Heating bills are always more expensive in the winter, obviously, as lower temperatures and harsher weather causes people to turn their heating up to 11. Energy company E.ON have teamed up with interiors expert Oliver Heath to give tips on how colour can make homes seem warmer.
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Oliver Heath said: “Britain has long been guilty of forgetting how to use colour, for years we have been using dark colours to paint our walls and ceilings, but this leaves a heavy, cold, and intense feeling.
“Just by using a few simple tricks you can change how a room feels, and also have a positive benefit on your energy bills. Something like making sure your curtains are correctly fitted can give you five minutes more natural light a day, add that up over a year and it will make a difference to how much energy you use and have a really positive impact on how your room feels.”
Oliver suggests that richer colours like reds, oranges, and purples will make a room feel more snug, while blue or turquoise can give a room a much cooler feel. The way a room faces will also make a difference to the colours you should paint it. Rooms that face north have cooler natural light, so decorate them in a warm white, light yellow or pink.
South facing rooms get more warm direct sunlight, so they'll benefit from richer colours like rich red or orange. Steer clear of colours that are too bright, as they may be too dazzling when full sunlight hits.
Check your windows aren't letting in a draught by holding a flame near the closed window. If air is blowing the flame, you have a draught, and you'll need to insulate the window. You can buy a simple kit for this from most home improvement stores.
Invest in some thicker curtains - they'll insulate your room against heat loss in the winter, and provide protection against the sun's hot rays in the summer, so they're a double bonus.
You should also make use of natural light, as this can help to heat your home. Put mirrors or reflective objects on your walls where the sun hits, and they'll help to bounce the warmth around the room. Make sure as much light can get in as possible by keeping windows clean and free from any obstructions.
Emily Bancroft
Tagged in Home Heating decorating tips Energy Costs Home & Garden