We’re getting deep into the chill now, but it’s far from over for a lot of people. If you’re feeling the cold in your home, then you shouldn’t just try to wait it out for the rest of the winter; you should do something about it. As the heart of the home, the living room is where this cold can be felt most deeply, and here, we’re going to look at a few ways you can reinforce its warmth and comfort.
Start With Your Windows
Given that they’re where you tend to lose most of your warmth, weak windows can undermine your living room’s warmth greatly. Check your existing windows for air leaks that you can caulk or use weatherstripping to block up, and consider adding heavier window treatments like thick curtains to prevent heat transfer from sucking all the warmth out of the room. However, if your windows are well past their prime, it might be time to start thinking about a replacement that can protect the warmth of the home and make it much more energy efficient.
Add A Layer Of Softness
While curtains might be one example of soft furnishings that can add a touch of comfort and warmth to the room, they’re far from the only options. Rugs, throws, and pillows not only help to contrast and cover hard surfaces like wood or vinyl flooring, but they also much better absorb the warmth created by your heating, which helps the room retain that heat all the better. Having the option to curl up in a cosy, soft spot when the cold hits can make the experience much more bearable.
Bring In A Fire
If you want to make the most drastic change, however, then you should look at how you can directly improve the heating in the room. To that end, you should look at your local fires to see which options can fit your home. If you already have a hearth, then you might be able to install a real fire; Otherwise, there are plenty of great gas and electric models that can suit whatever type of home layout you have as well. The visuals of a roaring fire combined with that real warmth can make for the perfect thing on a chilly evening.
Visual Warmth Has An Effect, Too
While there’s a lot you can do to improve how warm the space physically is, the aesthetic of the room can do a lot to improve your sense of comfort, as well. For instance, moving to a warmer, richer colour scheme and layering your lighting with lamps and wall sconces can both make the space much more inviting, making you more likely to settle in, wrap up, and watch the fire on a cold day.
Keeping your living room warm isn’t just about making it cosy, it’s about making it a safer place for your family to be as well. Don’t underestimate the dangers of being cold, from hypothermia to a lowered immune system during bug season.
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