With energy prices remaining high, staying warm without breaking the bank has become more important than ever. With winter’s chill settling in, it’s the perfect time to explore practical, cost-effective solutions to keep your home comfortable.
Whether you’re looking to make small adjustments or considering long-term investments, we’ve rounded up some ideas to help keep you cosy and reduce costs during the cooler months of the year.
Upgrade your bedding
Hove king-size bed | @ourhomemadeofthree
Warm, breathable and oh so cosy, swap out your cotton sheets for flannel bedding to stay perfectly toasty throughout the winter. Or, opt for layers to increase the warmth factor, with quilts and bedspreads ideal for adding extra heat as and when needed.
Add a wood-burning stove
Dewsbury sofa | @mrs_roobottom_home
While there are the initial outlay costs, once installed wood-burning stoves offer a cheaper alternative to electric and gas central heating. Make sure to find out if your home is in a smoke-free zone as you’ll have to buy a DEFRA-approved stove and check with your stove manufacturer to see which type of wood and smokeless fuel is compatible with it.
Keep warm with an electric blanket
Wren bedside table | @no11.housereno
There’s nothing nicer than sinking into a beautifully warm bed, so it’s no surprise that sales of electric blankets have skyrocketed as we brace ourselves for colder weather. There’s an array of choices when it comes to heated blankets, with the option to go for an under blanket that’s similar to a mattress topper, or a versatile over blanket that can be used on top of beds, while lounging on the sofa, or keeping you warm when working from home.
Invest in curtains
Copenhagen TV unit | @honey_on_the_row
Not only do they make your home cosy on dark winter nights, but curtains are also good at keeping the heat in and draughts out. Choose fabrics such as wool which is a great insulator and looks stylish. Many brands also offer the option of adding thermal linings to other more lightweight fabrics to ensure your windows are dressed for the season. And, don’t forget that curtains can also work brilliantly as draft excluders over front and back doors.
Bleed your radiators
Parquet large sideboard | @at_the_mcgillens
According to British Gas, regularly bleeding your radiators ensures they work efficiently, which results in a warmer home and cheaper energy bills. This handy blog post from British Gas explains how to tell if your radiator needs bleeding and offers advice on how to do it. It’s a useful resource if you’re unsure or need guidance.
Lay a rug
Maze rug | Otto coffee table | Malvern sofa
Add warmth and texture to any room by laying a rug. Whether you go for a tufted shaggy style for maximum cosiness or a flat-weave design that feels soft underfoot, rugs are a great option, especially if you have draughty wood floors.
Hopefully, those are a few ideas to help beat the chill this winter. We’d love to see how you’re keeping warm and cosy. Share photos of your Oak Furnitureland pieces in your home by tagging #OakFurnitureland #GrowYourHome on Instagram.
