2 min readBefore central heating, the Victorians found clever ways to keep their homes warm. From blocking drafts to using heavy curtains, some of their simple ideas still work today—and could help make your home more comfortable as the weather gets colder.
As temperatures drop, these time-tested tricks are worth revisiting. “Victorian homeowners were incredibly resourceful when it came to keeping their homes warm,” Victoria Robinson, style and trend expert at Hillarys, says. “They didn't have the luxury of central heating throughout the house, so they relied on lots of clever ways to stop cold air moving through their homes and to make rooms feel warmer and more comfortable.
“What's fascinating is how many of those ideas still make perfect sense today. As homeowners become more conscious of comfort, energy efficiency, and reducing heat loss, we're seeing renewed interest in some of these traditional solutions.”
Here are the Victorian heating tricks you can try at home today.
Add Curtains to Your Front Door
“Door curtains might sound old-fashioned, but there's a reason they were once so common. In homes where the front door opens directly onto the street or into a main living area, they helped stop cold air travelling through the house every time the door was opened,” says Robinson.
Cover Up Drafty Fireplaces
“Many homeowners are surprised by how much cold air can enter through an unused fireplace. If a chimney isn't being used, there are a range of temporary solutions available that can help reduce draughts while preserving the character of the room,” Robinson says.
Use Heavy Curtains in Between Rooms
“Open-plan spaces are wonderful for modern living, but heat can disperse more easily through larger areas. Victorian homes often used heavy curtains between spaces to create cozy zones and retain warmth. It's a traditional idea that feels surprisingly relevant, particularly in larger family homes,” Robinson reveals.
Layer Up the Material on Your Windows
“Windows are often overlooked when homeowners think about heat loss, yet they're one of the main places where warmth can escape,” Robinson comments. “Layered window treatments such as lined curtains, shutters, or insulating blind styles can help create an additional barrier, while also making rooms feel more inviting during the darker months.”
Invest in More Rugs
“Hard flooring remains incredibly popular, but during autumn and winter it can sometimes make spaces feel colder. Layering rugs in key areas such as hallways, living rooms and bedrooms is a simple way to instantly create a warmer, cozier feel,” Robinson adds.
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