If investing in a quality heating system, upgrading your insulation or double-glazing your windows isn’t on the cards this winter, never fear: there are other, cost-effective ways to ensure you don’t feel like Jack Frost has set up home in your abode. Cast frozen toes, fatigue and pesky shivers aside with some foolproof and easy ways to warm up which won’t send an arctic chill through your finances.
Make soft furnishings your best friend
When it’s raining and blowing a gale-force wind outside, the use of blankets, throws and rugs can help you to appreciate the weather, rather than suffer through it. Curling up on the couch with a soft throw, pulling out a fluffy blanket to cocoon in, and even nestling into a cushion, are crucial to cosiness. If you have wood or tiled floors, a welcoming rug (or two) will not only feel soft and inviting to walk on, but take the chill away. Rugs also act as floor insulation, blocking pesky draughts entering through floorboards.
Embrace winter-friendly tones
It’s amazing how colour and texture affect your senses, and in the depths of winter a warming palette makes all the difference. Use lamps and ditch cool-light globes for the warm variety. Rich gem-like colours in reds, browns, oranges and dark greens bestow cosiness, along with fabric textures such as velvet, wool, flannel and faux fur; this is where cushions and throws become the stars of your toasty interior.
Give windows and doors some TLC
The simplest means to capture and keep warmth is allowing sunlight to stream in and act as a free heater. Promptly close your curtains and blinds with the setting sun. You should also close doors to unused rooms to limit draught.
If you don’t have window furnishings, retailers such as Spotlight have a huge array of cheap, good-looking options. (You could even go DIY and choose material to make your own curtains). Use door snakes at the front and back doors to stifle any unwelcome cool air. You can invest in a window insulator kit for around $50, which will tape up holes and insulate. For even less, window and door weather strips work wonders, and will set you back less than $10.
Following our tips, warming up in winter needn’t be an expensive affair. For maximum warmth, don’t forget to shout yourself a pair of soft, snugly socks to lounge in as the temperature drops – perfection!
