I’m a bedroom expert: three tips to keep your home cozy this winter
SUMMER now seems to be well and truly over, and many of us have probably struggled to keep warm this week as we’ve been buffeted by a deluge of wind and rain.
It may be tempting to turn on the heating at the first sign of autumn, but with energy bills set to rise and the winter fuel payment canceled for millions, this is not an affordable option for countless Britons.
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With this in mind, Jade Crooks, Commercial Director at TWILIGHT has shared three tips to keep your bedroom cozy and warm this winter without heating.
Good quality sheets
While pillows and throws are great for creating a comfortable bed, Jade revealed that sheets are the bedding you should prioritize.
She said: “Swap the scratchy sheets for luxurious, soft bedding that will help you enjoy a good night’s sleep.
“By choosing quality bedding you ensure that your sheets feel optimal.
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“For the winter months – when coziness is most needed – a thicker, good quality duvet cover with a high thread count will help regulate your body temperature, keep you warm while adding elegance to the room.”
Ambient atmosphere
Mood lighting is a sure-fire way to give your room a cozy and homely feeling, so you’ll love returning to your bedroom after a long day in the cold.
Small lamps, salt lamps and dimmer switches all make your room feel cozy and warm.
Jade adds: “Candles are also a great way to add calm, warm light to any bedroom.
“You can even opt for some scented candles to really take things up a notch – who doesn’t love a little bit of lavender in the air as they sit back to relax?”
Texture
According to Jade, adding textures to your bedding can help create “depth, warmth and an abundance of coziness.”
She said: “Whether you want a complete design overhaul or just want to add a few touches of texture, look forward to bouclé, waffle, knit and fluffy home accessories to incorporate into your bedroom design.
“These materials can be incorporated into pillows, blankets or even a rug to enhance the softness of a room and, most importantly, help you feel comfortable in bed.”
Heat the person, not the house
Consumer champion Martin Lewis has previously urged people looking to save on their bills to “heat the person, not the house”.
What energy bill help is available?
There are a number of different ways to get help paying your energy bills if you’re struggling to make ends meet.
If you get into debt, you can always approach your supplier to see if they can put you on a repayment plan before imposing a prepayment meter.
This means that you pay off what you owe in installments over a certain period.
If your supplier offers you a payment plan that you don’t think you can afford, contact them again to see if you can get a better deal.
Several energy companies have subsidy schemes available for customers who have difficulty paying their bills.
But the eligibility criteria varies depending on the supplier and the amount you can get depends on your financial circumstances.
For example, British Gas or Scottish Gas customers who are struggling to pay their energy bills can receive grants worth up to £2,000.
British Gas is also providing assistance through its British Gas Energy Trust and Individuals Family Fund.
You don’t have to be a British Gas customer to apply for the second fund.
EDF, E.ON, Octopus Energy and Scottish Power are all also offering grants to struggling customers.
Thousands of vulnerable households are missing out on extra help and protection by not registering with the Priority Services Register (PSR).
The service helps support vulnerable households, such as the elderly or ill, and some of the benefits include advance warning of power cuts, free gas safety checks and extra support if you’re struggling.
Contact your energy company to see if you can submit an application.
This means doing what you can to warm yourself without turning on a portable heater or your central heating throughout your home.
Obviously, layering is the first and cheapest way to stay warm, because you’re using clothes you’ve already purchased that don’t cost anything extra.
If you need more clothes, head to your local charity shop for cheap buys.
However, always make sure you shop around before you buy – that means using price comparison sites like Price Spy to see how much other retailers are selling for a particular item.
Other tricks include making sure you eat regularly as this will keep you healthy and warm.
If you want to do this on a budget, make sure you opt for a supermarket’s budget and own-brand lines. These are usually much cheaper than premium ranges.
Some supermarkets have names for their budget lines, for example Tesco’s Creamfields dairy line. Check online if you’re not sure.
Look out for energy-saving gadgets that will keep you warm without the need for a radiator, such as electric blankets and heated throws, which cost just a few cents an hour.
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