Expert shares 7 ways to winterise your bedroom – including a £2 Temu purchase
WITH the weather all around us and As we fear rising energy bills, it is important that we know how to keep our homes warm on a budget.
So if you are strapped for cash and are worried about the cost of heating this winter, don’t worry. You have come to the right place.
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It turns out there’s a lot you can do to winterize your bedroom without having to turn on the heating.
Thanks to the bedroom furniture experts at Bed Kingdom, here are seven easy ways to create a warm home without turning on the heating.
Not only is it important to layer your bedding, but there is also a cheap buy at Temu that you need if you want to sleep warm and comfortable, no matter the weather.
Curtains are essential
According to experts, thermal curtains are ideal for retaining heat in your room.
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The bedroom pros said: “Opt for insulated thermal curtains to retain heat in the room.
“They act as a barrier, preventing cold drafts and reducing heat loss through windows.”
Loves layers
Additionally, the experts explain that layering bedding is another way to stay warm at night.
They emphasized that wearing multiple layers of material effectively retains body heat. This can be achieved by placing weighted blankets, throws or quilts over a duvet.
Materials are important
According to experts, it is extremely important to choose your materials wisely.
They pointed out: “Flannel, fleece and wool are the best choices for retaining heat, while down and down alternative duvets provide lightweight warmth.
“For warm, vegan and eco-friendly options, consider materials like organic cotton, bamboo, recycled polyester, hemp and kapok.”
Plug in
Not only is it important to use multiple layers of bedding, but an electric blanket should also be on your shopping list if you want to keep your bedroom cozy.
If you decide to use electric blankets, choose one with an automatic shut-off function to prevent overheating and fire.
5 Ways to Keep Your Home Warm in Winter
Real estate expert Joshua Houston shared his tips.
1. Curtains
“Windows are an easy way to bring the cold in from outside, because of the small gaps that allow air to enter. So always close your curtains when it gets dark,” he says.
This simple method creates an extra layer of warmth, because a kind of insulation is created between your window and curtain.
2. Carpets
“Your floors are another area in your home where heat can be lost and make your home feel cold,” he continued. “You may find that on cold days, your floors are not comfortable to walk on because your feet freeze.
“Put down carpets in places where there is no carpet yet. This provides an insulating layer between the bare floor and the room above.”
3. Check your insulation
Check your pipes, attic space, crawl spaces and under floorboards.
“Loose insulation is great for this and is also a cheaper form of insulation. A large bag costs around £30,” explains Joshua.
4. Keep your interior doors closed
“Households often gather in one room in the evening, usually the kitchen or living room,” Joshua said.
“This means that you only need to heat a small part of your home. By closing the doors, you keep the heat in and the cold out.”
5. Block concepts
Don’t forget to check cat flaps, chimneys and letterboxes as they can let in cold air if they are not closed properly.
That’s hot
Many of us probably have a hot water bottle tucked away in the cupboard somewhere, but according to the pros, these budget buys, available from Temu for as little as £2, are a winter essential.
Experts advise placing a simple hot water bottle in your bed before going to sleep so that the bed is effectively warmed.
It is important to know not to overfill the jug with boiling water to avoid spills and leaks.
Make it draft-free
In addition to layering your bedroom and purchasing a hot water bottle, experts recommend installing draft excluders under doors and sealing cracks around windows with adhesive strips to keep the cold air out.
Simple actions such as applying different layers of bedding, using draught excluders and choosing the right heating appliances can make a big difference
Ashley Hainsworth, from Bed Kingdom
Carpets can also help insulate the floor and reduce heat loss. This is especially ideal if you have hardwood or tiled floors.
Be clear with your radiator
In addition, the experts emphasize that it is important to ensure that furniture or curtains do not block heat sources, such as radiators or floor vents.
These ensure that the heat is distributed better. That is why we recommend leaving curtains open if possible and placing items away from radiators.
What is the Winter Fuel Surcharge?
Consumer reporter Sam Walker explains everything you need to know about the payment.
The Winter Fuel Payment is an annual tax-free payment intended to cover heating costs during the colder months.
Most people who qualify will receive the benefit automatically.
Those who qualify will usually receive a letter informing them in October or November each year.
If you meet the criteria but do not automatically receive the Winter Fuel Allowance, you must: apply on the government website.
You are eligible for a Winter Fuel Payment this winter if:
- you were born on or before September 23, 1958
- You have lived in the UK for at least one day during the week of 16 to 22 September 2024, known as the “qualifying week”
- You receive pension credit, universal credit, ESA, JSA, income support, child tax credit or working tax credit
If you were not resident in the UK during qualifying week, you may still receive the payment if both of the following conditions are met:
- you live in Switzerland or an EEA country
- you have a “genuine and sufficient” connection with the UK social security system, such as having lived or worked in the UK and having a family in the UK
There are exceptions, however: you cannot receive the payment if you live in Cyprus, France, Gibraltar, Greece, Malta, Portugal or Spain.
This is because the average winter temperature is higher than in the warmest region of the UK.
You are also not eligible if you:
- are in hospital and have been receiving free treatment for more than a year
- you need permission to enter the UK and your permission granted means you are not eligible for government funds
- were in jail the entire “qualifying week”
- lived in a nursing home for the entire period from 26 June to 24 September 2023 and received pension credit, income support, income-related jobseeker’s benefit or income-related work and support benefit
Payments are usually made between November and December, sometimes even as late as January of the following year.
Warm safety
Ashley Hainsworth, spokesperson for the company, commented: “Staying warm in your bedroom during the colder months is essential, but it’s important to do so safely.
“Many people are unaware of the fire hazards that can arise from incorrect heating methods or over-reliance on certain appliances.
“Simple things like laying out bedding, using draught excluders and choosing the right heaters can make a big difference. It’s all about finding the balance between comfort and safety.
“We always recommend being proactive by regularly inspecting your heating equipment, avoiding overloading sockets and being alert to fire risks.
“Follow this simple steps can help keep you warm during the winter months without compromising the security of your home.”
