Fixing little-known bedding mistake helps you stay warm without turning on heating

With many Brits complaining about the cold weather this weekend, a bedroom expert has provided his five top tips to keeping cosy in a cost effective way over the coming months

With autumn and its colder weather now upon us, many Brits are considering whether or not to put the heating on to keep warm inside. However, with energy costs set to rise in October by 10%, that's easier said than done.

Waking up to single digit temperatures in the UK on Saturday (September 28), scores of people took to social media to lament their chilly surroundings - and its only going to get cooler in the days ahead. "It’s quite cold today, isn’t it?" one X user simply penned alongside a snap of their cup of tea.

"Oh blimey, it's so cold today," cursed a second. "I've had the heating on for 2 hours this morning and can only get my office to 16c. Nevermind the living room which is massive and I've turned the heating off, which is 15c and dropping. I've got the doors closed but only so much you can do."

"It's so cold today I hate it I need to go south, anywhere south from here," contemplated a third. Whilst a fourth hit out: "Just feeling cold today... Probably because summer is a distant memory now and clouding over with just 11c/12c 52/54F at Manchester... That's chilly for almost midday in September."

Coming to their aid, however, is bedroom expert Adeel ul-haq from Bunkbeds, who has shared his top tips for keeping warm without needing to turn up the thermostat. He claims his simple and practical solutions can help keep the chill away while keeping your bills in check.

Use the right type of duvet fillings

Many of of us make the mistake of using the same duvet and pillows all year round, but if you find yourself waking up cold you may want to consider using a different duvet and pillow set.

"Your duvet filling will be the difference from sleeping all night to waking up and tossing and turning. There are two types of duvet fillings to choose from, synthetic and natural," Adeel explains. "Natural fillings such as wool have a chunky structure and because of this it can trap air well and keep you warm all night without having to put the heating on."

Change the colour of your bedroom

As unlikely as it may sound, the colour of your bedroom can have a psychological impact on how you feel when you are in it. Some colours can make you feel warmer, while others can make you feel the opposite.

"Making your home feel warmer visually can have a psychological effect on you so that you don't reach to turn your heating up," Adeel says. Using colours that are warm feeling such as reds, yellows, oranges, terracotta or rust coloured can help create a cosy atmosphere.

"Colours such as blue, light hues of green or white can have the opposite effect and can make you feel much colder as the temperature outside drops. If you don't want to spend too much money painting your room, you can change items such as bedding, curtains, cushions, and other accessories to get the same effect.

Upsize your bedding

The wrong size bed sheets can make you feel uncomfortable and lead to a poor night's sleep - but using a slightly larger duvet size in the colder months can in fact keep you warmer. "If you find your arms, legs or feet hanging out of your bed you may feel the chill from the cold air in your room," Adeel adds.

"Getting a larger duvet than the one you need will get rid of this problem and will keep the warm air in and around your body keeping you warm all night."

Keep the heat in with your curtains

You may already have curtains in your bedroom but Adeel believes you could have the wrong type or you may not be using them most efficiently enough to keep the heat in and your bills down. "Curtains come in many materials, to keep the heat in you ideally should have curtains with a thermal lining as these will keep the heat in and your energy bills down," he says. "If you don't have thermal curtains, wool or velvet are also good choices.

"When it comes to your curtains you may be tempted to keep them closed in the colder months but you should always open them in the morning to leave in natural light and heat. When it comes to the evening you should then close your curtains to retain the heat in your room."

"Curtain tracks can also be used instead of regular curtain poles as these create a seal between the curtain and the wall to trap heat in your home.

Avoid the electric blanket

While an electric blanket can be a cost-efficient way to warm up your room, they should be avoided for safety reasons, Adeel closes. "Electric blankets can be safe if they are used correctly and are maintained, but most people don't know what to look out for and as a result, these devices cause thousands of fires every year.

"Electric blankets should have a recognised approvals mark such as the BEAB mark or the BSEN 60335 International Standard Number. They should be less than 10 years old and have no worn or frayed fabric. There also shouldn't be wires poking through or scorch marks visible on the fabric."

"You shouldn’t use electric blankets on waterbeds, bunk beds, or sofa beds. People with certain health conditions, like diabetes or Alzheimer’s, should also be cautious. Pregnant women and older adults may be at risk as well. If in doubt, don't use one."