Freezing Lounge - ideas needed
We've just moved to a large 1980s house, it needs redecorating throughout but the lounge is proving a bit of a conundrum. It is 24' 9'' x 15' 1'' (7.54m x 4.59m) with a large box bay window one end, French doors the other and a draughty fireplace in the middle, as a result it's very cold even with the heating on and a fire going. (image below is from the property listing - excuse the dated decor)
We plan to replace the open fireplace with a log burner to alleviate the draft and improve the heat transfer efficiency but the large expanse of glass either end of the room draws the heat out and leaves it very cold and unwelcoming.
The doors and windows are UPVC that was installed well over 10 years ago and will need to be replaced at some point, although I'd rather avoid that massive cost at the moment if I can.
Has anyone had a similar experience? Would thermal blinds and curtains do the trick to keep the room warm or should we just bite the bullet and replace the glass sooner rather than later?
Alternatively I am considering a wood floor with under floor heating
Many thanks in advance
Comments (21)
PROBio Fires
7 years agoYou could try a wood burner style traditional bioethanol stove. As log burners often give out a lot of heat without the possibility to control it, a bio ethanol stove like the one seen below is perfect for a comfortable and controlled warmth, without extreme heat, soot, ashes and smoke.
Good Luck!
Wood Burner Style Traditional Bioethanol Stove With Logs · More Info
Danielle Garber thanked Bio Fires
winterfloods
7 years agoYour room is a very similar size and layout to ours; our house was built in the early 90's and was revamped in 2002 and due for a bit more work this year. It's generally quite warm and perfectly ok. It's cool by the windows at this time of year but which window isn't?
Neither pair of curtains are interlined (although others in the house are) which does have the advantage of letting more light into the bay window. I'd be tempted to have any new ones interlined. We did put thin thermal blinds on windows in another room which certainly worked but the cords eventually snapped and the plastic fittings broke after a while.
I can't comment about underfloor heating as we don't have it in any sitting rooms or bedrooms as I like a carpeted floor there. Much more comfortable to sprawl on in the evenings than a harder floor surface.
One thing we have changed over the years is the fireplace. It was originally a huge log burner but you needed to open the windows when it was lit as it got too hot. We changed it in 2002 for a real-flame gas fire which was very good and very controllable. However we missed the logfire and changed it to a small inset logburner this year which is great. However the lack of controllability is a bit of a downer! It throws out a load of heat and the sight of gently burning logs is so restful.
Good luck!
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Lounge almost complete but need some ideas please
Comments (47)Hi thanks very much for the useful hints and tips, they've really helped! So far I've done a subtle re-jig of the decorative items on the shelves and thinned them out a bit to make it less busy (and more contemporary). I have added a cushion and throw plus a bit more useful storage baskets and so far I'm happier with it now. I also have to consider the overall flow of the room rather than 1 wall - for example when I walk into the room this wall is on the left and the sofa wall is on the right, and there was a risk that if I added shelves etc on this wall it would then unbalance the look of the room as the sofa walls are so far pretty plain. I'm getting a new sofa next month and when this arrives I'll be able to see the room in its finished form and can make any last minute adjustments!! I want to add some more shiny stuff and will get a nice chrome tray or centrepiece for my glass coffee table. Pffft, this house decor lark can take over your life sometimes :))...See MoreAny ideas for our lounge & master bedroom?!
Comments (13)Hi David. An exciting new project you have there! Here are my initial thoughts: Living room: I would lose the warm tones and pattern, as I think this is what is making it feel dated for you, and introduce some grey and white, with possibly a touch of petrol blue. Shutter style blinds may be nice for your windows - you can get well designed yet affordable slatted blinds that resemble shutters these days. Again, I would stick to white and keep it fresh. I would build in a chimney breast for your TV, and how about a modern style log burner? Prints work well on cushions, so if you did want to re-introduce some pattern into a more modern setting, I would mix geometric printed cushions with simple plain ones to break them up. There are lots out there at the moment. If you wanted to keep the oak floors, you could look into sanding them back and grey-washing for a modern feel or indeed keep them oak. Just by sanding them back they will begin to feel a bit more modern. Note - oak changes colour over time, so if in direct sunlight it will start to go a warmer colour. Bedroom: Remove arch if you can, which would open the space up quite a bit. Perhaps the curtains could go and you could go for a fabric roman blind instead - this would soften the windows a little, yet still feel modern. Plain white waffle bedlinen is always a good move, and if you like a pop of colour, layer it with a throw and blanket, as well as three - four cushions, stacked in front of the pillows. This could introduce a little colour for you. If you stick to cooler colours, you could keep the oak floor if you wanted to, as it may balance out nicely. Can't quite see your pendant light in the shots, but perhaps white origami style pendants and lamps with soft glows would be nice. Keep it fresh, yet soft as this is the room you want to relax in. Greys and tonal colours work well in bedrooms. Not sure if you were planning on keeping your furniture or not, the black could work well for a modern setting, but if you were, you could look at white or grey gloss styles as options. This will keep it looking clutter-free with streamlined pieces. Hope this helps a little. Fi...See MoreRiver lounge -furnishing ideas
Comments (1)It's been a while since you posted, have you had any more ideas or thought of a really good solution yet? If not, Houzzers help out!...See MoreLounge ideas?!
Comments (15)Thank you everyone for your comments, really helpful! :) @JenP - I'd saved the excact same photo as a possibility! I have this colour combo in my bedroom and love it - maybe i'll have to have it in both... @ Regina & @Sarah Chapman - Thank you, I do feel the same & think its time for the Zebra to go.. @Comegetme - Great idea with the plant, I'll be looking for one to go by the window @Carolina - Good point about the lamps, I i think this will also make the room come together a bit more, Thanks again everyone, I've got a clearer idea now - I was thinking of changing the wall colour behind sofa but will go with these options first! x...See MoreDanielle Garber
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