How to Keep a Home Office Warm: 12 Insulation Tips

Working from home in the chill?

Let’s crank up the cosy factor without sending your heating bills sky-high. Here’s how.

1. Layer up smartly

Think of it as your personal insulation project. Grab that thick jumper Aunt Mabel knitted you last Christmas, slip into those fleece-lined leggins you bought for skiing (but never used), and snuggle under a blanket.

Don’t forget a wool beanie or another warm hat — your head demands the warmest spot in the plot.

A cosy, Studio Ghibli-inspired workspace featuring an array of potted plants, decorative vines overhead, whimsical ornaments, and gaming console on a desk. A faux fur hat adorn the chair — Photo: Alissa Pabon’s cosy Studio Ghibli-Inspired gaming setup

Also, think about adding some fabric flair to your room, like velvet cushions or even a rug on the wall. Sounds a bit offbeat, but it’s a clever move. Fabrics are great at holding in heat, embracing a cabin-like feel in your space. It’s practical, adds personality to your room, and keeps the chill at bay.

2. Banish the drafts

That sneaky cold air creeping in from under the door? Block it with a draft excluder — the quirkier, the better.

Got a window that feels like the Arctic? Consider thermal curtains. It feels like putting a winter coat on your windows.

A high-tech gaming setup with triple monitors and green backlighting, complemented by thermal curtains and ambient lighting, creates an immersive environment under a glowing “On Duty” neon sign — Photo: Zachary Duty’s IKEA KARLBY L-shaped battlestation

Actually, insulating a home office is easier than it seems. Even a standard insulation kit can do wonders.

3. Close the door

Simple yet effective. Shut the door to keep the heat where you need it — around you.

4. Join the Electric Blanket Club

Electric blankets are not just for grannies anymore. They’re perfect for a cosy wrap-up while you brainstorm or answer emails. Instant warmth and a stress-buster! (Plus — cost pennies to run).

Photos: Tanja Renate Aakerøy’s zen workspace

And hey, don’t laugh at blankets with sleeves: they can be your best friend on chilly days in a home office. No judgement.

5. Get moving

Sitting still is the enemy of warmth.

Get up and move around.

Do a quick set of jumping jacks, or just a brisk walk around the house to make a cuppa. It’s a double win — you stay warm and give your brain a little refresh.

6. Use a small infrared heater for a big difference

Opt for a compact infrared heater for economical warmth. Place it under your desk to act as your personal, mini sun.

Infrared heaters excel in targeting specific areas, like a home office, providing consistent warmth cheaper than electric heaters. They also surpass fan radiators in functionality, as the latter merely circulate air without effectively heating it.

This small infrared appliance heats your space efficiently, ensuring your home office remains comfortably warm without the risk of overheating.

7. Lay down a thick rug

Bare floors are heat thieves, so throw down a shaggy rug in your home office. This old-school “floor heating” item changes the whole vibe of the room. Plus, no more cold feet during those long Zoom meetings.

A tranquil attic home office setup with a dark wood floor, a traditional rug under a contemporary desk and chair, ambient lighting, and a cosy armchair with a fur throw — Photo: Wouter de Bres’s cosy attic home office

8. Lunch like a boss

Soup’s up! Eating something warm throughout your workday works like an internal heater.

And here’s a cheeky tip: after baking cookies (because why not?), leave the oven door ajar to sneak some extra warmth into the room.

9. Learn some radiator tricks

Got radiators? Pop some foil behind them — it reflects heat back into the room instead of being absorbed by the wall.

And learn how to bleed your radiator — it’s not as scary as it sounds, just letting out trapped air for better efficiency.

10. Keep your hands hot and feet cosy

Remember those HotHands packets you used for winter walks? Time to reintroduce them to your desk routine. Pop them in your pockets, or get creative and tuck them under a scarf.

For longer typing sessions, get a pair of fingerless gloves. They might give you a Dickensian writer vibe, but they work wonders. And for the tech-savvy, a heated mouse pad can be a mini fireplace for your fingers.

Also, don’t underestimate the power of wearing shoes indoors. It sounds odd, but it’s a game-changer for warm feet.

11. Use a “walking desk”

Consider adding a treadmill to your standing desk. A “walking desk” keeps you warm and you’re also knocking out some daily steps. It’s a great way of hitting two birds with one stone — staying warm and fit. Walk the length of the Seine on your trusty treadmill desk while those video calls stretch on... and on.

A studio apartment with floor-to-ceiling windows in San Francisco, CA — Photo: Michelle Fang’s standing desk setup in San Francisco

12. Get fuelled by hot drinks on tap

Keep a thermos filled with hot tea, coffee, cacao, or even soup at your desk. It’s a practical way to stay warm and keep your energy up during cold days. And it also saves you from frequent trips to the kitchen.

Photos: Olja Lobkis’s cosy Study-with-me setup

Staying warm while working from home is about being a bit crafty and proactive. Use what you’ve got, make small changes, and you’ll transform your home office into a snug little haven. Plus, you’ll save a bit on your energy bills.

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