Improving your home heating efficiency can be as simple as rearranging your space. Rugs, curtains, and furniture placement all play a role in keeping warmth inside and lowering energy use. You don’t need expensive upgrades to feel more comfortable in winter, just a few smart adjustments around the house.
Let the Sun In During the Day
One of the easiest tricks is using your windows as a natural heat source. Open curtains and blinds during the day to let sunlight warm up your rooms. Focus on south- and west-facing windows, since they get the most sunlight in winter. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, letting in sunlight during winter days can reduce heating costs by up to 10 percent. Just make sure the windows are clean so the sunlight gets through easily.
As soon as the sun sets, close those curtains to trap the heat inside. You’re creating a mini greenhouse effect in your living room, just by using what nature already gives you.
Upgrade to Thermal or Insulated Curtains
Not all curtains are created equal. Thin or decorative sheers won’t do much for keeping heat in. Thick, tightly woven curtains, especially those labeled as thermal or insulated, can help reduce heat loss through windows. They often have built-in foam or layered linings designed to block drafts and retain warmth.
Curtains that extend below the window sill (or all the way to the floor) and wrap tightly against the wall will insulate more effectively. Try to install curtain rods that allow panels to sit flush with the wall and overlap in the center. Some people also add a cornice or valance above to keep heat from escaping at the top.
The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that thermal curtains can cut heat loss through windows by up to 25 percent in the winter, depending on how well they fit and how often they’re used.
Use Rugs to Cover Bare Floors
Hard floors like tile, wood, or laminate can make your space feel colder, especially if they’re installed over crawl spaces or concrete slabs. Area rugs act like insulation, adding an extra barrier between your feet and the cold. They reduce conductive heat loss through the floor and make a room feel instantly cozier.
Thicker rugs, especially wool or padded varieties, trap heat better. Place them in high-traffic areas like the living room, hallways, and bedrooms. If you’re really going all in, layering a rug pad underneath provides even more insulation and can help reduce noise and wear, too.
Bonus tip: Roll up rugs in summer to let floors “breathe” and cool off rooms more efficiently.
Move Furniture Away from Vents and Radiators
This one’s simple but easy to miss. Make sure you’re not blocking vents, baseboard heaters, or radiators with large furniture. A couch that’s pressed against a heat vent will absorb the warmth and prevent it from circulating into the room. That means your HVAC system has to work harder, and your energy bill climbs.
Pull furniture at least 6 to 12 inches away from vents or radiators to let heat flow freely. If you use a portable electric heater, make sure it has open space around it for safety and effectiveness.
If you're unsure which vents are supply and which are return, a quick test: hold a tissue up to the vent while the system is running. If it blows away, it's a supply vent. If it sucks in, it's a return. Don’t block either.
Rearrange for Better Airflow
Heat rises, so it helps to think about how warm air moves in your space. Ceiling fans are an underrated winter tool. Running them in reverse (clockwise at a low speed) pushes warm air down from the ceiling into the room.
If you have drafty windows or walls, shift furniture so that seating areas are farther from those spots. Instead, place chairs and sofas near interior walls or radiators to stay warmer. Draping a thick throw blanket over the back of a sofa near an exterior wall can even add another layer of insulation.
For homes with open floor plans, consider using bookcases or decorative screens as partitions to block drafts and help contain heat in the areas you use most.
Seal the Gaps
Even with the coziest rugs and curtains, cold air can still sneak in through gaps. Check for drafts around windows, baseboards, and door frames. Use:
Rolled towels or draft stoppers at door bottoms
Adhesive-backed weather stripping for windows and doors
Rope caulk or foam sealant for larger cracks or leaks
If you're not sure where the drafts are, try this: light a stick of incense near a window or door on a windy day and watch the smoke. If it blows sideways, you’ve found an air leak.
According to ENERGY STAR, sealing air leaks and adding insulation can save homeowners up to 15 percent on heating and cooling costs. And many of these fixes cost less than $20.
Small changes around your home can go a long way when it comes to heating efficiency. Whether you’re laying down rugs, shifting your furniture, or upgrading your curtains, each move helps your space feel warmer without cranking up the heat. Try a few changes this week and see how much cozier (and lower your bill) things get.
