The Midwest is a great place to live, but decorating a home can be challenging when you have four different seasons to plan for. Thankfully, there are solutions to help keep you warm in the winter without having to huddle under a blanket or deal with scorching heat in your home during the summer. Check out these decorating tips for all seasons.
Thermal Curtains – A Four-Season Solution
We often think about thermal curtains as a way to keep the heat in the house during a cold night in Dayton, OH, but did you know that they do an excellent job of keeping the summer heat out? A thermal curtain is made from three or four layers of thick, insulated material. They hang from about six inches above a window or door and go all the way to the floor.
The benefit of these curtains is that they can block cool air leaks to help keep your house warmer in the winter and keep the sun from heating it up in the summer. Keeping a consistent temperature in your home can also reduce energy costs.
Rugs for Winter – Bare Floors for Summer
If you enjoy the feel of a cozy wool rug on your hardwood floor in the winter, during the summer, give them some time off. Roll them up and store them in a safe place when the temperatures heat up, making sure they are protected from insects and out of direct sunlight.
During the summer, embrace the feel of the cool wood under your feet. If you like to step on a rug when you get out of bed in the morning, even in the summer, switch out for a fuzzy, winter-friendly rug for a flatwoven one made from a natural fiber.
Lightbulbs Can Make a Difference
The amount of daylight in Dayton, OH, and other Midwest cities varies immensely from summer to winter. During the cooler winter months, there are only about nine hours of daylight, but in the summer, daylight shines for up to 15 hours. Make sure you’re using LED lightbulbs. They use less energy and don’t give off heat that could make a room feel warm in the summer.
During the summer, keep your heavy blankets and throws tucked away and either keep the couch free from extra blankets or replace the heavy winter one with a light throw in case it gets chilly at night.
Door Draft Stoppers – Not Just for Older Homes
Most modern homes have more insulation than older homes, making it hard for cold air to get in and warm air to escape. Older homes tend to be drafty, so you need a way to prevent air from moving in and out. Door draft stoppers are not only functional, but they can also be decorative.
If you have hardwood floors, make sure to find a door draft stopper made with a soft material so it doesn’t scratch the wood. And even if you have a modern home, a little extra assurance that your heat stays inside won’t hurt.
