Common furniture 'mistake' can make your home feel cold even with the heating on
As winter's icy grip tightens, many homeowners are finding that despite cranking up their heating systems, a stubborn chill persists in their homes.
An interior expert has highlighted three commonly overlooked factors that could be preventing your home from achieving that snug warmth – even when the heating is turned up to the max.
One common mistake many people make is placing furniture too closely to radiators or blocking the heat circulation with heavy curtains. Chloe Barrow from Laura James explained: "A common mistake we see is furniture or curtains positioned too close to the radiators.
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"While it might seem practical to have furniture near a heat source, these items can actually absorb a significant amount of warmth that would otherwise circulate through the room."
She continued: "The same goes for long curtains, which can trap heat behind them, preventing it from spreading across the space. Instead, I would suggest rearranging furniture to leave a few inches between the radiator and nearby items, allowing heat to flow unimpeded.
"If you're using heavy curtains to keep out drafts, make sure they're not draped directly over radiators – they should end just above, so warmth isn't trapped behind fabric. Although this isn't necessarily the in-style way to have draping curtains, if heat is your top priority, this simple adjustment can improve your room's warmth significantly."
Drafts from floorboards
"Another hidden culprit is poorly insulated floorboards," Chloe explained. "We always remember to check doors and windows but floorboards are so often forgotten. Even a small draft can counteract the effect of central heating, making your home feel colder than it should.
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"To test for drafts, run a hand along gaps in your wooden floorboards. If you notice a chill, applying draught-proofing tape or sealant can be an inexpensive fix. For larger gaps in floorboards, consider using a floor filler or draught excluder to prevent cold air from seeping in."
Optimise your thermostat
"Every year when the heating goes on you need to be revisiting your thermostat settings," Chloe outlined. "This is a time many of us in the home and interiors industry know about, but it's so often forgotten or not considered by the general public.
"Make sure to set a consistent, moderate temperature rather than constantly adjusting. A smart thermostat can offer more precise control, helping you maintain a comfortable temperature without using excessive energy."
Inadequate Insulation
Chloe explained, "In older homes, insulation can be inconsistent, leading to heat escaping through poorly insulated walls or loft spaces. Even with the heating on, a home can lose up to 35 percent of its warmth through poorly insulated areas.
"If you think this could be your home's main culprit for a consistent chill, I recommend consulting with a specialist to assess your home's insulation needs. If budget is a concern, many homeowners in the UK are eligible for grants or subsidies that make adding insulation more affordable."
She added, "This is one of the best long-term investments you can make for a warm, energy-efficient home, so if you can afford it or think you'll be successful in a grant application, I would hugely recommend going for it."
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