With snow predicted and temperatures forecast to drop as low as -3C, it’s important to stay warm. However, one flooring expert has shared a radiator warning as the weather gets chillier
With forecasts suggesting snow could blanket Scotland and northern parts of England in November, ensuring our homes stay warm has become crucial. According to the latest GFS model maps, a large blizzard is predicted to hit Scotland on November 13, particularly around Inverness, Wick and Aberdeen.
Southern Scotland and northern England, including Newcastle and parts of the Pennines, may also see light snow or sleet. Luckily though, central and southern England – from Manchester and Birmingham to London – is set to stay largely cold and dry, with just a few coastal showers possible.
Social media is awash with people seeking advice on staying warm, but with temperatures predicted to plunge, expert guidance is essential.
Fortunately, James Higgins, flooring expert at Online Carpets, has shared six straightforward and budget-friendly methods to increase warmth in your home without cranking up the heating. From strategic furniture placement to proper window insulation, these recommendations should keep you snug without sending your energy bills through the roof.
1. Position furniture away from radiators
“It can be tempting to place your sofa or bed right up against the radiator in winter to capture the warmth, but this will actually make your home feel colder,” said Higgins.
“When large pieces of furniture block radiators, any heat isn’t able to circulate properly around the room. Instead, the warmth gets trapped behind the furniture, leaving the rest of your room still feeling cold.
“If you’ve turned your heating on, try leaving a clear space in front of radiators. This allows the heat to move freely, which makes the whole room feel warmer and more comfortable.”
2. Choose carpet fibres like wool that lock in warmth
When it comes to your flooring, the expert said the material matters. Higgins commented: “Carpets made from natural fibres like wool are fantastic at retaining heat. Wool fibres trap air, providing insulation underfoot that helps to keep warmth inside the home, perfect if you’re in need of some further insulation.
“Synthetic options such as polypropylene can also be a great choice as they’re durable, budget-friendly, and still offer good insulation compared to hard flooring surfaces like laminate or tiles. A well-chosen carpet or rug not only feels soft but can cut down on heat loss in certain areas of your home.
“If you are thinking of replacing any flooring, you can also look at getting underlays placed for your carpets. Carpet underlay will not only provide you with extra heat and noise insulation but can also extend the lifespan of your carpet and provide extra comfort underfoot, making it a great choice for anyone wanting to lock in more heat during the colder months.”
3. Layer rugs and fabrics for instant cosiness on hard floors
Adding a large rug on top of wooden, vinyl, or laminate flooring is one of the quickest ways to warm up a room, according to Higgins.
He said: “Rugs stop draughts from coming through floorboards, create an extra layer of insulation, and make spaces feel instantly cosier.
“Opt for thick, dense rugs in living areas or runners in hallways for maximum impact. Not only will they keep feet warm, but they’ll also protect your flooring from everyday wear and tear.”
4. Add soft furnishings like wool throws for cosiness
“Textiles can play a huge role in how warm your space feels,” said the expert. “Layer up your wool throws, chunky knits, and velvet cushions to create that inviting “snuggle-up” vibe. These soft furnishings not only keep you physically warm but also make your home feel visually warmer and more cosy.
As an extra styling touch, James also said can bring in warm-toned accessories like cushions or blankets “in shades of terracotta, deep green, or caramel for a cosy, autumn-winter look”.
He added: ” Even small touches, like a wooden side table or a jute rug, can bring that organic cosiness to a room, but this is just a bonus, not a necessity.”
5. Insulate your windows with heavy, lined curtains
“As mentioned, windows are one of the biggest culprits for heat loss in your home,” said Higgins. “Keeping your curtains open in the day to let sunlight in, and then closing them as soon as it gets dark can help trap warmth inside your home rather than letting it escape through the glass.
“Heavy or lined curtains work especially well, as thicker fabrics like velvet or wool act as an extra layer of insulation.”
James says that heavy curtains will hold heat better because the dense fabric creates a barrier between the warm air indoors and the cold air outside.
He said: “This reduces heat transfer through the glass, keeping warm air circulating inside your home instead of being lost.
“By blocking draughts and slowing down how quickly heat escapes, curtains can make a noticeable difference to both the comfort of your living spaces and your energy bills.”
6. Block draughts with door excluders
Even a small draught can make your room feel much colder. Gaps under your doors or around frames let chilly air in and warm air escape, which can make heating less effective,” according to Higgins.
He recommended: “Invest in simple draught excluders or self-adhesive draught strips to block gaps under internal and external doors. They’re inexpensive, easy to fit, and make a noticeable difference to how warm your home feels without turning on the heating.”
