Lifestyle: How To Keep Your House Warmer

These crisp fall days are giving way to colder nights, and chillier homes. Fortunately, there are some very easy ways to warm up your apartment or house…without spending a ton of money on expensive heaters or electricity bills. Here are nine tips to help cozy up your space:

Add heavy drapes or insulated curtains around your windows
Keep the curtains closed at night to retain the day’s heat inside your room; pull back the curtains at the sunniest times of the day to let the sun warm your home.

Replace old, drafty windows with double paned windows 
These energy-efficient windows are comprised of two panes; cold air is trapped between the two pieces of glass before it enters your home.

Add some texture 
Add pillows or throws in contrasting textures like sheepskin, wool, and felt. You can find great bargains at stores like Target and T.J. Maxx. Fill your home with warm colors. Look for accents and furniture in deep reds, rich oranges, and warm yellows, rather than cool tones like blue and green.

Place living room furniture in a close-knit arrangement 
The body heat of a group makes the room warmer than when the couches and chairs are spread out in an open design. Also, soft furniture is warmer to sit on than bare wood, as well as visually giving a perception of warmth.

Use neutral paint colors 
Colors like warm beige, khaki, taupe can really act as a great foundation. You can even go bolder and use hues like deep mustard or orange. From there, add color with accessory pieces, rugs, upholstery, and artwork.

Add warming elements 
 From candles to a creative heater to a fireplace, adding warming elements to your home not only help you deal with uncomfortable chills, but create a warm and calming environment.

Fight drafts to keep cold air away 
Place a rolled-up towel or commercial draft stopper filled with beans or soft stuffing against the bottom door of every room that leads to the outside. Your rooms will retain more of their interior heat.

Buy a plant
 Live plants will make any room look warmer. Plus, they promote a healthy environment all year round by adding oxygen to the air.