality window treatments will act as a barrier against drafts, ensuring that the warmth from your heating stays inside rather than escaping through windows. Thermal curtains are designed to trap heat and prevent cold air from entering, while well-fitted made-to-measure blinds can block out chilly drafts.

Shutters, in particular, offer an advanced solution for retaining heat. They have a robust construction that not only adds elegance but also provides excellent insulation. The solid nature of bespoke shutters, like those from Kingswood, can significantly reduce heat loss, ensuring your home stays at the perfect temperature. Moreover, these custom-made shutters fit your windows exactly, preventing gaps that might otherwise let cold air seep in.

Bespoke options, such as Kingswood’s bespoke window treatments, offer an edge over standard alternatives. With a focus on quality craftsmanship, our solutions provide both style and functionality, offering superior insulation while enhancing the overall aesthetic of your home. With a high level of customisation, we ensure each window treatment will meet your specific needs, blending seamlessly with your décor and effectively maximising energy efficiency.

Maximise natural light and warmth

Using sunlight to heat your home is one of the most natural and energy-efficient ways to stay warm. The sun’s rays can provide a surprising amount of warmth, especially during the winter months when the sun is lower in the sky. By making the most of daylight, you can reduce your reliance on artificial heating, saving both energy and money.

To maximise natural warmth, start by ensuring that your windows allow in plenty of light. Aim to keep curtains or blinds open during sunny days to allow sunlight into your rooms. Light-coloured or reflective surfaces, such as mirrors or white walls, will help to bounce the sunlight around the room, amplifying its warming effect. You could also opt for window treatments that allow sunlight in while still providing some insulation and privacy, such as shutters.

Cosy up with soft furnishings

Adding rugs, throws, and cushions to a room is an easy way to make your home feel warmer and more inviting in the winter. Soft furnishings will not only enhance the overall comfort of your space but can also help to keep you warm, making your home feel cosy even on the coldest days. For example, rugs can act as an insulating layer for your floors, especially if you have wooden or tiled surfaces that can feel chilly underfoot.

Throws and cushions will bring an extra layer of comfort to sofas and chairs, and even small touches can have a significant impact on creating a snug environment in your home. A soft throw draped over your armchair or sofa can add a relaxing touch while also providing extra warmth when the temperature drops. Cushions will not only add to the aesthetic of your space but also make seating areas more comfortable and cosy.

When choosing materials for your soft furnishing, look for fabrics that will enhance warmth, such as wool, fleece, and knitted fabrics. A wool rug, for example, can trap heat and provide a soft, cosy surface to walk on. Velvet or chenille fabrics can also offer a luxurious feel while keeping you warm, making them ideal for cushions and throws.

Utilise efficient heating solutions

Optimising your thermostat settings is a great way to ensure your home stays warm without wasting energy. Keeping your thermostat at a consistent, comfortable temperature will be key. In the winter, a setting of around 18-21°C is ideal for most homes. Rather than constantly manually adjusting the temperature, you can programme your thermostat to lower the temperature slightly when you're asleep or away from home and raise it just before you return. This way, your home stays warm when you need it, while saving energy when you don’t.

In addition to optimising thermostat settings, you should aim to maintain your radiators and heating systems to ensure they’re working efficiently. Try to keep your radiators free from dust and debris, as this can block heat. You should also regularly bleed your radiators to remove trapped air and the hot water to circulate more effectively. This will provide better heat output and keep your home cosy.

If you have a boiler, make sure it is serviced annually to ensure it’s running at peak efficiency. An efficient heating system will keep your home warm but also reduces energy consumption, which can lower your heating bills. Simple steps like checking your system’s pressure and ensuring it’s not overworking will help keep it functioning efficiently throughout the colder months.

Kingswood at Home designs, builds and installs bespoke fitted furniture and made-to-measure shutters and blinds tailored to your home. Handcrafted in the UK using only the finest materials and finishes, we’ll create interior features that suits your lifestyle. Contact us for more information or book your consultation with our design team.