Cold floors in winter and socks for the home
Short answer: Cold floors are one of the most common winter complaints in Danish homes, especially in older houses and in flats above cellars. Warm feet make the whole body feel more comfortable, and most of the problem can be solved with the right socks, a few rugs and a little attention to draughts.
Why the floor is cold
Cold air is heavier than warm air and gathers near the floor. In houses with wooden floors over a cold cellar or crawl space, the chill rises up from below. Tiles feel colder than wood at the same temperature, because they draw heat away from your feet quickly. Draughts from doors and windows make it worse. Even in a living room at 21 degrees, the floor can be several degrees colder than the air at head height.
Socks that keep the warmth in
For the home, a thicker sock with a soft sole is often best. Wool stays warm even when the foot sweats a little. Viscose from bamboo is soft and pleasant against the skin, and works as a thin sock under a thicker one or on its own on milder days. Avoid tight cuffs that squeeze the ankle when you sit for long periods. If you often have icy feet, talk to your doctor to rule out an underlying cause.
Slippers and grip
Slippers with an insulating sole make a big difference on tiled floors. Thick socks without a sole can be slippery on wooden floors, so choose a pair with a non slip underside, or wear slippers on the stairs. It is also a good idea to keep a pair of socks by the bed, so you do not have to step onto cold floors with bare feet first thing in the morning.
Rugs and draughts
A rug in the living room and beside the bed makes the floor feel less cold underfoot. Check doors and windows for draughts by holding your hand near the edges on a windy day. Draught excluder strips are cheap and easy to fit. A draught stopper at the bottom of the hallway door helps too. When cold air is not flowing in along the floor, the whole room feels warmer even though the thermostat is unchanged.
Homewear from head to toe
Warm feet are connected to the rest of what you wear. If your upper body is cold, the body draws blood away from the hands and feet. Long sleeves and long trousers at home make it easier to keep your feet warm. Have a look at bamboo loungewear for men for ideas on homewear that is warm without being heavy. For the night, a night T-shirt for men can be paired with long trousers for extra warmth.
The bed and cold nights
Many people have cold feet when they go to bed. An extra blanket at the foot of the bed or a slightly longer duvet helps a great deal. A good sheet also makes a difference, because it is the first thing your skin meets. If you have different needs in a double bed, bamboo split sheets can suit a bed with two separate bases. Take your socks off if you get too warm during the night.
Frequently asked questions
Why are tiles colder than wooden floors
Tiles draw heat away from your feet quickly, so they feel colder at the same temperature.
Which socks are best for the home in winter
A thicker sock with a soft or non slip sole. Wool and viscose from bamboo are both good choices.
Do rugs on the floor help
Yes. They insulate against the cold floor and make the room more comfortable to walk around in.
See our range of men's bamboo socks.
