How to Stay Warm for Less in Your Bedroom

Beating the cold by throwing on some pyjamas and jumping into bed as quickly as possible doesn’t always work a charm.

If your bedroom or mattress is cold or your bedding has good thermal conductivity (so it feels cold), you’ll struggle to find that warm, cosy feeling, which could ultimately lead to poor sleep quality and groggy mornings.

The good news is that there are plenty of ways to stay warm for less in your bedroom – the bad news is you’ll need to spend some money to begin with. The cost savings come back over time as you run your central heating less and less.

Join us below for our top ideas.

Cold bedroom? 

If your bedroom loses heat rapidly, and you can feel the temperature dropping around you, you probably have a cold spot somewhere.

A thermal imaging camera is the best way to find out where it is. You can then insulate the area or improve its structure to make your bedroom warmer.

Heat your bedroom, not your house

A quality 3-pin fan heater delivers targeted warmth without wasting energy heating unused spaces in your house.

Running your heater on the lowest 1kW setting minimises electricity consumption, which, depending on your tariff, typically costs less than 30p per hour.

Position your fan heater away from curtains and furniture and direct warm air across your bed for maximum efficiency. The most reliable models cost between £30-£50, making them an affordable investment.

Heat your bed, not your room

A heated mattress topper has easy-to-use heat settings to transform your mattress into a cosy sleeping surface.

These energy-efficient devices typically consume just 100W per hour, resulting in minimal running costs of around 5p/hour.

Modern versions have multiple heat settings (the top one is usually roasting hot), timer functions, and dual controls for couples. Look for sales at the end of summer when prices often drop from the usual £80 mark for a double size.

Heat yourself, not your bed 

Battery-powered electric blankets offer consistent heat wherever you roam and double as excellent bed warmers when tucked under your duvet.

Rechargeable models eliminate ongoing battery costs, while advanced safety features provide peace of mind. Quality options hover around the £100 price point, but their versatility makes them worth considering for year-round comfort.

Trap more body heat with a winter duvet

Upgrading to a higher tog rating makes a remarkable difference in winter comfort. While all-season duvets (11.5 tog) provide decent warmth, winter-specific options (13.5 to 15 tog) offer superior insulation.

Hollowfibre duvets delivers excellent value with good heat retention, while down and feather combinations provide luxurious warmth with natural materials. Expect to invest around £70 for a quality double, though seasonal sales can significantly reduce this.

Thermal curtains for heat retention

Thermal curtains provide excellent insulation against cold windows, with their specialised linings helping to prevent heat transfer.

Quality thermal curtains start around £100 per window, but their energy-saving potential and room-warming benefits make them a worthwhile long-term investment.

Doubling up your thermal curtains with thermal blinds will enhance heat retention further, helping you stay warm for less.

Draught-proofing makes a big difference 

Cold air sneaking through gaps can transform a warm bedroom into a chilly space.

Windows often let in unwanted draughts. Test by running a dampened finger along the frames to detect air movement. Self-adhesive insulation strips cost just a few pounds but deliver impressive results.

Remember your bedroom door, which can let warm air escape while allowing cold corridors to influence room temperature. Seal your door, and if it has a hollow core, consider buying a solid-core door for better heat retention.