Six cosy updates that actually make your home feel warmer

When there’s a chill in the air all many of us want to do is curl up inside under the warmth of a blanket with a hot drink and something good to read or watch.

There’s more you can do to add to the comfy, cosy experience in your home and it will actually make the space warmer before you even pop the heater on.

Most of these updates don’t cost a lot either and you might already have some of them from last year that you can pull out and freshen up to use again.

READ MORE: Nine hacks to try if you hate folding the laundry and need motivation

Rugs

Don’t underestimate the importance of a rug, especially if you have hard flooring.

Rugs work on three levels by insulating the floor to keep warm air in and cool air out, providing a warm place to pop your feet and visually creating a sense of warmth through fluffy texture – depending on what style you get.

Kmart has lots of budget-friendly rugs ranging in price from $29 to $165 and there are even $29 mats you can add to the kitchen for a bit of colour and warmth.

READ MORE: Shopper frenzy over The Reject Shop’s new pink range

Curtains

Uncovered windows are a huge source of heat loss, so covering them up is one of the most important things you do. Plus they make a home feel much more cosy than blinds alone do.

Look for a blockout or blackout option as the thicker curtains do a better job of insulating then ones designed just for decorative use.

Ikea has a blockout curtain for just $19 a piece with the Bengta design available in three colours.

READ MORE: Big mistake stopping strawberries from growing well

Throws

Autumn and winter is the time of year when throws cease to just be decorative additions to the sofa and become vital for warmth.

Look for something with more thickness than the throws used in spring and summer. This plush look and feel really does enhance the cosy vibe of the living room.

Something like the $12 Openook plush fleece throw from Big W would work nicely or for something really plush try the $29 Openook wave faux fur throw, also from Big W.

READ MORE: One thing we all do with pot plants causes ‘more harm than good’

Blankets

In the bedroom your throw can still be decorative because it’s likely here you’ll need to add a blanket between your top sheet and quilt to get properly warm in winter.

One option is the Brampton House coral fleece blanket from Spotlight for $50, which comes in five colours.

For a daily dose of 9honey, subscribe to our newsletter here.

Electric blankets and throws

Sometimes a blanket or throw is enough to beat the chill but for true warmth you can’t go past electric blankets and throws.

These can be used to warm your bed up before you hop in, while you’re relaxing on the sofa or as an alternative to a heater in your home office.

For a daily dose of 9honey, subscribe to our newsletter here.

These truly are the unsung heroes of winter and your secret weapon to keeping your power bills low because Finder estimates that electric blankets are the cheapest heating option to use and cost just 4 cents a day.

Kmart’s cheapest heated throw option is $35 while a fitted electric blanket for a queen bed is $55.

The top bedroom design trends of 2025

Towels and bathmats

We can’t forget the bathroom which we all know can feel very chilly to step into after a hot shower.

Choosing plusher and thicker towels and bathmats can help make this experience a warmer one by giving you something cosy to wrap yourself in and pop your wet feet on.

READ MORE: Why this dual basket air fryer has changed dinners forever

If you really want to get a bit warmer then you can also try a heated towel rail to warm your towels up before you get out of the shower. Kmart has one for just $49 but if you’re trying to keep your power bills down keep in mind you do need electricity to run it.

FOLLOW US ON WHATSAPP HERE: Stay across all the latest in celebrity, lifestyle and opinion via our WhatsApp channel. No comments, no algorithm and nobody can see your private details.