Winter Interior Design Tips: 5 Easy Ways to Save Energy
Are high energy bills leaving you worried this winter? With the rising cost of living, it’s only natural to feel anxious about how much heating your home will add to your monthly expenses. But staying warm doesn’t have to mean sky-high bills. With a few clever interior design hacks, you can create a cosy, comfortable space while cutting down on energy costs.
From smart styling tricks to simple changes that make a big impact, these tips will help you keep the warmth in, the cold out, and your energy bills under control. Here are our top 5 winter interior design hacks to save energy and stay snug without breaking the bank.
Optimise Your Window Coverings
Windows are one of the biggest culprits for heat loss in winter, so choosing the right coverings can make a huge difference to both comfort and energy bills. Thick, lined curtains or thermal blinds act as an extra layer of insulation, helping to keep the cold out and the warmth in. During the day, open them wide to let natural sunlight flood in and gently warm your space. As soon as evening falls, draw them closed to trap that heat indoors.
For even greater insulation, try layering blinds with curtains to create a double barrier against draughts. Shutters are another excellent option, they’re particularly effective when paired with heavy curtains, though they do come at a higher price point. Whichever option you choose, well-optimised window coverings not only keep your home cosier but also add a stylish finishing touch to your interior.
Maximise Natural Sunlight
Winter in England often means grey skies and short days, so when the sun does decide to make an appearance, it’s important to make the most of it. Natural sunlight isn’t just uplifting for your mood—it’s also a free source of heat and light, helping you reduce your reliance on lamps and radiators.
Start by keeping your windows clean, inside and out, so every bit of daylight can filter through. Rearrange your furniture to make sure nothing is blocking those precious rays—placing your sofa or reading chair near a sunlit window will create a naturally warm and inviting spot. Light-coloured walls, mirrors, and reflective surfaces can also help bounce sunlight deeper into your home, brightening up even the darkest corners.
If privacy is an issue, consider using double-layer curtains often combining a sheer inner layer and an opaque outer layer. So you can pull the sheer fabrics that let the light pour in while still softening the glare. Then, as soon as the sun sets, close your heavier curtain layer to lock in the warmth you’ve gathered throughout the day.
Harnessing natural light is one of the simplest yet most effective energy-saving interior tricks—proof that sometimes the best solutions really are the simplest.
Use Area Rugs for Warmth and Style
Chilly floors in winter can make your home feel colder than it actually is, but a stylish area rug can change that instantly. Not only do rugs provide extra insulation, helping to trap heat and reduce energy costs, but they also add texture, colour, and a cosy, inviting feel to any room.
Place a soft, plush rug beside your bed so that your feet touch warmth and comfort instead of cold, hard flooring on frosty mornings. Layering rugs in living areas or under seating zones can create additional insulation while making your interiors feel more luxurious and snug.
Consider natural fibres like wool or blends with a high pile for maximum warmth, or go for decorative patterns that complement your existing décor. Even smaller rugs in high-traffic areas, like hallways or in front of sinks, can make a surprisingly big difference to comfort and energy efficiency.
Using area rugs is one of the simplest winter interior design hacks to stay warm, enhance your décor, and reduce heating costs—all while keeping your home stylish and cosy.
Layer Your Bedding for Warmth and Comfort
Snuggle up in style this winter by layering your bed with extra blankets, duvets, and throws. Layered bedding not only creates a cosy and inviting bedroom but also helps trap body heat, keeping you warm throughout the night without relying solely on central heating. This simple trick can even help reduce energy bills by allowing you to turn down the thermostat slightly while staying comfortable.
Start with a soft fitted sheet and a duvet with a higher tog rating (around 10.5–13.5 for winter), which provides excellent insulation for colder nights. Add a couple of lightweight blankets or throws for versatility, layering different textures, think chunky knit throws, faux fur blankets, or quilted layers, for both practical warmth and stylish appeal. Decorative cushions and bed runners can also add extra insulation while enhancing your winter bedroom décor.
For the best combination of comfort and energy efficiency, consider layering a medium tog duvet with a lightweight throw for adjustable warmth throughout the night. Natural fabrics like wool, cotton, or flannel are ideal, they retain heat effectively while remaining breathable.
Layering your bedding is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to make your bedroom cosy, stylish, and energy-efficient all winter long.
Use Warm Colour Schemes to Make Your Home Feel Cosy
Did you know that colour can influence how warm or cold a room feels? Using warm, earthy tones is a simple yet powerful interior design trick to make your space feel visually and psychologically warmer, even on the chilliest days. Shades like rich reds, burnt oranges, terracotta, deep browns, and warm golds create a cosy, inviting atmosphere that encourages relaxation and comfort.
Incorporate these colours through wall paint, accent furniture, soft furnishings, and décor. For example, a terracotta feature wall, deep-red throw pillows, or a warm-toned rug can instantly make a living room or bedroom feel snug. Layering textures alongside warm colours, think velvet cushions, wool throws, or wooden furniture enhances the cosy effect while adding depth and character to your interiors.
For a more subtle approach, try accent pieces or accessories in warm hues, like lampshades, curtains, or artwork, to gently introduce warmth without committing to bold wall colours. Pairing warm tones with soft lighting and reflective surfaces, like mirrors or metallic accents, amplifies the sense of heat and comfort, making the room feel welcoming even when the temperature drops.
Using warm colour schemes is a clever interior design strategy that not only enhances the aesthetic of your home but also helps you feel warmer and more comfortable, perfect for winter home décor and energy-saving tips.
By making a few simple interior adjustments: Optimising window coverings, maximising natural sunlight, using area rugs, layering your bedding, and incorporating warm colour schemes, you can create a home that feels cosy, stylish, and energy-efficient all winter long. These small changes not only improve comfort but can also help reduce heating costs, making your home more enjoyable without breaking the bank.
If you’d like expert guidance on implementing these energy-saving and cosy interior design tips in your own home, our interior design services are available worldwide. With our Build Your Own Design service, you can tailor an interior design package to suit your needs, style, and budget. Get in touch today or book a free discovery call to explore how we can help transform your space before committing to a service!
