A bedroom expert has revealed some unexpected techniques you can use to stay toasty under the covers this winter without spending a penny on heating. As the colder nights draw in, many homeowners will be worrying about how to afford to stay warm in our homes amid the rising cost of living crisis.
However, bedroom expert Adeel-ul-hag from Bunkbeds may just have the perfect solution for you which is not only affordable but also hassle free.
Sharing his top tips for staying warm without needing to crank up the thermostat, the expert revealed that switching up your pillows and duvet in the cold weather is an essential step in keeping your bed nice and cosy.
While most of us use the same duvet and pillows all year round, if you find yourself waking up cold it may be time to consider using different bedding. Adeel explained: “Your duvet filling will be the difference from sleeping all night to waking up and tossing and turning. There are two types of duvet fillings to choose from, synthetic and natural.
“Natural fillings such as wool have a chunky structure and because of this it can trap air well and keep you warm all night without having to put the heating on.”
However, the expert strongly advises against using one heating method that many rely on. While electric blankets are a popular cost-efficient way to warm up your room, Adeel believes they should be avoided unless users take proper measures.
He said: “Electric blankets can be safe if they are used correctly and are maintained, but most people don’t know what to look out for and as a result, these devices cause thousands of fires every year.
“Electric blankets should have a recognised approvals mark such as the BEAB mark or the BSEN 60335 International Standard Number. They should be less than 10 years old and have no worn or frayed fabric. There also shouldn’t be wires poking through or scorch marks visible on the fabric.
He added: “You shouldn’t use electric blankets on waterbeds, bunk beds, or sofa beds. People with certain health conditions, like diabetes or Alzheimer’s, should also be cautious. Pregnant women and older adults may be at risk as well. If in doubt, don’t use one.”
The bedroom expert has shared some more of his simple yet unique solutions to keep the chill away while keeping your energy bills in check.
Change the colour of your bedroom
The colour of your bedroom is known to have a psychological impact on how you feel when you are in it. While some colours can make you feel warmer, others can make you feel the exact opposite.
Adeel advised: “Making your home feel warmer visually can have a psychological effect on you so that you don’t reach to turn your heating up. Using colours that are warm feeling such as reds, yellows, oranges, terracotta or rust coloured can help create a cosy atmosphere.
“Colours such as blue, light hues of green or white can have the opposite effect and can make you feel much colder as the temperature outside drops.
“If you don’t want to spend too much money painting your room, you can change items such as bedding, curtains, cushions, and other accessories to get the same effect,” says Adeel.
Upsize your bedding
Having an incorrect bed sheet size can be uncomfortable and cause a bad night’s sleep, but having a slightly larger duvet in the colder months can also keep you warmer.
Adeel explained: “If you find your arms, legs or feet hanging out of your bed you may feel the chill from the cold air in your room. Getting a larger duvet than the one you need will get rid of this problem and will keep the warm air in and around your body keeping you warm all night.”
Keep the heat in with your curtains
You might already have curtains in your bedroom but it’s possible you have the wrong type or may not be using them efficiently enough to keep the heat in and bring your bills down.
Adeel says: “Curtains come in many materials, to keep the heat in you ideally should have curtains with a thermal lining as these will keep the heat in and your energy bills down. If you don’t have thermal curtains, wool or velvet are also good choices.
“When it comes to your curtains you may be tempted to keep them closed in the colder months but you should always open them in the morning to leave in natural light and heat. When it comes to the evening you should then close your curtains to retain the heat in your room.
He added: “Curtain tracks can also be used instead of regular curtain poles as these create a seal between the curtain and the wall to trap heat in your home.”
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