Having a cozy and warm bedroom is important for getting a good night’s sleep. When your bedroom feels cold or drafty, it can be hard to relax and drift off. There are several simple and affordable ways to make your bedroom feel warmer and more inviting.
Use warm colors
An easy way to instantly warm up your bedroom is to use colors that evoke warmth. Earth tones like reds, oranges, yellows, and browns can make your space feel cozier. Consider using these shades when choosing paint colors, bed linens, rugs, curtains, furniture, and decor. You can use warm colors in either bright, saturated hues or soft, muted tones. Just avoid cool shades like blues, greens, purples, and grays in large amounts as those will make your bedroom feel crisp rather than cozy.
Layer rugs
Having layered rugs on your bedroom floor is an excellent way to make the space feel warm, cozy and inviting. The layers help insulate your floor and prevent cold from seeping in. Try using a larger area rug to cover most of your floor, then use a few smaller accent rugs on top in coordinating colors or patterns. Plush, thick pile rugs will feel best underfoot. Place them on both sides of your bed so your feet land on a soft rug when you get up.
Use warm lighting
The type of lighting you use can impact the feel of your space. Cool, blue-toned light makes rooms feel crisp and clinical. For a warmer ambiance, use incandescent bulbs or amber-hued LED lights. Dimmer switches allow you to control the brightness and create a soft, cozy glow. Use table lamps, wall sconces and floor lamps to cast a warm, welcoming light over your bedroom. Candles also add flattering illumination along with a hint of fragrance.
Add soft textiles
Incorporate plush, textured fabrics throughout your bedroom to make it feel cozier. The best options include area rugs, blankets, quilts, cushioned headboards, upholstered furniture, velvet pillows, and curtains. When selecting window treatments, go for tightly woven, lined curtains in warm hues – this adds insulation. Fluffy throw blankets at the foot of your bed make it extra inviting. A padded headboard provides comfort so you can relax against it when reading or watching TV.
Adjust your bedding
Your bedding plays a key role in controlling the coziness of your sleep space. Opt for mattresses, mattress toppers, pads and pillows that conform to your body, feel plush, and retain heat. Choose a quilted mattress pad or featherbed to place over your mattress. Add a down comforter, duvet insert or fiberfill alternative to provide weight and insulation without excessive heat. Flannel sheets and soft, knit blankets also trap heat. You spend a third of your life in bed – it pays to customize your bedding for ultimate warmth and comfort.
Seal drafts
One of the main reasons bedrooms feel cold is air leaks letting in drafts from outside. Taking some time to seal up any cracks, gaps and openings can make a huge difference in your bedroom’s temperature. Check windows and doors for air leaks – add weather stripping as needed. Make sure your windows shut tightly and have thermal curtains. Seal around outlets and switch plates with caulk or spray foam. Consider adding draft stoppers at the bottom of doors. The less cold air that infiltrates your space, the warmer and cozier your room will feel.
Add insulation
Improving your bedroom’s insulation is one of the most effective ways to boost its coziness. There are several easy, affordable DIY options. You can use a rug pad or foam underlay beneath carpet and area rugs to add a layer of insulation to the floor. Hang thermal blackout curtains over windows and glass doors to prevent heat loss. For walls, add insulation by attaching rigid foam boards – seal the edges with caulk. You can even buy insulation blankets to place over doors. For the ceiling, blown-in cellulose insulation is a great choice.
Use a space heater
A space heater is wonderful for warming up a chilly bedroom quickly. Choose a model with adjustable temperature settings and a timer so you can customize the amount of heat. Small, fan forced heaters blow out concentrated warmth in whatever direction you aim them. Radiant heaters emit infrared rays that directly heat objects rather than just the air. Oil-filled heaters are slower to heat up, but provide steady, even warmth. Select a heater with safety features like automatic shut-off and tip-over protection.
Change your bed position
Strategically placing your bed to avoid cold spots and take advantage of heat sources can make a difference. Avoid pushing your bed flush against cold exterior walls. Position it away from drafty windows and doors while still allowing enough space to walk around it. Place your bed near interior walls which will be warmer. Situate your bed near heat sources like registers and baseboard heating units so you stay nice and toasty under the covers.
Add extra blankets and layers
The simplest way to feel warmer in a chilly room is to add more blankets to your bed. Layering on extra covers traps your body heat close to you. Choose natural materials like wool, cotton, silk and linen that provide warmth yet breathe so you don’t overheat. Go for blankets in varied weights and sizes – combine a heavy duvet with lighter throws. Wear long sleeves, socks, nightcap and layered pajamas to keep your extremities nice and warm at night.
Adjust your thermostat
If all else fails, simply turning up your thermostat a few degrees can quickly make your bedroom more comfortable. Set it around 68-72°F for optimal sleeping conditions. Install a programmable thermostat to schedule times for your bedroom to be warmer, then lower the temperature when you are awake or out of the house. Be sure to close vents in unused rooms so more warm air circulates into your bedroom. Your HVAC system’s return registers should be unobstructed to work efficiently.
Conclusion
With a few simple tweaks, you can turn your chilly bedroom into a warm, welcoming oasis. Focus on adding insulation, sealing drafts, using warm lighting and bedding, taking advantage of heat sources and adjusting the thermostat. Incorporating natural materials like wool and cotton along with cozy textures and fiery hues will boost your room’s overall sense of warmth and comfort. Follow these tips to create a bedroom you look forward to retreating to each night.
| Tip | How it Helps |
|---|---|
| Use warm paint colors | Earth tones feel cozy and inviting |
| Layer rugs | Insulates floors and adds softness |
| Install warm lighting | Creates a cozy ambiance |
| Add soft textiles | Plush fabrics hold in heat |
| Fluffy bedding | Traps body heat close to you |
| Seal drafts | Stops cold air leaks |
| Add insulation | Prevents heat loss |
| Use a space heater | Provides targeted warmth |
| Position near heat sources | Takes advantage of existing warmth |
| Layer on more blankets | Traps body heat close |
| Adjust thermostat | Warms full space evenly |
