Warmer home tricks aren’t about cranking up the thermostat; they’re about clever, practical fixes. Simple steps like draught-proofing, laying down rugs, and drawing heavy curtains can make a real difference, keeping your home snug without nudging energy use upwards. This guide runs through light DIY hacks, quick handyman tie-ins, and creative ways to stay warm while keeping bills under control.
Let’s be honest: fiddling with the thermostat has become something of a modern British hobby. Too chilly? Nudge it up. Feeling stuffy? Down it goes. But here’s the truth: plenty of warmer home tricks don’t require touching the dial at all. They’re the heating equivalent of putting on a jumper before you switch the boiler on: practical, budget-friendly, and surprisingly effective.
So, if you’d rather stay cosy without listening to your boiler sigh in protest, here’s a long list of easy, clever ideas to keep your home snug, draught-free, and wonderfully warm.
1. The Noble Draught Excluder: A Classic with Character
Every British home seems to have at least one draughty door, usually the one you pass the most. Enter the draught excluder: that humble yet heroic sausage-shaped cushion you shove against the gap. Modern versions aren’t just fabric tubes; there are also self-adhesive strips, foam sealants, and even brush strips for letterboxes.
DIY Tip: Self-adhesive foam strips are inexpensive and can be cut to size. If your DIY skills are limited to hanging a picture, don’t panic; fitting them is about as complex as applying a sticker.
Handyman tie-in: For trickier gaps around external doors or sash windows, a handyman can fit professional-grade seals that last longer and look neater.
2. Curtains
Curtains are not just for privacy — they also help to keep your home warm. Thick, lined curtains provide insulation by trapping heat inside, reducing heat loss through windows. Thermal curtains are now widely available and can add both warmth and comfort to a room.
Pro Hack: Close curtains as soon as it gets dark. In winter, the sun is your best mate during the day, but as soon as it disappears, the cold rushes in. Shutting the curtains quickly keeps the heat where it belongs.
Mini DIY: No thermal curtains? No problem. Sew (or safety-pin) an old fleece blanket to the back of your existing curtains. It’s the thrifty upgrade you didn’t know you needed.
3. Rugs: Stylish Heat Retainers
Bare wooden floors look chic, but they’re also responsible for a good deal of heat loss. A rug not only softens the look but also keeps the warmth from escaping underfoot. Bonus: it stops that toe-curling shock when you step on freezing boards first thing in the morning.
Tip: Layering rugs adds extra insulation. It’s also a great excuse to finally use that rug you bought on sale three years ago.
4. Loft Insulation
Heat rises, which means without proper loft insulation, you’re basically heating the great outdoors. Investing in loft insulation pays for itself faster than most other improvements.
DIY Level: Intermediate. Rolling out insulation is straightforward but itchy. Gloves, goggles, and patience are required. If crawling about in dusty corners of your loft isn’t your idea of fun, call in a professional.
Handyman tie-in- A professional handyman or tradesperson can install loft insulation quickly and safely, ensuring it’s fitted properly for maximum efficiency. They may also be able to source materials in bulk, which can sometimes make the overall job more cost-effective.
5. Window Wizardry
Single-glazed windows are practically an invitation for cold air to move in rent-free. If replacing them with double or triple glazing isn’t an option, secondary glazing kits offer a budget-friendly solution.
Quick Fix: Transparent plastic film you stick over your windows with double-sided tape and seal with a hairdryer. Surprisingly effective, though perhaps not the most Instagram-worthy.
Handyman tie-in: A professional can install removable acrylic sheets that act like secondary glazing but look far smarter.
6. Chimney Check
If you’ve got a fireplace you don’t use, it may be working harder as a cold-air funnel than as a cosy centrepiece. An unused chimney can let out huge amounts of heat.
DIY Trick: A chimney balloon can help block unwanted draughts from an unused fireplace. Simply insert it, inflate according to the instructions, and it will prevent cold air from entering the room.
Pro Help: A handyman can fit a permanent draught excluder that still allows for occasional use if you decide on a festive fire.
7. Rearrange Your Furniture
Sometimes warmth is a matter of positioning. If your sofa is blocking a radiator, you’re heating the back of it rather than the room. Rearranging furniture so heat flows freely makes a big difference
8. Layer Up Your Walls
No, you don’t need to dress them in jumpers. But wall hangings, tapestries, and even bookshelves filled with chunky tomes add an extra insulating layer. Plus, they make your home feel homely — think medieval castle vibes, minus the drafty stone corridors.
9. Floor Gaps and Skirting Secrets
Floorboards often have sneaky gaps where cold air seeps through. A quick DIY job with a flexible filler or sealant can block them off nicely.
DIY Skill: Low. It’s essentially squeezing filler into gaps. If you can ice a cake, you can do this.
Handyman tie-in: For bigger jobs, a pro can lift and refit boards, adding insulation beneath.
10. Keep Warm While You Sleep
Instead of turning up the heating to warm the whole room, focus on keeping yourself cosy. Hot water bottles, electric blankets, or heated mattress toppers provide direct warmth where you need it most. They’re efficient, cost-effective, and ensure you stay comfortable without wasting energy on space.
Eco Bonus: Cheaper to run, and frankly, slipping into a pre-warmed bed feels like luxury on a budget.
11. Harness the Power of the Sun
Even the shy British sun can help. Open curtains during the day to let in natural heat, especially on south-facing windows.
Tip: Clean your windows. Yes, it sounds obvious, but clearer glass lets in more sunshine and warmth. Plus, it’s an excuse for a bit of exercise.
12. Zone Heating (Without the Tech)
If you’re spending the evening in one room, there’s little point in heating the whole house. Focus on keeping that room warm. Shut doors, block draughts, and keep the heat contained. It’s the analogue version of smart heating systems.
13. Candles and Cooking Heat
Everyday activities like lighting a few candles or cooking a hearty dinner can naturally raise the room temperature. Baking, in particular, helps warm the kitchen while also providing something fresh to enjoy afterwards.
Safety Note: Candles are charming but not substitutes for actual heating. Never leave them unattended.
14. Layer Yourself Too
While the focus is on improving the home itself, it’s worth remembering the basics. Warm socks, jumpers, and slippers are simple but effective in keeping body heat in. It’s the timeless advice many of us grew up hearing: you don’t need to heat the whole house if you can keep yourself comfortable first.
Conclusion!
Staying warm in winter doesn’t have to mean sky-high heating costs or endless thermostat battles. Small, thoughtful changes can make a big difference, from the humble draught excluder at the front door to simply shifting your furniture so radiators aren’t blocked. These warmer home tricks are low-effort, high-impact solutions that keep comfort up and bills down.
So, roll out a rug, seal that chimney, hang those thick curtains, and enjoy the quiet satisfaction of knowing your home is properly snug, all without touching that thermostat.
For more seasonal tips, practical DIY fixes, and everyday household know-how, follow The Household Daily — your go-to guide for keeping homes across the UK warmer, cleaner, and more efficient all year round.
