With predictions suggesting snow could sweep across Scotland and northern regions of England in November, keeping homes warm has become essential.

An arctic blizzard is forecasted to hit the UK within a fortnight, with temperatures plummetting to -3C, according to weather maps. Snow and rain are set to sweep in on the evening of November 4 at 6pm, covering half of England, Northern Ireland, and Scotland.

Up to 3cm of snow will settle in northern Scotland, and the majority of the country will be covered, according to weather maps by WXCharts. The snow is predicted to stretch down to Leeds, turning into a barrage of rain over Manchester and Liverpool, with up to 3mm falling per hour, and though the south of England is forecast to remain dry, it won't escape theicy cold temperatures.

The latest GFS model maps also indicates a significant blizzard is forecast to strike Scotland on November 13, especially around Inverness, Wick and Aberdeen.

Southern Scotland and northern England, including Newcastle and areas of the Pennines, may also experience light snow or sleet. Fortunately, central and southern England - from Manchester and Birmingham down to London - is expected to remain mostly cold and dry, with only a few coastal showers likely.

Social media is buzzing with residents asking for tips on staying warm, but with temperatures set to drop dramatically, professional guidance is vital.

Thankfully, James Higgins, flooring expert at Online Carpets, has revealed six simple and cost-effective ways to boost warmth in your home without turning up the heating. From smart furniture positioning to effective window insulation, these suggestions should keep you comfortable without causing your energy bills to soar.

1. Keep furniture away from radiators

"It can be tempting to place your sofa or bed right up against the radiator in winter to capture the warmth, but this will actually make your home feel colder," said Higgins. "When large pieces of furniture block radiators, any heat isn't able to circulate properly around the room. Instead, the warmth gets trapped behind the furniture, leaving the rest of your room still feeling cold.

"If you've turned your heating on, try leaving a clear space in front of radiators. This allows the heat to move freely, which makes the whole room feel warmer and more comfortable."

2. Opt for carpet fibres such as wool which retain warmth

Regarding flooring choices, the expert emphasised that material selection is crucial. Higgins explained: "Carpets made from natural fibres like wool are fantastic at retaining heat. Wool fibres trap air, providing insulation underfoot that helps to keep warmth inside the home, perfect if you're in need of some further insulation.

"Synthetic options such as polypropylene can also be a great choice as they're durable, budget-friendly, and still offer good insulation compared to hard flooring surfaces like laminate or tiles. A well-chosen carpet or rug not only feels soft but can cut down on heat loss in certain areas of your home.

"If you are thinking of replacing any flooring, you can also look at getting underlays placed for your carpets. Carpet underlay will not only provide you with extra heat and noise insulation but can also extend the lifespan of your carpet and provide extra comfort underfoot, making it a great choice for anyone wanting to lock in more heat during the colder months."

3. Layer rugs and fabrics for instant warmth on hard floors

Placing a large rug over wooden, vinyl or laminate flooring is among the fastest methods to add warmth to a room, according to Higgins.

He said: "Rugs stop draughts from coming through floorboards, create an extra layer of insulation, and make spaces feel instantly cosier.

"Opt for thick, dense rugs in living areas or runners in hallways for maximum impact. Not only will they keep feet warm, but they'll also protect your flooring from everyday wear and tear."

4. Add soft furnishings like wool throws for warmth

"Textiles can play a huge role in how warm your space feels," said the expert. "Layer up your wool throws, chunky knits, and velvet cushions to create that inviting "snuggle-up" vibe. These soft furnishings not only keep you physically warm but also make your home feel visually warmer and more cosy.

As an additional styling tip, James also suggested incorporating warm-toned accessories such as cushions or blankets "in shades of terracotta, deep green, or caramel for a cosy, autumn-winter look".

He added: "Even small touches, like a wooden side table or a jute rug, can bring that organic cosiness to a room, but this is just a bonus, not a necessity."

5. Insulate your windows with heavy, lined curtains

"As mentioned, windows are one of the biggest culprits for heat loss in your home," said Higgins. "Keeping your curtains open in the day to let sunlight in, and then closing them as soon as it gets dark can help trap warmth inside your home rather than letting it escape through the glass."

"Heavy or lined curtains work especially well, as thicker fabrics like velvet or wool act as an extra layer of insulation."

James explained that heavy curtains retain heat more effectively because the dense material forms a barrier between the warm indoor air and the cold air outside.

He said: "This reduces heat transfer through the glass, keeping warm air circulating inside your home instead of being lost."

"By blocking draughts and slowing down how quickly heat escapes, curtains can make a noticeable difference to both the comfort of your living spaces and your energy bills."

6. Block draughts with door excluders

Even a minor draught can make your room feel significantly colder. Gaps beneath your doors or around frames allow chilly air in and warm air to escape, which can reduce heating efficiency," according to Higgins.

He recommended: "Invest in simple draught excluders or self-adhesive draught strips to block gaps under internal and external doors. They're inexpensive, easy to fit, and make a noticeable difference to how warm your home feels without turning on the heating."