Kitchen lighting can be tricky, especially small kitchen lighting ideas where you need good light to prepare and cook food safely. In a small space, kitchen lighting becomes part of the overall design, so it needs to look good, be practical and add something to the kitchen scheme, and if you eat in there too, it could be the focal point, over the table for example.

Below we offer you a few lighting and small kitchen ideas for inspiration, with some expert comment from industry insiders on how to get the best lighting for your small kitchen

Small kitchen lighting ideas

Small kitchen lighting ideas are tricky to get right and need to be thought about early on in the planning process. If you want to put spotlights in for example, it will impact the floor above, so if you are renovating the bedroom, take this opportunity to put spotlights in before laying new flooring upstairs. If the kitchen is dark, with little natural light, kitchen lighting is even more important, so think about the different types of lighting you will need – good overall light, task lighting and feature lighting to create a scheme that is both stylish and practical.

1.  Make task lighting key

Image credit: Future PLC

Lights need to be positioned where you need them most, over the prep, cooking and sink area, especially in a small dark kitchen. These industrial-style bulb lights are simple but stylish and do the job perfectly, positioned above the work surface in this breakfast area. Their neat size is perfect for a small kitchen.

Combining different light sources is key in a small kitchen.’This can be accomplished by the use of directional down-lights or spot task with swivel joints within the prep and cooking areas and oversized statement pendants with dimmers over the table or island to add drama and atmosphere.’ says Mary Buchanan, Creative Director of Laura Ashley Lighting and Mirrors.

‘The kitchen is a space where task lighting is vital. If your room doesn’t have access to natural light, and you want to create a bright working space consider installing lighting with cool white low energy bulbs (LEDs).

2. Make a statement with your lighting

Image credit: Hudson Valley Lighting; Brigitte pendant, around £618, Ivy pendant, from £321 each,

Use your lighting to get the wow-factor in a small kitchen, positioning a modern chandelier over a kitchen island will create a wonderful mood, especially if it’s on a dimmer switch, and team with oversized bulb lights in a matching brass finish over the sink area.

Position all the lighting at the right height so that people don’t bang their heads on them too. This chandelier is over the island, so it’s out of the way and the bulb lights are spaced out so that there isn’t one above the sink where it might get in the way or cause tricky shadows.

3. Consider installing directional spotlights

Image credit: Future PLC/Katie Lee

Spotlights have been used in kitchens for years – for good reason, because they give excellent over all lighting, then whatever else you want to add, such as task or mood lighting is a plus. Spotlights have improved enormously over the years with the introduction of LED’s which save on energy bills as they last much longer and don’t need to be changed so often. Choose Cool White bulbs for a kitchen which are bright and clear.

4. Reap the benefits of cabinet lighting

Image credit: IKEA; Enhet Shelving Unit

Sometimes small kitchens are in the middle of the home and away from natural light, so under cabinet lighting really comes into its own. It puts light where you need it, so you can see to carry out the task at hand safely. These LED Skydrag lighting strips, £13 for 60cm can be clipped onto shelves, they are small but powerful, can be operated from your phone and there is also a wireless dimmer available.

5. Introduce wall lights

Image credit: Original BTC

Wall lights are another form of task lighting, so they are ideal above a cooker or preparation area, putting light exactly where it’s needed. They also add a stunning design feature that is also practical. These ones are made from bone china, Oxford Wall Light, £235, Original BTC, and always use the ‘rule of three’ for the most appealing look.

6. Add drama and shine

Image credit: Pooky; Spangle pendants, from £83

Using metallic surfaces will bounce light around a small space making the room appear larger, and these large, gold pendants will add a touch of glamour too, especially in the evening when they will offer a warm glow. Position them over the island as a focal point.

7. Think about drawer lights

Image credit: IKEA

There is nothing worse than scrabbling about in kitchen drawers looking for something, so make life easy on yourself with strip lights inside the drawers. It will make life so much easier. These are Skydrag LED lighting strips from £13 for 60cm at IKEA.

8. Pair downlighters with reflective surfaces

Image credit: Higham

Use thoughtfully placed downlighting to illuminate a splashback. Choose a high gloss material such as acrylic or aluminium for maximum reflection – or seek a more subtle approach with marble or tiled designs.

Natural daylight makes a kitchen come alive, but if you don’t have a lot of natural light, or to make the most of the daylight you have this idea is perfect. The reflective surface will also make the kitchen look bigger.

 9. Add a burst of colour

Image credit: Future PLC/ Jo Henderson

To create a focal point in a small kitchen add a brightly coloured pendant light – these sunny yellow and sea blue, easy-fit shades inject a splash of accent colour and personality to a space. Then you could work a colour scheme around it.

Using lights to add colour rather than the walls or cabinets allows you to keep the colour scheme white, bright and airy without it be devoid of colour.

10. Go for industrial style

Image credit: BHS; 3 Light Diner Pendant Light, £110, BHS.

For something a bit different, choose a mesh diner pendant with an Industrial look and work your scheme around it. It will sit perfectly above a narrow bar table like this one with it’s metal legs and rustic wooden top – the ideal dining spot in a small kitchen. Metal and wood stools complete the look. Narrow tables like this are ideal for tricky places and the stools can be pushed underneath, out of the way.

Can you put pendant lights in a small kitchen?

‘Pendant lights can help draw the eye upwards and give the illusion of more space’ explains Peter Legg, lead designer at Dar Lighting. ‘With clever placement, they can be a great addition to smaller kitchens. Always opt for those with adjustable cords so that you can account for any low ceiling levels and remember to check you can open any high level cabinets without having to fight with them.’

Single pendants can make a great statement on their own, but you could try a multi-level cluster to frame a key area, such as over a table where any walkways won’t be impacted. Minimalist designs are best for adding a hint of interest without encroaching on the space.

Clear glass concepts will help to illuminate the whole area, while colourful designs can add a pop of warmth and personality. Pendants can also be great for those looking to install lights on a sloped roof. Those featuring flexible joints can be fitted on pitched roofs and still hang perfectly.

How do you light a kitchen without recessed lighting?

‘There’s lots of ways you can achieve the perfect lighting for your kitchen without recessed lighting’ says Lizzie Beesley, Head of Design at Magnet. ‘For small kitchens, ceiling level spotlights are a great alternative and can be installed to target areas which need most light, with the option of dimmer switches to create atmosphere.

And under cabinet lighting is a great space saving lighting solution, not only as accent lights, but as an effective way to light food preparation areas rather than the whole room. It can also assist those Friday night kitchen discos through multicolour as well as be controlled through a smart application such as Alexa.’

How much light do I need for a small kitchen?

Lizzie Beesley Head of Design at Magnet, says: ‘Good lighting is essential for any kitchen space. It first needs to be bright and shadow-free, making food preparation safe and easy. But secondly, it can also be used for atmospheric effect and to highlight architectural features. The amount of lighting required in a small kitchen depends on different factors. Including the size of the room, the availability of natural light, and the colour of the walls.’

“It’s a good idea to incorporate spotlights in small kitchens as they can be recessed in the ceiling. Creating a smart, streamlined effect. Dimmer switches are also a great addition and allow you to easily create different moods for all occasions.’

The post Small kitchen lighting ideas – 10 ways to add light to a small space appeared first on Ideal Home.

With energy prices soaring through the roof, quite literally, now is an opportune time to invest in the fabric of your home by installing loft insulation. The average gas and electricity bill in the UK will rise by 54 per cent on April 1 2022 when the regulator Ofgem lifts its price cap.

Those on default tariffs paying by direct debit will see an increase of £693 from £1,277 to £1,971 per year. Whereas prepayment customers will see an increase of £708 from £1,309 to £2,017. Now’s the right time to investigate how to insulate your home.

According to The Energy Saving Trust, if installed correctly roof insulation will, on average, cost £285 to insulate the loft of a mid-terrace house. However that initial outlay should pay for itself many times over in its 40-year lifetime.

The government has offered loft insulation grants to help cover the cost of installing loft insulation. ‘As heat from our heating systems rises, it escapes through the roof,’ explains Matthew Jenkins, heating and insulation expert at MyJobQuote.co.uk. ‘Loft insulation can retain this heat, helping to significantly lower heating bills,’ he says.

What are the benefits of roof and loft insulation?

Installing loft insulation keeps your home warmer for longer and reduces overall energy usage. It can also protect your home from damage, too. ‘As well as keeping the warmth in, loft insulation helps to combat the build-up of condensation and dampness that typically follows. This is crucial if you want to protect the framework of your roof as well as the items you may store within it,’ says Gian-Carlo Grossi, managing director at Roofing Megastore.

Image credit: Brilt / Alamy Stock Photo

You’ll also be doing your bit for the environment, currently 14 per cent of all carbon emissions come from heating draughty houses. Plus, installing loft insulation will help to reduce noise pollution in your home – great if you have noisy neighbours or your home is next to a busy road.

What’s more, installing loft insulation will boost your home’s Energy Performance Certificate and potential value. That’s a huge plus for potential buyers if you are thinking of selling your home in the future.

It’s also worth weighing up loft insulation cost and if it is worth it.

What types of roof and loft insulation are there?

We give you the low-down on what’s available:

1. Glass mineral wool

This type of insulation is made from fibreglass and used for blanket insulation. Glass is heated to a high temperature and then, once melted, is spun quickly to create fibres. It’s great for fitting between the flooring joists in a loft.

2. Mineral wool

Made from a selection of raw materials, such as stone and glass, they’re treated in the same way as glass mineral wool, in that they are heated to high temperatures and once melted are spun to form fibres. Like glass mineral, it’s used to form blanket insulation and ideal for fitting between the flooring joists in a loft.

3. Cellulose fibre

This is made from recycled paper fibres and is a type of loose-fill insulation and one of its benefits is it is light-weight. It’s typically blown into position – great for getting into nooks and crannies. It’s great for topping up existing blanket insulation in a loft.

4. Sheet insulation

A form of rigid insulation, there are three main types PIR/PUR boards, Phenolic boards and EPS boards. What’s great is that it comes in sheets of various sizes and depths. These are ideal for insulating the sloping roofs of a loft – perfect for loft conversions.

5. Reflective foil insulation

Sold in sheets or rolls, this is made up of thin rolls of aluminium foil alternated with layers of foam padding. It offers good insulation levels even though the material’s depth is thinner than other material options. ‘As well as serving as a thermal insulator and a barrier to radiant heat, the foil also reflects heat, so warm air stays inside (or outside in the summer),’ says William Bown, director at SuperFoil Insulation. ‘It’s also resistant to water vapour, which can ruin the performance of other insulation types by either acting as a thermal conductor or enabling the growth of mould and fungus which reduces lifespan,’ he says.

6. Sheep wool

Sheep’s wool insulation is free of nasty chemicals whilst still providing superb thermal efficiency. ‘It’s made from natural materials which prevents chemicals entering the environment during or after its use. Plus it’s far less itchy to handle during installation compared with man-made fibres,’ says Gian-Carlo Grossi. Sheep wool is ideal for insulating between joists in a roof or between the sloping timbers in a roof space.

7. Natural products

There are other insulation materials, such as Thermo-Hemp, on the market. Thermo-hemp is made from hemp and manufactured in an environmentally sensitive way using no pesticides or chemicals and can be installed between the rafters and joists to insulate roofs and lofts.

How much loft insulation do I need?

Image credit: Dorling Kindersley ltd / Alamy Stock Photo

How much loft insulation you need will depend on the loft space and the type of insulation you choose to fit. A rule of thumb is that the thicker the insulation, the bigger the energy savings. Building Regulations state that blanket loft insulation in new-builds must meet a minimum depth of 270mm.

If you’re upgrading an older home’s roof insulation, you don’t technically have to conform to the rules, but it makes sense to increase it to 270mm, too. Whereas, a material such as multi-foil can achieve the same insulation benefits as blanket insulation but with a reduced depth of insulation. Always check with the manufacturer as to what depth of insulation you need to install.

Who supplies roof and loft insulation?

Some of the most well-known manufacturers of loft insulation are Knauf, Kingspan, Thermafleece, Warmcell, Ecotherm. Most manufacturers don’t sell their product direct to the public, so it’s best to purchase via an installer, local DIY shop or a builders’ merchant.

‘Remember to shop around, as many online stores can be up to 50 per cent cheaper than high-street retailers for the exact same product,’ says Gian-Carlo Grossi.

Some manufacturers advise that their product is fitted by a qualified installer. If you go down that route, make sure whomever you choose to install is registered with an appropriate association, such as the Insulation Assurance Authority. This will give you the confidence that the insulation work is completed to the highest standards.

Expert tips for installing roof and loft insulation

Image credit: Kinek00 / Alamy Stock Photo

If you decide to insulate a loft by yourself, you’ll need to be aware of the following:

1. Always unwrap Mineral Wool insulation in the loft

‘Our Mineral Wool insulation is compressed to make it easier to store and transport (reducing road miles too). However when you unwrap it, the Loft Roll insulation will recover to ten times the compressed thickness and will be impossible to get through a small loft hatch,’ says Bradley Hirst, technical services manager at Knauf Insulation.

2. Use a crawl board

‘To make sure you don’t compress the insulation and to reduce the risk of falling through the ceiling, use a crawl board that spans a minimum of three joists. Start at the point furthest away from the loft hatch and work towards it,’ says Bradley Hirst.

3. Examine your home’s existing insulation

There is a good chance that your home could benefit from an additional layer of insulation, especially if it’s over ten years old. It doesn’t matter how long the current insulation has been in the loft; it can be topped up at any age,’ says Matthew Jenkins at MyJobQuote.co.uk.

4. Insulate your loft hatch

Your loft hatch will also need to be insulated and draught proofed to reduce heat escaping through into the roof space as well as prevent condensation build-up.

5. Work in pairs

Although you can install loft insulation on your own, often it’s easier if you have another pair of hands to help out. Loft insulation can come in large rolls or sheets which can be difficult to manoeuvre on your own and it will also help avoid too much movement in the loft space, helping to reduce the risk of falling through the ceiling.

6. Wear the correct PPE

You need to take care when working with products which can release airborne fibres or particles, such as glass mineral wool. Wearing the correct clothing, such as overalls, a face mask, safety glasses and a hat, will help to avoid the risk of direct skin contact.

What maintenance is required for roof and loft insulation?

Thankfully, if installed properly, roof and loft insulation should require little, if no maintenance. ‘It’s worthwhile inspecting it regularly for dampness though and to ensure it hasn’t been compressed at all,’ advises Gian-Carlo Grossi. ‘Both can significantly impact the insulation’s effectiveness and dampness could result in mould forming.’

How effective is loft insulation over time?

Image credit: Andrew Aitchison / Alamy Stock Photo

What insulation materials you use and if it’s installed correctly will determine how effective your loft insulation will be over time. For example, Knauf’s Insulation Mineral Wool manufactured with ECOSE® Technology has been proven to not degrade over time. If installed correctly it will deliver the expected level of performance for the lifetime of the building it’s installed in. However, if installing standard insulation, it does tend to degrade and peel away after 15- 20 years.

Will I need to replace loft insulation?

How often your insulation needs replacing will vary from house to house and will depend on the quality of insulation installed. If you have loft insulation installed and still feel your home is chilly, Bradley Hirst suggests going up to the loft to inspect the insulation. Check to see if it has been fitted correctly and make sure it isn’t damaged.

‘If the depth of insulation is inadequate, but it’s in good condition and has been installed correctly, you can simply lay some more over the top. But if it has been damaged or hasn’t been installed correctly, it’s best practice to replace it completely,’ says Bradley Hirst.

The post A guide to roof and loft insulation for a warmer home appeared first on Ideal Home.

As temperatures plummet across the UK, it’s only natural for you to question how to keep your house warm – especially whilst the cost of living prices are rising around us. Whether you’re trying to switch on your heating less or it’s your tumble dryer that’s costing you the most, we’ve come up with some tips to help cut the price of your bills.

Small steps make a big difference when it comes to keeping your home insulated. Whether you’ve got gappy floorboards or draughty windows, here you’ll find plenty of budget-friendly solutions to fix these issues once and for all.

Perhaps this issue requires a little more than a small difference, and you are prepared to completely refurbish your home to make it as energy-efficient as possible? Our guide on how to keep your house warm in winter includes tried and tested tricks, as well as pointers on how to save energy at home and recommendations of things to buy when it comes to staying snug. We’ve even asked a few experts for their advice, to keep you and your family cosy until spring – without breaking the bank!

How to keep your house warm in winter?

1. Get your boiler serviced

Image credit: Future PLC/ Colin Poole

First and foremost ensure your boiler is up for the demands of a cold winter. ‘If your boiler is ageing and has seen better days, there’s a strong chance it won’t be working as efficiently as it once was’ advises Jordan Chance, heating expert from PlumbNation.co.uk.

‘Defective boilers can increase your heating bill massively as they will need to work significantly harder to bring your home up to the desired temperature. We recommend that you get your boiler serviced every 12 months (preferably before the winter season), to ensure that your boiler is running efficiently and safely.’

‘It is also important to note that leaving your heating on low all day does not reduce your heating bills!’ Jordan warns. ‘Having the heating on only as and when you need it, is the best way to save energy.’

2. Add extra layers

Image credit: Future PLC/ Max Attenborough

It seems too obvious but a great way to stay home on cold nights and avoid using too much energy is simply layering up. Keeping extra soft furnishings to hand can make all the difference in saving money on your heating. Think throw blankets, bedspreads, electric blankets and even weighted blankets. Here are a few recommendations from us if you’re looking to layer up.

Amelia 200cm x 200cm Throw: £18 at Dunelm
This super cosy throw from Dunelm is sizeable and affordable, as well as available in a range of colours to blend in with your interiors. It’s made of polyester so it’s warm and washable, plus it’s perfect for layering on a sofa or bed thanks to its textured design.

Buy now from Dunelm

Everlasting Comfort Luxury Faux Fur Throw Blanket: £34.95 at Amazon
A faux fur blanket is a smart pick for anyone who is always cold, or for any house that’s forever chilly. It’s double-sided to conceal even more heat with thick threads, too. Choose from a range of colours and wrap yourself in this polyester throw for a cosy night on the sofa.

Buy now from Amazon

Dreamland Boutique Hotel 200tc Cotton Heated Mattress Protector: £75 at Very
This heated mattress protector will ensure your bed is warm when it’s time to get some shuteye. As well as that, it’s 200-thread count and waterproof. It has a fast heat up function and six temperature settings, plus an auto-shut off timer for peace of mind. You can even wash it in your machine and dry it in your tumble dryer.

Buy now from Very

3. Update your thermostat

Image credit: Future PLC/ Colin Poole

A thermostat controls your home’s temperature by communicating with your boiler. ‘Thermostats, particularly in older homes with older heating systems, can degrade over time. Such degradation can lead to delays in your boiler switching on, or your home being heated at much higher temperatures than required’ Warns Jordan. ‘Upgrading your thermostat could provide far greater accuracy in thermostat to boiler communication, preventing energy from being wasted, and saving you money.’

‘Using a thermostat with a timer offers a simple and speedy solution to controlling your heating effectively’ Jordan explains. Modern day thermostats can be controlled from your mobile, to ensure your home is nice and warm when you arrive home.

The Nest Learning Thermostat, in particular, is a great option if you are looking to update your thermostat. This energy-saving device can turn itself down when you’re out of the house, it gets to know your temperature preference so that it never overheats your home plus it can be controlled via an app through your phone, so that you can switch your heating on or off when outside of your house. It can even control your hot water and switch off your boiler if you’re out of the house for more than a few days. The best part? It looks as seamless as it is easy to use, and it comes in a range of colours including a gorgeous copper so as not to stick out like a sore thumb.

4. Rearrange the furniture

Image credit: Future PLC/ Colin Poole

When trying to stay warm at home during winter be strategic about your furniture placement. Make sure the sofa or a bed isn’t blocking the radiator, as this can stop it heating up the whole room.

Instead position well used pieces of furniture such as your desk, bed or sofa around any heat sources, without blocking them, to make the most of the warmth. Try to keep them away from any draughty spots, such as by a window or door.

5. Keep curtains open until 3 pm

Image caption: Future PLC/Simon Whitmore

While keeping your curtains closed will keep the heat in at night, keep them open during the day.  Any sunlight will naturally heat up the room, which will all help when you finally draw the curtains as the chilly night sets in.

The sun usually sets at around 4 pm in the height of winter, so to make the most of the natural warmth keep your curtains open until around 3 pm.

6. Draught-proof your windows

Image credit: Future PLC/ David Giles

Draught-proofing windows is a simple, worthwhile DIY task. All you need to do is apply self-adhesive foam tape to a window frame (or ask a local handyman to do the job). Draughts also occur in cracks between the window frames and the surrounding walls – it’s worth considering using sealant or putty in these. Here’s what to use for brilliant results:

fowong Self Adhesive Foam Tape: £9.99 at Amazon
This easy to apply tape should stop any draughts coming through your windows, concealing the heat inside your home a little more. This way, you shouldn’t have to turn on your heating as much (or as high) plus it’s easy to take off if you’re a renter, or when it comes to summertime and you welcome the draught with your arms wide open and your fan on high.

Buy now from Amazon

7. Install a chimney balloon

Image credit: Future PLC/ Dominic Blackmore

It’s no good spending thousands on triple glazing and loft insulation if you then let cold air in through the chimney. The University of Liverpool calculated households lose around 4 per cent of total heat up the chimney, so a high-quality block that prevents draughts could save you over £200 a year. If you don’t use the chimney at all, you could consider having it capped by a professional.

If you do use your chimney but want a solution while it’s not in use,  try a draught excluder instead. Take for instance the Chimney Sheep, the most-effective example on the market. Made from a thick layer of felted Herdwick wool, the Chimney Sheep’s 4.43 tog rating works by blocking 94 per cent of airflow – stopping warm air escaping up a chimney and cold air being pulled in via other routes.

8. Fill the floorboards

Image credit: Future PLC/ Paul Massey

Stripped floorboards look fantastic, but the small gaps between the boards can really let cold air in. Try using a filler to prevent draughts sweeping in through the gaps.

We highly recommend Draughtex Floorboard Gap Filler from Amazon. It’s a rubber-like material that is easily pushed between the boards to seal the gaps. It comes with a handy roller tool to make the job super easy, and it comes in various widths to cater for different floors. Here’s where to stock up:

DraughtEx – 8mm Width – 40 Metre Roll: £30.50 at Amazon
Gappy floorboards? A roll of this stuff can save you up to £40/year in each room, just from blocking the cold air out of your home, once and for all. It’s super flexible to use and you can do it yourself so no need to hire someone to help. An applicator comes included in the price, as does a total of 40 metres of this stuff. A total bargain that you definitely won’t regret.

Buy now from Amazon

Buy now from Amazon

9. Layer floors with rugs

Image credits: Future PLC/ Dan Duchars

If you’re looking for a quick-fix solution and don’t have time to seal your boards, find a rug or two and pop those on the floor. It’s on-trend to layer up rugs, so you won’t have to find one huge design to cover a larger surface, and your home will feel instantly warmer and cosier.

‘If you have a carpeted home then it will naturally help to boost insulation; however, if you have hard flooring investing in some good quality materials, such as a plush rug, will help to prevent heat from being lost.’

What are our favourite rugs for concealing the heat? Go for a thick rug, a wool rug or a sheepskin option. Here are our favourite suggestions for practicality and style, otherwise, you can always find a decent rug at Dunelm, Wayfair or La Redoute.

La Redoute Diano Wool Knit Effect Rug: from £175 at La Redoute
This affordable option from La Redoute is made from 100% wool so rest assured it’s super thick, super soft and most of all: super insulating. It comes in three sizes so that you can cover your cold floors in style.

Buy now from La Redoute

Double Pelt Sheepskin Rug: £70 at Dunelm
A cheap price to pay for a sheepskin rug, this one even comes in 7 colours. It’s the perfect addition to your bedside, and it will ensure your feet are warm all year long. Crafted from 100% wool, sheepskin rugs are thermal by nature, and it goes without saying that they add an aesthetic element to your interiors.

Buy now from Dunelm

10. Fit a floating shelf above the radiators

Image credit: Future PLC/ David Parmiter

Control the flow of heat around a room using a floating shelf. Fitting a floating shelf above the radiator will help deflect heat around the room and stop is rising up the ceiling where it will be wasted.

You can pick up floating shelves from £7.50 at home shops such as B&Q and IKEA. The shelves come with the added bonus of extra storage or an opportunity to curate a picture shelf.

11. Bleed radiators

Ensure your radiators are working to full potential by bleeding them, to make sure no air is trap – hindering the heating performance. We explain in an easy step-by step guide how to bleed a radiator, making it easy for all to do.

12. Insulate the doors

Image credit: Brent Darby

Whether your door is old or new, it could still benefit from fitting draught-proofing strips between the door and the frame. This can work for both internal and external doors. For gaps between the bottom of the door and the floor, you can buy a special ‘brush’ or hinged-flap draught excluder. Alternatively, you could go for a fun novelty draught excluder.

Diall PVC Self-adhesive Draught Excluder: £7.98 at B&Q
A smart buy to stop draughty doors from making your entire home cold, thanks to self-adhesvie this can be fit onto your door immediately. It’s a briliant buy for exterior doors!

Buy now from B&Q

Crushed Velour Draught Excluder: £10 at Dunelm
Available in a range of colourways to blend in with your interiors, this velour draught excluder is as practical as it is stylish. Perch it by a door that really needs it and you’ll feel the benefits almost immediately. The best part? They’re filled with recycled polyester fibre to make them kind on the environment.

Buy now from Dunelm

13. Use heavyweight curtains

Image credit: Rachael Smith

Thermal-lined curtains can help you keep the cold out more effectively, especially if you have single-glazed windows. Otherwise, if thermal curtains aren’t within your budget, at the very least make sure your curtains are lined. The thicker the better, generally, and blackout curtains always do a great job of concealing heat. This curtain idea is genius and should really make a difference on cold mornings, when your heating might have been switched off overnight. You should notice that you wake up to a warmer home after putting up some thermal curtains.

‘Keeping your curtains closed, or investing in a thermal curtain lining can likewise help to prevent warm air from escaping – this trick alone can reduce heat loss by up to 25 per cent’ suggests Jordan.

Textured Weave Recycled Polyester Pair Blackout Lined Eyelet Curtains: from £45 at John Lewis
Available in a huge range of colours, these curtains aren’t just thermal but they’re also blackout and they are made from recycled polyester. You can use them year-round since they’re temperature regalating, to keep your room at the temperature you want it. They even come in several sizes to fit your window perfectly

Buy now from John Lewis & Partners

14. Insulate the loft

Image credit: Future PLC/ David Giles

If you’ve not done this, you could be losing up to a quarter of the heat in your home through the roof. It’s a bit like going out in the snow without a woolly hat! Insulating the loft, attic or flat roof is a simple and effective way to reduce that heat loss and slash those pesky heating bills.

Loft insulation is effective for at least 40 years and it should pay for itself many times over.

15. Draught-proof loft hatches

While you’re there, try installing draught strips around the frame to your loft hatch. The door itself can also be insulated, usually with a polystyrene slab on the upper side.

fowong Self Adhesive Foam Tape: £9.99 at Amazon
This easy to apply tape can also be used to conceal your loft hatch frame, plus much more. This result will be almost instant and it’s a budget-friendly alternative to replacing your loft hatch.

Buy now from Amazon

16. Draught-exclude the letterbox

Image credit: Future PLC/ Emma Lewis

If you don’t already have a second flap or ‘brushes’ in your letterbox, you could fit either of these, which will help keep the warmth in.

17. Cover the keyholes

You can fit a purpose-made cover that drops a metal disc over the keyhole to prevent any wind whistling through – simple but effective. Here are the most budget-friendly buys on the market right now:

18. Seal the skirting boards

Image credit: Future PLC/ Mark Scott

‘It may seem like a small change, but using sealant to fill the gaps between the top and bottom of your skirting boards can really make a difference,’ says Claire Osborne, energy expert at uSwitch.

19. Repoint any brickwork

Any gaps in bricks on external walls can lead to unwanted and unnecessary wind coming into the home. You can top up mortar between the bricks to stop this happening (though it might be worth considering a professional to do this).

20. Before laying a carpet, fit underlay

Image credit: Carpetright Merlin Twist Carpet, Pearl River Heather, £27.99m2

The carpet and underlay for flooring that you choose can also make a big difference on your home’s insulation. According to the experts at Carpetright, getting the right underlay for flooring can save you as much as 15 per cent off your energy bills.

Jemma Dayman, Carpet Buyer for Carpetright tells us ‘Underlay is often overlooked, but it’s a really important element of the carpet-buying process. Not only does it insulate, it also provides cushioning, acts as a shock absorber protecting the actual floor itself, and as a sound barrier between floors.’

All you need now is a hot chocolate, a hot water bottle and a good book. Stay warm people!

The post How to keep your house warm – 20 tips to insulate your home on a budget appeared first on Ideal Home.