Why Old Houses Feel Cold — And How Decor Can Actually Help

Every winter, my thermostat insists the house is warm enough.
My feet strongly disagree.

If you live in an old home, you know this feeling well. Drafts, tall ceilings, old windows — it all adds up. And while insulation upgrades are great, they’re not always realistic right away.

What is realistic is using decor the way these homes were originally meant to be lived in.

Old Homes Were Designed Differently

Victorian houses relied on:

• Heavy curtains

• Layered furnishings

• Smaller, more intimate pockets of space

Modern minimalism stripped a lot of that away — and with it, a lot of warmth.

Rugs Change Everything

Bare floors make a room feel colder instantly.

Adding a rug:

• Insulates

• Softens sound

• Makes the room feel finished

Layered or patterned rugs feel especially right in older homes.

Curtains Are Practical (Not Just Pretty)

Once I added heavier curtains, the difference was noticeable.

They help block drafts, hold warmth, and visually soften the room. Even panels that look substantial can make a space feel warmer psychologically — which matters more than we admit.

Lamps Create Warmth

Bright overhead lights make a room feel stark.

Lamps create little islands of warmth, especially in rooms with high ceilings. They make old spaces feel intentional instead of unfinished.

A Full Room Feels Warmer

Sparse rooms feel colder — physically and emotionally.

Bookshelves, art, upholstered furniture — these pieces break up empty air and help a space feel lived in.

Shop the Parlor

To warm up an old house without renovating, focus on:

• Area rugs

• Curtains

• Lamps

• Soft throws

These aren’t decorative extras — they’re comfort essentials.

Some links on this page may be affiliate links. I only share pieces I’d actually use in my own home.