This Sunday, 25 October, the clocks go back across the UK and Ireland. Evenings will suddenly start around teatime, and many of us will spend more time indoors. Your home needs to work a little harder to feel warm, bright and welcoming.
The good news is that you do not need a full makeover. A few changes to lighting, warmth and daily habits can make a big difference. Start with the rooms you use most in the evening.
Lighting: layer it, do not rely on one light
A single bright overhead light often makes a room feel flat and harsh. Layered lighting is kinder on the eyes and far more cosy. Try to combine three types of light.
- Ambient: the general light for the whole room, such as a ceiling fitting.
- Task: focused light for reading, cooking or working.
- Accent: soft glows that highlight a shelf, plant or piece of art.
A modern pendant lamp with an acrylic shade over the dining table or sofa area gives gentle, diffused light. It works well as the main source in a living room or bedroom.
Choose the right colour of light
Bulb colour matters more than many people realise. Warm white bulbs feel relaxing in the evening, while cooler white suits kitchens and workspaces. Look for 'warm white' on the packaging when you buy bulbs.
Use dimmers where possible. Being able to lower the brightness after dinner helps the whole room feel calmer.
Use floor lamps to fill dark corners
Dark corners make a room feel smaller in winter. A floor lamp beside a reading chair or sofa brings light down to eye level. It also avoids the glare of a bright ceiling light. Browse the floor lamps collection to find a style that suits your space.
Position lamps at the right height
- Place a reading lamp so the light falls over your shoulder onto the page.
- Avoid lamps that shine straight into your eyes when you sit down.
- Spread light across the room rather than grouping everything in one corner.
Warmth: keep heat where you need it
Before turning up the heating, check for draughts. Gaps under doors and around windows let warm air escape quickly. Simple fixes such as draught excluders, lined curtains and closing doors to unused rooms can cut heat loss.
Open curtains during the day to let in any sunlight, then close them at dusk. This traps warmth inside and makes the room feel more private.
Make the most of your ceiling fan
Many people forget that warm air rises and collects near the ceiling. A ceiling fan with an LED light can help. If your fan has a reversible motor, run it clockwise on a low speed in winter. This gently pushes warm air back down into the room without creating a chill.
Add an electric blanket for evenings on the sofa
An electric sofa blanket is an easy way to feel warm without raising the thermostat. Choose one with a timer and overheating protection, so it switches off on its own. Follow the care label, and never fold the blanket while it is switched on.
Cosy routines that make shorter days easier
Your habits matter as much as your furnishings. A few simple routines can make the darker months feel more manageable.
- Set a lamp timer so the house looks lived in when you are out after dark.
- Open curtains early to catch whatever daylight is available.
- Create an evening wind-down spot with a blanket, a warm drink and soft light.
- Get outside each day for a few minutes of natural light, even on grey days.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Relying only on the ceiling light, which creates harsh shadows.
- Using cool white bulbs in living areas, which can feel cold.
- Placing lamps where cables cross walkways or rugs.
- Ignoring small draughts while the heating is running.
- Leaving electrical items running unattended for long periods.
Maintenance before winter
Dust lampshades and bulbs regularly, as dust reduces brightness. Check cables for wear and replace any damaged bulbs. Wipe down fan blades and make sure remote batteries still work. A little attention now prevents problems later.
Checklist for the clocks going back
- Add a second or third light source to your main living area.
- Switch to warm white bulbs in evening rooms.
- Fit a dimmer or choose lamps with adjustable brightness.
- Check for draughts around doors and windows.
- Set your ceiling fan to a low, clockwise winter setting if it reverses.
- Create a cosy corner with a blanket and soft light.
- Dust lamps, check cables and clean fan blades.
