Hardwood floors are an attractive addition to any home. They look good, are hard wearing and require minimal maintenance. However, they can be cold underfoot, especially in winter time and in colder climates, which can make them feel rather unwelcoming. Fortunately, there are some simple steps you can take to make your floor and your room feel warm and snug.
Add a rug
In living areas and bedrooms, a good way of making a wood floor feel warmer is to add a rug. Large ‘area’ rugs not only add warmth, they can deaden sound too. There are also many stylish design options available which allow you to make the rug a focal point of your room.
The right choice of rug will provide a luxurious, soft feel in contrast to the solid wood flooring. You also have the flexibility to roll the rug up and store it away in summer time, allowing you to change the look and feel of your room with the seasons.
Wood floors from suppliers such as wood floor warehouse are often used in entrance halls and in these locations a runner is a useful addition. It offers a soft, welcoming feel for visitors while leaving your wood floor visible at the sides. It will also serve to trap dirt and is easier to clean and maintain than a fitted carpet.
Stop the draughts
One of the things that can make a wooden floor feel cold is draughts from doors and windows allowing cold air into the room. You’ll know from your school science lessons that warm air rises, so unless you’re lucky enough to have underfloor heating, the floor will generally be the coldest part of the room.
Air entering under doors can be prevented with an old-fashioned draught excluder. You can also look at applying sealing strips around the edges of external doors and windows. Changing your curtains for thicker ones during the winter can also help you to keep the room warm. Do remember to open them though and take advantage of the natural warmth available from the sun during the day.
Rooms that have external doors opening into them can benefit from a curtain across the inside of the door. Make sure that letterboxes are draught proofed with a brush or inner flap too.
