Baby, It's Cold Outside: 13 Ways For Keeping Warm At Home In Winter

Feeling the chill of the winter season? Just because it's cold outside doesn't mean your home can't be cosy, warm and super-inviting, too. Here's how to live your best cosy life through the winter months, and create a snug and comforting place to call home - whether that's just for you, or family, friends and housemates as well!

When winter rolls in, you can either shake your fist at the sky and curse the cold, or take action to keep the weather outside. The first step to keeping your house cosy and warm is stopping that chill coming in. Then, create a super warm and inviting place to sleep. Finally - make sure you can stay warm in other areas of the house. At Spotlight you can find everything you need to stay warm in winter - let these thirteen reasons show you how!

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1. Thick Thermal And Blackout Curtains
2. Draught Excluders And Stoppers
3. Soft And Shaggy Rugs
4. Warm Lighting
5. Wool Mattress Toppers And Underlays
6. Snuggly Sheets
7. Quilts And Quilt Covers
8. Take A Soak
9. Blankets And Throws
10. Baking And Cooking
11. Drink In The Warmth
12. Toasty Scents
13. Cosy Crafting

1. Thick Thermal And Blackout Curtains

Unless you've sprung for double-glazing, chances are your home is losing a lot of heat through the glass of your windows. Heavy, lined curtains (like blockout curtains and thermal curtains) provide insulation and keep the nippy weather from coming inside. They can also muffle loud noises from outside and will completely block out light from penetrating into your home, allowing you to sleep in complete darkness whenever you need to! Check out Spotlight's ready-made curtains and make sure to choose ones in warm colours and lush textures for an extra cosy feel.

For more information on the amazing ways the right curtains can keep your home warm and toasty make sure to read our blog on five reasons why you should invest in blockout curtains and blinds this winter.

2. Draught Excluders And Stoppers

That cold wind is probably getting in around door frames, too. Stop the chill by placing a draught excluder or doorstop across the bottom of outside doors, and anywhere else your house gets a little breezy like the bottom of a windowsill.

Draught excluders are also very useful on windy nights, where air entering and exiting your house can cause doors to shake in their frames. Wedge a draught excluder or doorstop into the gap and enjoy peace and quiet inside the home, even on a howling winter's night!

3. Soft And Shaggy Rugs

Layering rugs on bare floors goes a long way to keeping your home (and your toes!) nice and toasty - and safe from the freezing morning temperatures of wood and tile floors. Pay special attention to areas where you stand for long lengths of time - in front of kitchen counters, say - and around favourite chairs in the lounge, dining space and home office.

Look for rugs made out of warm materials like wool and cotton that you can dig your toes into - shaggy rugs are especially wonderful for this. Avoid thin, hard rugs made from stiff materials like jute or seagrass, as while they are durable and long-lasting, they feel quite rough on your feet and won't do much to warm them up.

Tuck the edges of rugs under furniture to help keep them from moving around - under the end of your bed or the front of a couch are useful spots that will keep your rugs anchored in place. For more information on the types of rugs you can use, check out our buying guides on how to choose rugs for your home and the best ways to care for them.

4. Warm Lighting

Okay, it doesn't add too much physical heat, but warming up your home with lighting can really boost your cosy factor. Warm white globes give off a candle-like colour and can be used in new and existing lights - or use actual candles for a warm and flickering glow. Floor and table lamps add extra luminance, while string lights bring festive warmth to bedrooms and living areas. For more ways to use fairy lights, read our blog on how to use them inside and outdoors!

The right lighting can go a long way to keeping you awake, energised and clear-headed - read more about lighting in the home in our living room lighting blog.

5. Wool Mattress Toppers And Underlays

Did you know that our body temperatures tend to cool off when we sleep? Meaning we literally chill when we chill. That's why it's important to get your wintertime bedding as cosy as can be. (Because toasty pyjamas and enormous bed socks can only take you so far.)

Wool fibres trap in heated air and they're naturally breathable, so using a wool mattress topper or underlay keeps all that toasty warmth near your body as you sleep. Plus, it'll make your mattress more snug and comfortable, giving you a softer surface to sink into so you can surround yourself with toasty woollen fibres. Or, invest in a heavenly electric blanket to warm up your bed before you get in or to keep you toasty warm as you fall asleep - read our buying guide on electric blankets so you know how to get the best out of yours!

For detailed information on the types of underlays, protectors and toppers you can use to warm up your bed, read our extensive buying guide online or chat with our experts in-store.

6. Snuggly Sheets

Of course, you'll want to pile on the blankets and throws for a cosy snooze. But don't forget that your sheets can up the warmth factor too. Flannelette and jersey are toasty options. Or try a teddy fleece fitted sheet and pillow for the ultimate in snuggly warmth. (It's pretty much like sleeping on a giant stuffed toy.)

Choose coordinating fitted and flat sheets in your favourite winter material for a restful night's sleep, and make sure to have a few sets on hand so you can always have toasty sheets on your bed!

7. Quilts And Quilt Covers

A warm quilt is just the ticket for a good night's sleep in wintertime. Winter quilts should be filled with a warming but breathable substance like wool or cotton - or go for a luxurious down and feather-filled quilt for the ultimate bedtime comfort!

Look for quilt covers in warm colours and soft and snuggly textures. Faux furs, velvets, cords or teddy fabrics are all great for cuddling into on a cold night and will help elevate your bed's comfort, inviting you to snuggle right into those cosy textures! Avoid icy whites and greys and look for colours like orange, red and pink in your quilt covers to give your bed a more romantic and warming look. Read through our quilts buying guide for more helpful information.

8. Take A Soak

If you're lucky enough to have some time for yourself, taking a long hot bath is one of the simplest forms of self-care you can perform. A warm bath is a great way to relax and unwind after a day of work - whether that's your day job or if you've just been running around the house! Make sure to use some scented soaps to help soothe your mind as well as your body (we love lavender and coconut aromas) and light a candle or two to help turn your bathroom into your own personal spa.

Snuggle into some fluffy towels afterwards for that extra bit of pampering - we recommend a bath sheet for full body coverage and comfort and then any of our delightful bathrobes for lounging around in afterwards.

9. Blankets And Throws

You thought blankets and throws were just for your bed? Keep warm all through the house with beautifully toasty throws in the lounge (to snuggle under while watching telly), home office (to cuddle up and read a book) or patio (to stay warm outside on chilly nights). Store them rolled up in baskets or just toss them over a sofa arm and grab at will. Discover more info on our blankets and throws in this buying guide!

Pait your favourite blanket or throw with a cute decorative cushion so you've got something solid to cuddle (or to rest your head on) and you'll be able to relax in just about any area of your home - even the floor!

10. Baking And Cooking

Any excuse to pop the oven on is going to warm up your space, and yummy baked goods like gooey chocolate chip biscuits and fresh loaves of bread will warm up your tum as well. If you need some sweet treat ideas, make sure to look through our delectable cake and confectionary projects.

For something more savoury, try family-friendly wintertime treats like stews, casseroles and curries. Slow-cooked meals are a favourite for cold weather as they have a lot of hearty and filling ingredients that you can just pop into the pot and forget about for the rest of the day, or try using an air fryer to cook your favourite hot snacks quickly - crunchy spring rolls, hash browns and hot chips will satisfy your winter snack cravings in a flash!

11. Drink In The Warmth

A steaming mug of tea or coffee in the morning is a comforting way to greet a winter's day. If you want to get fancy, set up a tea and coffee station in the kitchen with a variety of tea blends and coffee beans so you can choose something to suit your mood every day. Spicy teas with ginger and berries will wake you up with a kick, while coffee beans with hints of vanilla and honey are a sweeter way to start your day.

For evening tipples, try warming brews like mulled wine, cocoa or hot toddies. Keep a tea set on your dining table to encourage a cup of green or black tea with dinner, and get out your favourite large mugs to enjoy your sweet drinks or even a helpful honey and lemon tincture to soothe your sore throat.

12. Toasty Scents

Want your home to smell cosy and welcoming? Light a scented candle - or charge up a diffuser - with warm and comforting scents like cinnamon, vanilla, orange or spiced wood. The right aroma can totally change your mood, and helping beat the winter blues is a key way to enjoy life throughout the darker months of the year.

Should you use a candle or a diffuser? Candles come with a flame hazard, so should not be used in spaces with flowing curtains or breezes from open windows, but their flame provides light and comfort that are ideal for creating a cosy space in winter. Diffusers provide a steady stream of scent and are safer to operate but can be trickier to set up and maintain.

13. Cosy Crafting

Some crafts lend themselves to cuddling up under a blanket in front of the telly. Knitting, crochet and embroidery are lovely winter warmers, and you might end up with a beanie or scarf at the end of it, too! Macrame, knitting and most needle art hobbies don't require intense concentration once you have a rhythm going, which helps you relax by turning off your brain and allowing your thoughts to drift.

Visit our free project sheets for heaps of crafty inspiration!

Keep Warm In Winter With A Little Help From Spotlight

With so many ways to stay warm, it's time to visit Spotlight to get everything you need to keep your house cosy this winter. Shop online, pay your way and we'll deliver your order straight to your front door, or visit your nearest Spotlight store and our team will help you find everything you need for keeping warm this winter.

For more help and ideas for winter, make sure to read our blogs on how to layer winter blankets and 3 crafty projects that are great to do in front of the telly! And for more information regarding our product categories, check out our buying guides on home fragrances, rugs and mats and bed linen.