It’s cold outside, cold inside, cold everywhere! So before you lose the plot or pop on your 8th jumper, here are our top five tips on how to keep warm in your home this winter!
1. Baby, it’s cold outside
Time and time again you will have been told and read about the tip of all tips when it comes to keeping your house warm during the cold winter months… “Keep your curtains shut!” we’ve heard. “Don’t let the heat out!” they’ve cried. And often, people keep their curtains shut in the daytime as well as the night, thinking that this theory applies 24/7. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. As we struggle through the peak of winter, the cloudy grey skies start to clear and the icy, clear blue, February skies give us hope of what is to come… (so close, yet so far away). By utilising this winter sun and letting it shine through into your home, you will be benefitting from free and economical energy. It won’t quite be enough to heat your entire house, but it will keep things going until you get home or allow you to put the heating on before bedtime completely guilt free!
2. Houses (should) have layers
During the summer, the last thing you want to do is have lots of cushions around you when its 25 degrees (wishful thinking, perhaps?) However, during the winter there is nothing better than having lots of cushions and fluffy rugs around your living space. Not only will these make you feel warm and comfortable, they will insulate the room and therefore add that little touch of extra cosiness. And why stop at cushions, any extra materials you can pop into your home will only add to the overall snugness of each room. The Winterberry Collection of soft furnishings by Hannah Williamson supplies cushions with matching door stops and throws and the design is absolutely perfect for winter!
3. Laundry lovers
We’ve all been there, falling into the same old trap of popping the wet washing on all of the radiators to save energy. But does this save energy? Blocking the flow of heat from the radiators will not allow them to do their job and heat the room. Instead try to plan ahead with your utilities during these colder months or if you do find yourself at a push, invest in a towel rack that rests on the side of your radiators so that the air can still circulate from the top of the heater. This rule applies to all, anything in front of your radiators or heating system will absorb the heat and block the flow of energy. The only exception to this rule is popping a small shelf above the radiator; this will help to evenly distribute the heat around your space.
4. Mind the gap!
Covering up all of the gaps in your home will prevent a cold draught from running through your rooms and undoing all of your hard work! This small change can have a massive impact. From doing handy bits of D.I.Y., finding temporary solutions and buying permanent furnishings – there are hundreds of ways you can get inventive whilst filling those small and pesky gaps. Another great example from Hannah Williamson – these draught excluders are both stylish and excellent in quality.
5. It’s all about you
Lastly, you can follow all of the above tips and tricks, but really the most important rule is to keep yourself warm. It’s much easier to heat yourself, rather than your entire house (we’re sure your lamp and won’t mind the chill!). So instead of putting every single radiator on, if you’re reading a book in your bedroom or watching TV in the lounge – concentrate on those areas. Also, pop a jumper on and invest in some really good quality throws. These 100% wool throws, made for the Bronte by Moon collection, are ideal for any season as wool itself has a balanced insulation system, which means it’s perfect for both summer and winter.
