Easy Ways to Warm Up Your Home

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Warm Up Your Home.

Baby, it's cold outside! All we want to do is huddle by the fire and sip tea.

That's one warm solution. But for those of us who actually have to function, there are other ways to make our homes toasty and cozy.

1. The Practical Approach

One solution is to actually fire up the thermostat. But we'll be paying for that come the end of the month.

Instead, make your home as airtight as possible:

1 Close the flue when not using the fireplace.

2 Remove window air conditioning units (or place covers on them).

3

Caulk openings around pipes and under sinks.

4 Put weather stripping along doors to keep warm air indoors. Or, dodge the draft with draft dogs or kitties (the little sand-filled animals whose tails snuggle up to the bottom of doors).

5 Install insulating kits for outlets on outer walls.

6 If you have single-paned windows, consider window-insulating kits.

2. The Warm and Fuzzy Approach

OK. You've done all that, and you're still shivering. Sometimes it helps to create the illusion of heat.

Have slippers stationed by the doors. Cover hardwood floors with area rugs.

Drape soft, fluffy afghans over armchairs. Dot sofas with overstuffed pillows of chenille or velvet. Consider slipcovers.

Rearrange your furniture to form more intimate seating. Use area lamps instead of overhead lights.

Create spots so cozy that you can't resist them.

Make a reading corner by positioning an overstuffed chair near a table (for teacups), a basket (for magazines and books) and a reading lamp.

For maximum effect, create the reading area near the fireplace.

For family fun, set up a small table in one corner of the den for games, cards or crafts. Stash all supplies within reach. Keep a puzzle going at all times.

OK, now you've got the physical set up. Now go for the cozy part.

The goal is a room that looks lived in so you will want to live in it. Put family photos on tabletops. Add plants to soften the room's hard edges.

Complete the picture by appealing to the rest of your senses. Play soft music and light scented candles. Better yet: bake some cookies.

In the bedroom, think lush duvets and flannel sheets. Add fluffy, oversize towels and indulge in a heated towel rack.

And just before bedtime, send your pajamas for a quick spin in the dryer so you tuck into bed already feeling toasty.