Making your soft furnishings contribute to the bills sounds like a dream come true, doesn’t it? Well, I don’t think I can go as far as professing I can make that happen. But there are certainly several considerations with regards to furnishing that could help towards a general focus on energy saving. So, if you have redecoration plans why not take the following into account:
Windows
A typical house loses around 10% of its heat through the windows. Obviously replacing or upgrading glazing is pricey. But what else can be done to help with energy saving?
Draft proofing
A very cost-effective way to keep your home warm and energy efficient, cut down on fuel costs and lower your carbon footprint. Draft proofing around doors and windows could save you around £60 a year and that figure rises if you have an open fireplace that you proof too.
It’s quite easy to do yourself and there’s a fabulous guide on the Energy Saving Trust’s website.
Curtains
Times are tough I know but it always pays to invest in a good pair of curtains. By that I mean a heavy weight fabric with a good lining and interlining. These are fabulous for keeping the heat in your room (make sure to close them as soon as it starts to get dark).
What do we mean by interlining?
Interlining is a piece of fabric that is sandwiched between your curtain fabric and the lining. Not only does it add weight to the curtain and allow it to drape beautifully, but it also helps with reducing transparency, noise reduction and, of course, insulation.
We are often constrained where there is a radiator under the window but if this space is free then I’d highly recommend floor length curtains. Not only do they look so much better they also work more effectively at keeping the heat in.
Blinds
When it comes to energy saving it’s not a case of blinds or curtains but both. They make an extremely effective pairing at a window in terms of keeping heat in. Plus, blinds can be fitted tight into the window recess to block those pesky drafts. And a blind can provide useful privacy. Think the modern equivalent of the net curtain!
Doors
Of course, the front door is often a major culprit when it comes to letting heat escape. This is particularly the case in older houses with traditional doors or where there’s no porch.
Curtains aren’t just for windows
A heavy lined curtain on a lovely pole across the inside of the front door can really make a difference. And the front door isn’t necessarily an attractive sight so it’s a good opportunity to bring some warmth and texture to your hallway.
Draft excluders as energy savers
Somewhat of a throw back but who remembers those long, stuffed sausage dogs that sat along the bottom of the door to stop the drafts? Well let’s bring them back. There are heaps of fabulous options on Etsy. Why not have a browse?
Floors
Easily forgotten but what we’ve gained in easy to clean status by switching away from carpet to tiles or wooden flooring, we’ve lost in heat conservation and general cosiness.
But rugs are a great option for Winter. Wool is best for insulation and don’t be afraid to go big. Interior designers will often advise that the front feet of all furniture around a rug are sitting on it. It anchors the rug to the room.
Best of all, come the warmer months – or the party season – you can just roll them up and put them away!
Walls
If your walls are cold to the touch – perhaps it’s an older property – then do consider lining paper. Or you could bring out the bigger guns with insulated lining paper. It will add some cost to your decorating project of course but is said to significantly reduce room warm up time. Plus, it provides a smooth and clean surface for you to apply paint. If you’re planning a wallpaper finish however, it may be advisable to avoid an insulated lining paper and stick to the traditional option.
Conservatories
Anyone with a conservatory or conservatory kitchen will know that this room can be a significant source of heat loss in Winter. Although in Summer you can have the opposite problem!
Our solution has been to install roof blinds, and these have made such a difference. In Winter they help stop the heat escaping up through the glass roof. And in Summer, the room is now much more bearable.
If you think that curtaining or blinds might be a good idea in your home to help with energy saving then do get in touch to discuss options. I’d be happy to chat.
