As temperatures continue to plummet, many are looking for cost-effective ways to heat their homes without relying too heavily on the heating system – and one expert has the answer
As the chill of winter sets in and the temperature drops, households across the nation are on the hunt for savvy methods to keep their homes warm without cranking up the heating and facing eye-watering bills.
In a surprising twist, one of the chicest yet simplest tricks to warm up your space is by laying down a thick rug.
Georgia Metcalfe, the co-founder and creative director of The French Bedroom Company, swears by this approach for an extra cosy feel during the frosty months. “A surprising amount of heat can be lost from an uninsulated floor, and if you have wood or laminate flooring, it will make the bedroom cold quickly,” she points out.
Those stylish hardwood and laminate floors might look the part but they’re infamous for letting precious warmth slip away, particularly when there’s no insulating layer underneath, leading to nippy rooms and soaring heating costs as you try to offset the chill. Metcalfe advises that splurging on a plush, top-notch rug can be a clever and cost-effective move to tackle this problem.
“A thick rug adds an extra layer of insulation, helping to trap heat and prevent cold air from seeping through the floor,” she recommends. This additional layer acts as a shield between your tootsies and the frosty ground, ensuring your living spaces retain heat longer and allowing you to dial down the thermostat.
This nifty trick is especially effective in rooms with wood, tile, or laminate flooring, which are known to feel chillier during the winter months. Whether it’s your bedroom, living room, or even your home office, a plush rug can add warmth and cosiness.
Not only do rugs retain heat, but they also help to block drafts. If your home has older floorboards or lacks sufficient insulation, you might find cold air seeping in from underneath the floor, making rooms feel drafty and uncomfortable.
A thick rug serves as an excellent barrier, stopping these drafts from circulating in your living space. By strategically placing a large rug or several smaller ones around your home, you’ll see a noticeable improvement in its overall warmth and comfort.
