Home decorating and HVAC are two topics that don’t generally mix. However, there are times, especially when the temperatures are cold when home decorating can be used to improve your home’s heating. How? Using specific fabrics and arranging furniture a certain way can raise the room’s actual temperature while also giving off a feeling of warmth and coziness.
Step 1: Add rugs
Not only are area rugs colorful and stylish, they will also keep your feet warm and act as insulation for your floor.
Step 2: Move Furniture
There are two parts to this step. The first part is to make sure that furniture is not blocking any wall or floor registers. Despite the fact that these registers may be an eyesore, it is best to have them clear. This is because blocking the registers will mean that your furnace has to work harder to fill the room with warm air since its entryway is blocked. Also, a clear register will give that warm air quick direct access to you and your family. If you are really worried about how the registers look, they can be painted to blend in with the walls, floors, or ceilings. The second part of moving furniture is to move furniture away from windows and outside walls because those will be colder areas of the room. Since couches and chairs are usually where we spend our time, it will keep you warmer if they are not located right near windows or outside walls.
Step 3: Try Window Treatments
These are a great way to add both actual and perceived warmth to your home. Closing curtains and drapes can work to keep warm air in and cold air out. Furthermore, you can even maximize the heat by using insulated drapes.
Step 4: Shut the doors to unused rooms
Usually we try to circulate and share the air, but when it is cold out we will be a little selfish. Closing off the doors to rooms you are not currently using will help to keep the warm air where you are.
Step 5: Work with Color and Texture
Warm colors such as reds and oranges can give your home a warm, cozy feel. In addition fabrics such as corduroy can also create that feeling. Try using some cheap throw pillows that incorporate these colors and textures in the winter. They could be switched out in the spring and summer for some “cooler” options.
Though these tricks are definitely helpful to adding a bit of warmth, the most important thing is having a properly operating heating system
