As winter approaches and temperatures start to plummet, many people are looking for cost-effective ways to keep their homes warmer without relying too heavily on heating systems. 

Surprisingly, one of the simplest and most stylish solutions is to place a thick rug on your floor. 

According to Georgia Metcalfe, co-founder and creative director of The French Bedroom Company, adding a rug can make a noticeable difference in keeping your home cosy throughout the colder months.

“A surprising amount of heat can be lost from an uninsulated floor, and if you have wood or laminate flooring, it will make the bedroom cold quickly,” Metcalfe explained. 

Hardwood and laminate floors, while visually appealing, are notorious for letting warmth escape, especially if there is no insulation beneath them. 

This can lead to chilly rooms and higher energy bills as you crank up the heating to compensate for the lost warmth.

Metcalfe suggests that investing in a thick, high-quality rug is a smart and affordable way to counteract this issue. 

“A thick rug adds an extra layer of insulation, helping to trap heat and prevent cold air from seeping through the floor,” she said. 

The extra layer creates a barrier between your feet and the cold surface below, ensuring that rooms stay warmer for longer, and reducing the need to keep your heating system on full blast.

This simple trick works particularly well in rooms with wood, tile, or laminate flooring, which tend to feel colder during the winter. Bedrooms, living rooms, and even home offices can benefit from the warmth and comfort that a plush rug provides.

In addition to keeping the heat in, rugs also help block drafts. 

Homes with older floorboards or less insulation may experience cold air coming in from beneath the floor, which can make rooms feel drafty and uncomfortable. 

A thick rug acts as an effective barrier, preventing those drafts from circulating in your living space. 

If you place a large rug or several smaller ones around the house, you’ll notice a significant difference in the overall warmth and comfort of your home.