Bedding expert says fixing little-known mistake could help you stay warm at night for free

With the UK facing colder temperatures and energy costs set to rise in October, a bedroom expert has provided his five top tips for keeping warm - and they'll cost you nothing

As the autumn season and its accompanying chill set in, many Brits are contemplating whether to crank up the heating. However, with energy costs predicted to surge by 10% in October, it's not a straightforward decision.

On Saturday (September 28), as people across the nation awoke to single-digit temperatures, many took to social media to express their discomfort at the cold conditions. "It's quite cold today, isn't it? " one X user casually remarked, sharing a picture of their warming cuppa.

"Oh blimey, it's so cold today," grumbled another. "I've had the heating on for 2 hours this morning and can only get my office to 16c. The living room, which is large and where I've turned off the heating, is at 15c and falling. Despite closing the doors, there's only so much one can do."

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"I hate how cold it is today; I need to head south, anywhere south from here," mused a third. Whilst a fourth person chimed in: "Just feeling cold today... Probably because summer is now a distant memory and it's clouding over with just 11c/12c 52/54F at Manchester... That's chilly for almost midday in September."

However, bedroom expert Adeel ul-haq from Bunkbeds has come to their rescue, offering his top five tips for staying warm without upping the thermostat. He suggests that his simple and practical solutions can help ward off the cold while keeping your bills manageable.

Use the right type of duvet fillings

Many of us are making a mistake when it comes to our bedding, by using the same duvet and pillows throughout the year, but if you're shivering in your sleep, it might be time to switch up your bedding.

"Your duvet filling will be the difference from sleeping all night to waking up and tossing and turning," Adeel points out. "There are two types of duvet fillings to choose from, synthetic and natural.

"Natural fillings such as wool have a chunky structure and because of this it can trap air well and keep you warm all night without having to put the heating on."

Change the colour of your bedroom

As simple as it may seem, the colour of your bedroom walls can psychologically affect your temperature perception. Certain colours can make you feel warmer, while others can have the opposite effect.

"Making your home feel warmer visually can have a psychological effect on you so that you don't reach to turn your heating up," suggests Adeel. "Using colours that are warm feeling such as reds, yellows, oranges, terracotta or rust coloured can help create a cosy atmosphere.

"Colours such as blue, light hues of green or white can have the opposite effect and can make you feel much colder as the temperature outside drops. If you don't want to spend too much money painting your room, you can change items such as bedding, curtains, cushions, and other accessories to get the same effect."

Upsize your bedding

Choosing the incorrect bed sheet size can lead to discomfort and a disrupted sleep, but opting for a duvet that's slightly bigger than your bed during the chillier months could actually help you stay snug. "If you find your arms, legs or feet hanging out of your bed you may feel the chill from the cold air in your room," Adeel suggests.

"Getting a larger duvet than the one you need will get rid of this problem and will keep the warm air in and around your body keeping you warm all night."

Keep the heat in with your curtains

While you might already have curtains, Adeel advises that either you could have an unsuitable kind - or you're not employing them effectively enough to maximise heat retention. "Curtains come in many materials, to keep the heat in you ideally should have curtains with a thermal lining as these will keep the heat in and your energy bills down," Adeel says.

"If you don't have thermal curtains, wool or velvet are also good choices. When it comes to your curtains you may be tempted to keep them closed in the colder months but you should always open them in the morning to leave in natural light and heat. When it comes to the evening you should then close your curtains to retain the heat in your room."

"Curtain tracks can also be used instead of regular curtain poles as these create a seal between the curtain and the wall to trap heat in your home."

Avoid the electric blanket

While electric blankets might seem a cost-effective way to keep cosy, safety concerns are sparking warnings, as per Adeel's remarks: "Electric blankets can be safe if they are used correctly and are maintained, but most people don't know what to look out for and as a result, these devices cause thousands of fires every year."

He continues: "Electric blankets should have a recognised approvals mark such as the BEAB mark or the BSEN 60335 International Standard Number. They should be less than 10 years old and have no worn or frayed fabric. There also shouldn't be wires poking through or scorch marks visible on the fabric.

"You shouldn't use electric blankets on waterbeds, bunk beds, or sofa beds. People with certain health conditions, like diabetes or Alzheimer's, should also be cautious. Pregnant women and older adults may be at risk as well. If in doubt, don't use one."