Home Decor on a Budget
7 Renter-Friendly Ways to Keep a Small Apartment Warm
Many rentals have drafty windows and doors you are not allowed to replace. You can still make a small apartment feel noticeably warmer with changes that come down when you move out. These seven are the simplest place to start.
Save to PinterestHang thermal curtains
Lined or thermal curtains add a layer between you and cold glass. Hang them close to the window and let them reach the sill or floor so less cold air falls into the room.
Block door drafts with a stopper
A fabric draft stopper along the bottom of an entry or balcony door blocks a common source of cold air. It slides away when you open the door and needs no installation.
Put rugs on bare floors
Tile, concrete and laminate feel cold underfoot. A rug where you sit or step out of bed makes the room feel warmer even when the temperature has not changed.
Move the bed off cold walls
Exterior walls and windows are often the coldest parts of a room. If your layout allows it, place the bed or sofa against an interior wall instead.
Open blinds on sunny days
Sunlight through a window adds free warmth during the day. Open blinds when the sun is on that side of the building and close curtains when it sets.
Layer bedding, not heat
A flannel sheet set, a duvet and a throw let you stay warm at night without turning the heating up. Layers are also easy to remove if you get too warm.
Keep vents and radiators clear
Furniture and long curtains in front of a radiator or vent block the heat you are already paying for. Leave a gap so warm air can move into the room.
What to look for before you buy
Thermal curtains
Look for a lined or thermal backing and measure the window width and drop first. Curtains that are wider than the window close properly and seal better.
Draft stoppers
Measure the width of the door. Stoppers that slide under the door on both sides stay in place when it opens and closes.
Window insulation film
Shrink film kits for windows are popular with renters. Check your lease and test the adhesive on a hidden spot first, as some tapes can mark paint or frames.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Covering radiators or vents with furniture or curtains.
- Using adhesive products without checking your lease.
- Leaving curtains open at night on cold windows.
Questions people ask
Can renters insulate windows?
Usually yes, with removable options such as thermal curtains, draft snakes and window film kits. Check your lease, and ask your landlord before anything that uses strong adhesive or screws.
What should I tell my landlord about?
Report broken windows, gaps you can see daylight through and heating that does not work. Those are often the landlord's responsibility to fix.
Start with the biggest draft you can feel, usually a window or the front door. A couple of these changes can make a cold rental much more comfortable.
