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There is more to making a room warmer than flicking the switch on a heater. First, tackle cold spots. A lot of heat is lost through windows, so adding curtains will be a huge help. Choosing full-length curtains in a heavier fabric will be the biggest heat-saver.
Second, employ some visual tricks. Our minds are powerful things and visual tricks – like using warm colours or setting up pretty lamps around the room to create pools of light – will make a room feel warmer.
Pro tip: Choose a ‘warm white’ light bulb for the best effect.
Also, add some rugs. They do a great job of insulating hard flooring, as well as providing warmth and softness underfoot.
When you’re choosing a rug, size is obviously important. Bigger is usually better. It should be large enough so that the front legs of your sofa and armchairs can rest on it. This looks more luxe, and helps to anchor all of your furniture. Be sure to allow approximately 60cm on either side of your coffee table for comfortable navigation.
Dining table chairs should all be able to sit on the rug, even when they’re pulled out. You want to avoid chair legs catching on the edge of the rug as you move chairs in and out.
To get the size right in a bedroom, position a large rug so the whole bed and bedside tables sit on it. For a smaller rug, tuck it under the lower third of the bed.
Before you go shopping, measure the size of your room or the area where you’re planning to use the rug.
Pro tip: If the rug you love isn’t big enough for the space you want it for, you could always place two side by side and join the edges securely with carpet tape.
If you have a beautiful, saturated wall colour, you can go one of two ways with your choice of rug. You can either find a rug that has elements in a complementary or matching hue, which will really pull the room together, or stick to rugs in neutral shades of beige, grey or cream for a lighter look. This will make the room look brighter.
Alternatively, if your room is mostly in neutrals, you could select a rug that will give the area a beautiful colour or pattern boost.
In low-traffic areas like bedrooms, you have free rein for choosing textures and materials (consider shag pile, for example!). However, in a family living space, you might need something more durable.
Polypropylene rugs come in all types and textures, and are tough enough for everyday living. Wool or wool-mix is soft and luxurious, and it is also surprisingly durable. Or you could go for jute. This natural material feels more textured underfoot, it’s cost-effective and its’ great for capturing a relaxed, coastal vibe in your home.
Layering rugs is a great technique for large spaces. It is also a good way to mix textures, shapes and colours, and to create a focal point in a room. You could balance a coloured or boldly patterned rug with a neutral one, layer a round rug over a big rectangular one or add a shag-style rug over a low-pile one.
Take inspiration from our guide to styling cosy interiors.
Photo Credit: Anna Robinson
Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.
When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.
