The 'fashion over function' sofa mistake that people make in winter
With winter seemingly just around the corner (despite there being very little that could reasonably be called ‘summer’), it’s going to be time to get the heating going again. For many, that will involve the common checks of servicing the boiler and bleeding radiators - and that is absolutely crucial.
However, there is more to it than just making sure that your heating systems are running properly.
Have you considered how heat actually travels through a room in a home? It may not sound like something that matters too much, but it can save you money, according to the experts.
And with rising bills alongside less assistance in the winter fuel payment, every penny counts this winter.
A £100 heating mistake that people make with their sofas
Nicholas Auckland, heating expert at Trade Radiators, warns of a mistake that he sees all too often: furniture - be it curtains, couches, or even bookshelves - in front of a radiator. The expert estimates that as much as £100 can be wasted each year as heat is forced to squeeze its way around cumbersome furniture.
He said: “When stuck behind a sofa, heat will struggle to rise up and spread through a room. Some will get trapped entirely and won’t have a chance to dissipate and warm you up. It’s going to cause your radiator to do extra work to push out the same amount of heat - which could be wasting as much as £100 per year.”
Does Heat get Trapped by Furniture?
When considering whether heat gets trapped by furniture, it is essential to understand the concept of thermal insulation.
Furniture, especially items like sofas, chairs, and carpets, can indeed act as insulators and trap heat within a room. This occurs because furniture materials such as fabric, wood, or leather have the ability to absorb and retain heat.
When heat is emitted into a room, it can be absorbed by the furniture's surface. The materials then retain this heat energy, preventing it from dissipating quickly back into the surrounding environment. As a result, the furniture effectively creates a barrier that inhibits heat loss, particularly in colder environments or during the winter months.
Moreover, the arrangement of furniture within a room can impact how heat is distributed. For instance, placing furniture in front of a radiator or heating vent can obstruct the flow of warm air, causing it to accumulate around the furniture and leading to localized heating.
The ‘1 foot rule’ that fixes this
This mistake is easily avoided, and the expert says that there is an extra step that you should consider putting into your winter heating checks. During the winter months, prioritise function over fashion and implement Nicholas’ money-saving “1 foot rule”.
“While a few inches is all that is needed, I would recommend pulling furniture at least a full foot away from your radiator,” Nicholas explains. “Having furniture a little closer together also makes for a cosier setup. Add in some soft furnishings and the freed-up heat will then get trapped where you need it, rather than behind the sofa!”
I would recommend pulling furniture at least a full foot away from your radiator - Nicholas Auckland
Other Tricks to Keep the Heat in a Room
While a modern, sleek look is favoured by many, it’s best avoided in the winter months. If you have a wooden tiled floor, use a big rug to keep your feet warm.
heavy curtains, ideally with thermal insulation, can make sure heat isn’t creeping in or out through your windows. The insulation can also work during summer months to reduce heat from entering your home.
The more space that is occupied in your room, the less open air that needs to be heated - so winter is a perfect time to get out extra cushions.
And to top off the cosiness of a room, consider how cosy your clothes are. Warm pyjamas can help you stay comfortable during colder months. Layering up and when you already have a few layers on - that is when you should use central heating.
Finally, and my personal favorite, when the radiators are off but you still want to feel that extra bit of cosiness, fill up a hot water bottle and snuggle with it on the sofa. You are guaranteed to feel toasty in no time!
This will help you avoid turning on the heating too early, and if you have a thermostat, it may help to save by using your heating at a lower temperature than you usually would.
Jenny Kakoudakis likes to blog about interiors. She launched award-winning Seasons in Colour in 2014 and the luxury interior design blog All The Pretty Homes in 2024. When she is not chasing criminals out of the financial system (her day job), she gets creative by redecorating her own home.
