Whether you live by the coast, in the midlands, or in the most northern province, winters can get pretty chilly in South Africa.
Home-Dzine look at simple ways to create a cosy bedroom for the cold months ahead.
There are many ways to add a warm and cosy atmosphere to a bedroom, and depending on where you are located, there are hundreds of ideas to dress up a bedroom for winter. And you don't need to give the entire room a makeover when all it takes are a few touches here and there.
Here are simple ways to create a cosy bedroom:
1. Layer the bed
The best place to start is to layer the bed with a throw or blanket to add that extra element of warmth that can be pulled up in the evenings to keep you snug and cosy. Layering the bed lets you select the right level of warmth depending on how much the temperature drops at night. Fold all the added bedding at the bottom of the bed so that it's easy to unfold and drape over your bed for additional warmth.
When you need to ward off the winter chills, you can layer on even more luxury with textured pillows for added warmth and comfort. If you are handy with a pair of knitting needles, cable-knit blankets are easy enough to make, and faux fur blankets are on trend and look amazing in any bedroom.
If you are located in a region that gets very cold in the evenings, you might want to consider buying or making an ottoman, bench or blanket chest that can be placed at the bottom of the bed to store all your winter bedding. That will make it easier to take out what you need.
2. Add a headboard
Adding a headboard is another way to introduce warmth to a bedroom. You only have to look at beds that don't have a headboard to see that beds look unfinished without one and a bedroom can feel colder. It doesn’t cost a fortune to add a simple upholstered headboard to any bed.
3. Warm up floors
Shop for a large rug that will fit under your bed and give you a place to rest your feet when getting in and out of bed, or buy two smaller rugs that can be placed on either side of the bed. If possible, be on the lookout for quality rugs that have a decent backing that will prevent them from sliding around.
4. Block out cold
Windows are the main culprits for a chilly home. Gaps around windows and doors (and there are sure to be plenty) let in cold air and allow warm air to escape. If you are not able to insulate windows, use a layered window treatment to block cold air from coming into your bedroom.
A layered window treatment can consist of Roman or simple blinds that can be mounted directly above the window as the first layer. This layer will help to reduce airflow in and out of any gaps around window frames. The second layer of curtains will help to insulate the room and trap warm air inside.
Adding a layered window treatment isn't a difficult project, and you only have to measure up to fit a curtain rail or track above the window in order to hang a beautiful pair of curtains. Shop for a medium-weight fabric for winter curtains, one that will definitely keep the chill at bay and add an additional feature to the bedroom.
5. Warm up with lighting
A pair of bedside lamps are perfect for winter decorating and will add just the right amount of warm light. Boutique hotels around the world use warm lighting for the bedside to create the perfect mood and atmosphere for relaxing. Replacing cool white with warm white globes will instantly add warmth to any room, and you can easily swap out globes when the seasons change.
Finally
Follow these simple tips to transform your bedroom into a cosy haven during the winter months. All the ideas listed above are easy to implement, can easily be changed when the seasons warm up, and won't cost that much. And at the end of the day, when temperatures plummet, you will be wrapped in a comfortable cocoon.
Read: 7 interesting facts most homeowners probably don't know about their homes
In an article published on January 13, 2020, Mike Greeff, CEO of Greeff Christie’s International Real Estate, discussed important seasonal checks and suggested the following steps to take:
Seasonal checks
1. Summer
Summer in the Western Cape, with its dry, sunny days is the perfect time to check your roof and repair any cracks to ensure your home is leak-free when the winter rains come. This is also the ideal time to damp-proof your walls and repair any damage already caused. Damp marks on ceilings are indications of roof leaks and bubbling and blistering paint is a sign of damp.
External walls, doors and windows must be regularly checked - cracks should be mended and wood treated and varnished to avoid rot, which leads to contraction and inevitably to leaks.
March is a good time to cut back overgrown trees to minimise the chance of falling branches and resultant damage to your buildings and property during winter storms.
2. Autumn
Clear your gutters regularly during late summer and autumn months when dry leaves accumulate, and ensure that down pipes are unblocked and draining properly. Sagging gutters must be repaired.
Have your chimney cleaned and your fireplace serviced, particularly if it is a wood-burning stove. The same is true for a gas fire.
3. Winter
This is the perfect time to prepare your garden. If you’re going to invest in your garden, consult with a landscaper who will assess your soil and the positions available in your garden.
A well-researched and thoughtfully landscaped garden will mean a significant saving in money and time in the long run. Planting the wrong plant in the wrong location either results in a failure to thrive, huge plants which cover the windows of a house and block out light, or trees with roots that buckle brickwork and paving.
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