Bed expert says how to stay warm 'without spending any money'

Adeel ul-haq has suggested several ways to stay toasty in the colder months without cranking up the heat

As winter approaches and the nights get colder, many of us are feeling anxious about staying warm. With energy bills set to increase by 10% at the start of October, the idea of turning the heating up over the months to come might not be welcome.

But bedroom expert Adeel ul-haq, from Bunkbeds, has shared his advice for staying warm without needing to turn up the thermostat. These simple and practical solutions can help keep the chill away while keeping your energy bills in check, said Adeel.

Keep warm without turning the heating up

Use the right type of fillings

Most of us will use the same duvet and pillows all year round, but if you find yourself waking up cold you may want to consider using a different duvet and pillow set.

Adeel said: "Your duvet filling will be the difference from sleeping all night to waking up and tossing and turning. 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

The colour of your bedroom can have a psychological impact on how you feel when you are in it. Some colours can make you feel warmer, while others can make you feel the opposite.

Adeel said: "Making your home feel warmer visually can have a psychological effect on you so that you don't reach to turn your heating up. 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

Having the wrong size bed sheets can be uncomfortable and lead to a poor night's sleep, but having a slightly larger duvet in the colder months can keep you warmer.

Adeel said: "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. 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

You may already have curtains in your bedroom but you could have the wrong type or you may not be using them most efficiently to keep the heat in and your bills down.

Adeel said: "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. 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 an electric blanket can be a cost-efficient way to warm up your room, they should be avoided, said Adeel.

"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. 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."