The Apartment Renter’s Guide to Winterizing Your Space

When temperatures start to dip, it’s your cue to winterize your apartment. A little work now means you’ll stay warm and cozy all season without scrambling to beat the cold as well as saving money on heating. Follow these apartment winter prep tips to be ready for the season.

Key Tips

• Thick rugs, flannel sheets, and floor-length thermal curtains add warmth and help prevent heat loss in apartments with hardwood or tile floors and drafty windows.
• Budget-friendly insulation like draft stoppers, window film, and weather stripping make a big impact, especially in older buildings.
• Furniture and décor choices can boost insulation; placing bookshelves along exterior walls and using wall hangings or tapestries adds another layer of warmth.
• Reversing ceiling fans to spin clockwise helps circulate warm air downward, reducing the need to crank up the heat.
• Swapping overhead lights for warm-toned lamps and using cozy seasonal scents like cinnamon or fir can create a comforting, winter-ready atmosphere.

Layer Up: Textiles That Add Instant Warmth

Small touches can turn your apartment into a snug retreat, from plush throws and soft flannel sheets to thick area rugs and heavy curtains. Fabrics and textiles instantly make a space feel cozier and more inviting, while also providing insulation.

Rugs on tile and wood floors

Stepping onto an icy floor when getting out of a warm bed feels like jumping into a cold shower. A cozy rug not only keeps your feet toasty but also helps prevent heat loss through the floor.

Heavy drapes or curtains

Windows can let in more cold than you’d expect, even if they’re double paned. Swap lightweight curtains for heavy drapes or thermal liners to keep the heat where it’s supposed to be: inside. These add an extra layer of insulation by trapping air between the fabric and the glass.

When choosing curtains, look for ones that fully cover your windows and reach the floor. Because cold air sinks, floor-length curtains block drafts and retain warmth better than shorter ones. Honeycomb blinds are another great choice because their design creates a barrier that keeps heat inside. Check your local home improvement store for renter-friendly, no-drill options for honeycomb blinds.

Tapestries or art on walls

While walls don’t let as much heat escape as windows, every little bit matters in the winter. Putting up thick wall hangings, woven tapestries, or even art increase insulation and adds style.

Throw blankets and layered bedding

Fall and winter are the time to snuggle up, so make sure there are thick throw blankets everywhere. Pack away those lighter summer blankets and swap your bedding for flannel sheets and a down comforter. They keep your bed warm and inviting so you can crawl into a cozy cocoon at night.

Keep the Chill Out: Renter-Friendly Insulation

Don’t suffer through the winter with a sniffly nose and constant shivers. There are plenty of renter-friendly ways to boost insulation and keep your space warm.

Draft stoppers for doors and windows

Draft stoppers are a staple in northern regions but they’re useful anywhere that winter brings a chill. They block the gap underneath the door to keep warm air in and cold air out.

There are many types of draft stoppers from adhesive plastic strips to weighted fabric stoppers. Some even slip under the door with rolls on both sides for extra protection.

Weather stripping to close gaps

Exterior doors are one of the biggest sources of drafts and heat loss, which is why most have weather stripping around the frame. This thin strip of foam or rubber helps create a tight seal when the door closes. A door sweep covers the bottom gap to complete the seal. You can install weather stripping yourself or ask your maintenance team about it since it might be part of their responsibilities.

Temporary window insulation

In addition to curtains, one of the best ways to insulate your windows is with a window insulation kit. This is a sheet of plastic that you tape onto the frame to cover the window (not directly on the glass), then heat until the plastic is taut. Air is a bad conductor of heat so the trapped air between the window and plastic prevents the warmth from escaping. There are plenty of kits online or in store you can buy with easy instructions on how to use them.

Furniture as insulation

Just like wall hangings help insulate a room, placing furniture against walls can make a noticeable difference. Larger pieces like bookshelves, wardrobes, or cabinets add an extra layer of insulation since they’re thicker and denser. Avoid putting couches and chairs against outer walls since you’ll feel the chill every time you sit down.

Reverse Ceiling Fans

Ceiling fans aren’t just for summer as they can help you stay warm in winter too. The trick is reversing the blades so they spin clockwise, which pushes warm air down to where you can feel it.

Cozy Décor Tweaks for a Warmer Vibe

With shorter days and gray skies, winter can feel endless. Keep the winter blues at bay by turning your apartment into a cozy retreat that lifts your spirits.

Warm mood lighting

Keep the overhead lights off and turn on the lamps instead. With warm-colored lightbulbs of yellow or orange, they cast a softer glow that instantly makes your apartment cozier. Pick dimmable ones so you can change the intensity of the brightness, turning your space from bright and glaring to moody and snug.

Color-changing bulbs are great not only for creating a cozy atmosphere but also for holiday decorations, as they can turn purple and orange for Halloween or red and green for Christmas. Warm string lights add the finishing touch when draped along a fireplace mantle, bookshelf, or stair railing.

Seasonal scents

The best part of candles and diffusers is that you can tailor them to the mood you want to bring to your space. Comforting scents like cinnamon or vanilla evoke a warm feeling that pairs perfectly with being wrapped in blankets. Fresh, invigorating scents like pine or fir balsam bring a wave of energy that fights off the gray season.

Earthy tones and colors

Match the fall view outside your window by echoing the colors of the leaves. Think burnt oranges, chestnut browns, and sage greens that play off neutral shades of sandy taupe and muted grays. These earthy hues bring autumn indoors and keep it feeling that way even after the leaves are gone.

Smart Swaps for Winter Living

Before the cold settles is the perfect time to refresh your home for the season ahead. These easy changes for winter living help you stay cozy and make the most of your space in the coming months.

Store away summer items and declutter

A simple way to make your apartment feel cozy is to cut down on clutter. Start by packing away summer items and anything you won’t need for a few months. If space is tight, use small space storage solutions like under the bed storage or vacuum-sealed bags to make the most of every inch. This is a good time to swap out your wardrobe too, bring out the snuggly sweaters and layers that will keep you warm no matter how low the temperature drops.

Pull out the electric blankets or heated mattress pads

For an extra dose of warmth, try an electric blanket or heated mattress pad. These will keep you plenty warm in freezing temperatures. Just remember to turn them off before falling asleep.

Put the insulated mugs and thermoses front and center

Nothing beats wrapping your hands around a steaming mug when it’s cold out. Fall and winter call for hot drinks, from rich cocoa and spiced cider to your favorite coffee or tea. Keep them piping hot longer with an insulated mug or thermos so you can sip the warm comfort they provide, whether you’re at home or braving the chilly commute.

Stay Warm with Apartments.com

Stay cozy and stylish all winter long with a little help from Apartments.com. From layering textures and warm lighting to seasonal color palettes that brighten gray days, the Renterverse blog can help you create a space that feels as good as it looks. Explore renter-friendly ideas that add comfort and discover how small design updates can make your apartment your favorite winter retreat.