5 home updates to do NOW to ensure you’re ready for winter
Winter is just around the corner. Find out what you can do to update your home for the cooler times ahead.
Some aspects of your home don’t have to stay the same all year round. In fact, a few small changes can go a long way towards making your home more energy efficient, less expensive to run and more comfortable during the winter months.
Here are a few tips to help dress your home for the cold.
Choose blockout curtains
Preparing your home for winter is all about insulation. It’s officially time to layer up!
Your window coverings do more than control light filtration. Up to 40 percent of your home’s heat can be lost through the windows. Therefore, when it gets colder outside, it’s a smart idea to invest in blockout curtains for added warmth.
Blockout curtains help with energy efficiency and reducing draughts.
A good option is Spotlight’s range of blockout curtains which not only help block out light, but they also provide insulation to keep the warmth in and the cold out.
Spotlight also has options for thermal insulated curtains, which come with an acrylic backing layer for added thermal protection. With a range of colours and sizes, you can also find the best fit for each space.
Change your bedding
Most of us are well aware that we can add blankets for warmth, but have you thought about the role of your bedding?
Linen bedding can still be an asset in winter.
First of all, you may need to swap to a heavier duvet if you’ve been using a lightweight style for summer.
Next, consider warmer quilt covers and sheets. Flannelette is a popular option given its higher thread count. However, for something more breathable try a natural fabric such as linen. You just need to ensure you top it all off with something heavy and insulating on top, like a woollen blanket.
Block draughts
While blockout curtains can help reduce draughts around your windows, you should assess any gaps that create potential draughts and allow heat to escape and cool air to enter.
Draught protection may include re-caulking around windows and doors to seal any cracks. Even non-invasive, simple solutions like door snakes placed at your door to prevent air leakage can have an effect.
Moveable door seals are also an option for under-door gaps. However, nothing quite does the job like a door snake!
Add a rug
Rugs are also another layer of insulation, especially if you have hard flooring. While a looser weave or polyester fabric rug may do the job in summer, consider something heavier for winter. Think of it like a coat: you need quality materials to keep warm.
Put an underlay under your rug for extra insulation and comfort. Picture: Unsplash
However, if you don’t want to invest in a new rug entirely – or children or pets prevent you from opting for something pricey and harder to clean – consider adding an underlay to improve insulation and provide a cushier feeling.
Extra padding
While it might not revolutionise the temperature of your room, adding extra fabric items – like throws and cushions – can improve insulation and provide added warmth. Cool air can blow right through a room and even more so if it’s slicking off timber, tiles or across the surface of your leather couch.
Cushions and throws can make your place feel cosier in an instant. Picture: Spotlight
Draping a throw over your couch and layering a few plush cushions will not only keep you warm while nestling in to watch a movie at night, but will also create a warm look and feel to a room – which never hurts! Load up on wool, velvet and chunky knits to really capture that winter vibe.