Winter is coming. And while that phrase might send shivers down the spine of Game of Thrones fans, for the rest of us, it means cold, dark nights, freezing mornings, and a desperate need to turn our homes into a warm, inviting haven.
But keeping cosy in winter isn’t just about cranking up the thermostat and hoping for the best. With our winter heating tips involving the right mix of heating solutions, smart styling choices, and a few clever efficiency hacks, you can create a home that feels warm, looks inviting, and doesn’t send your energy bills through the roof.
Here’s how to make your home the ultimate winter retreat.
Why winter heating is about more than warmth
Sure, staying warm is the primary goal, but a cosy winter home is also about:
Comfort: There’s something about stepping into a toasty home after braving the cold that just feels right.
Ambience: Warm lighting, soft furnishings, and a well-heated space create a relaxing atmosphere.
Efficiency: The right heating strategy ensures you stay warm without wasting energy (or money!).
Well-being: A properly heated home reduces dampness, prevents colds, and keeps you feeling your best.
Choosing the right radiators for a cosy winter home
Not all radiators are created equal – some are built for efficiency, others for style, and some for the ultimate cosy factor. Here are some key winter heating tips to consider as it pertains to radiators:
Column radiators: The timeless cosy classic
Why they’re great: They provide strong, long-lasting warmth while adding vintage charm.
Perfect for: Period properties, high-ceilinged rooms, or anyone who loves a classic industrial heating look.
Vertical radiators: Space-saving and stylish
Why they’re great: They provide excellent heat output without taking up valuable floor space.
Perfect for: Smaller rooms or modern interiors where wall space is limited. They can make for ideal bedroom radiators, for instance.
Heated towel rails: Because cold bathrooms are the worst
Why they’re great: They keep your towels warm and dry, making every shower feel spa-like.
Perfect for: Bathrooms, en-suites, and even utility rooms.
How to layer heating: Radiators, underfloor heating and heated accessories
Just like layering up with jumpers, scarves, and thermal socks, layering heating sources ensures an even, comfortable warmth throughout your home, and is a key winter heating hack.
Radiators: The foundation of home heating
Your radiators should provide the main heat source of your winter heating, efficiently warming each room without excessive energy use. You can decide whether modern or traditional radiators are ideal to complement your winter interior scheme.
Efficiency tip: Make sure radiators aren’t blocked by furniture, as this reduces heat circulation.
Underfloor heating: The ultimate cosy upgrade
If you hate stepping onto icy cold floors in the morning, underfloor heating is the dream winter upgrade.
Why it’s worth it: Provides a consistent warmth throughout the room with no cold spots.
Heated throws and portable heaters: Instant warmth when you need it
For those extra chilly nights, a heated throw or a small, energy-efficient space heater can be a game-changer.
Best for: Living rooms, home offices, and anywhere you need an extra boost of warmth.
Decor and heating: How to make your home feel extra cosy
- Use warm textiles
Layer up with thick blankets, plush rugs, and heavy curtains to trap heat and add comfort.
- Soft lighting for a cosy glow
Swap out harsh white bulbs for warm-toned lighting to create a soothing, winter-ready atmosphere.
- Position furniture strategically
Make sure seating areas are placed near heat sources and away from draughty windows.
- Add a fireplace (or fake one!)
If you don’t have a real fireplace, an electric version or even candle arrangements can add to the cosy feel.
Energy-saving tips for staying warm without raising the thermostat
Keeping your heating bills under control doesn’t mean you have to freeze. Here are some simple winter heating tricks to stay warm without turning up the thermostat:
- Use smart thermostats & thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs)
Smart heating controls such as thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) let you heat only the rooms you need, at the right times. You could create a morning and evening heating routine that works in accordance with your schedule so energy isn’t wasted.
- Insulate, insulate, insulate!
Proper insulation prevents heat from escaping, making your home easier (and cheaper) to keep warm.
- Keep the heat where you need it
Closing doors, using draught excluders, and keeping curtains drawn at night helps trap warmth in your home.
- Don’t block your radiators
Radiator covers and large furniture in front of radiators can stop heat from circulating properly.
Stay warm, stay cosy, stay efficient with bestheating
Winter might be cold, dark, and full of unexpected frosty mornings, but with the right winter heating setup and a few cosy touches, your home can become a warm sanctuary. Whether it’s upgrading to energy-efficient radiators, adding a heated towel rail, or layering up with soft furnishings, every little change makes a big difference. We’ve also got tips for other seasons such as styling radiators for summer in our Advice Centre.
So, grab a hot drink, wrap yourself in a blanket, and enjoy the comfort of a home that’s as warm as it is welcoming. Let us know your best winter heating hacks in the comments below, or through Instagram, Facebook or X
John is a Research Specialist for the Best Heating Advice Centre, where for over nine years he has dedicated himself to demystifying home heating for our customers. He specialises in creating clear, data-driven guides and how-to articles by collaborating directly with our team of certified heating experts and product engineers.
His work, built on a foundation of journalistic research, has helped millions of readers make confident and informed decisions about their home heating. When he’s not breaking down the heat output differentials from radiators to heated towel rails, John fancies himself as a fine football and music connoisseur.
