Interior designer and architect Maria Borovskaya and sleep product experts from ORMATEK have outlined top ways for Russians to insulate their bedrooms before cold weather arrives.
Borovskaya identified installing heat-reflective screens behind radiators as one of the most efficient techniques to retain indoor warmth. She explained that these shields redirect warm air back into the room rather than letting it absorb into cold exterior walls, raising room temperatures by 1 to 2 degrees Celsius.
Radiators mounted on external walls frequently lose thermal energy outward through building masonry. Heat-reflective screens, which typically consist of foil-faced insulation panels mounted directly behind heating units, reflect radiant heat inward to optimize domestic energy efficiency during peak heating season.
Window insulation and thermal films
To block drafts and heat loss through window glass, specialists recommend applying specialized window films. Heat-shrink film can be secured to window frames using double-sided tape and stretched tight with a standard household hairdryer, creating an isolating air barrier between the cold pane and the room.
Additionally, homeowners can install athermal window film. Featuring a nanoceramic protective layer, athermal film reflects up to 90 percent of infrared radiation while helping retain internal ambient heat inside the living space.
Window glass is one of the primary sources of thermal loss in residential apartments. While conventional double glazing provides baseline insulation, retrofitting window frames with thin polymer or ceramic films creates static air pockets and radiation barriers that reduce overall heating demands without obstructing daylight.
Drapery, flooring, and wall protection
Heavy window drapes also play a critical role in physically separating living areas from cold glass surfaces. Borovskaya said dense curtains cut heat loss through windows by 10 to 15 percent, with multilayered drapes made from heavy fabrics such as velvet, jacquard, or materials with built-in thermal linings offering the best results for bedrooms.
Borovskaya emphasized that curtains should be floor-length and wide enough to fully cover the window opening while closing tightly in the center to prevent cold air from circulating into the room. Cold flooring can also draw heat away from the space, which can be mitigated by laying down area rugs.
Heavy woven textiles like jacquard and velvet feature high thread counts and complex weave structures that trap stagnant air, forming a thermal blanket over drafty window frames. Similarly, thick floor coverings provide conductive insulation over chilly concrete or wood subfloors.
Bedding choices and wall paneling
Overnight sleeping comfort also requires selecting season-appropriate bedding materials. Experts from ORMATEK specified that sleep accessories should be chosen based on the actual indoor temperature of the bedroom rather than the weather outside.
ORMATEK is a major Russian manufacturer specializing in mattresses, pillows, and sleeping systems. Proper selection of breathable yet insulating bedding fabrics helps maintain optimal microclimates around the body, ensuring restful sleep even when indoor heating fluctuates.
To further insulate the sleeping area and make it feel cozier, soft wall panels can be installed around the bed. Frequently placed behind the headboard, these padded wall structures form an extra physical barrier against cold exterior walls while also providing sound absorption benefits for the bedroom.
Renovation trends in Moscow
The advice on seasonal home preparation follows previous reports regarding home improvement trends in the capital. Residents of Moscow recently shared strategies for cutting costs on residential renovation projects, noting that many city dwellers choose to purchase building and decorative materials in regional markets to reduce total expenditure.
