Living Space: Stop shivering in that pesky cold room of your house

By Kathryn Weber Originally published December 19, 2013 at midnight, updated December 19, 2013 at midnight

In winter, the temperature a room that always seems chilly can dip 10 degrees or more below the rest of the house. And if the room is used often, cranking up the thermostat can make the rest of the house feel steamy. Thankfully, it doesn't take a major rework of your heating system or a risky space heater to make a cold room both toasty and attractive.

Cold floors

Some rooms suffer more from cold floors than simply cold air. These are typically bathrooms and kitchens with stone or tile floors. An easy remedy is to add toe-kick heaters. These are small heating units that fit neatly in the space under a cabinet, where they're nearly invisible. If you're handy, you might be able to install the heaters yourself. Such units run about $150, excluding wiring and installation. They're controlled by a small thermostat on the wall.

Room-size heating

Under-carpet heating is another handy option. CarpetHeat by SpeedHeating is a product that goes between the carpet and padding. Using thin wires, the unit heats the room from the ground up. A separate thermostat attached to the wall controls the temperature. Around $600 and up (plus another $200 for a thermostat), these units are not inexpensive but offer an efficient way to heat a room unobtrusively.

Wall-mounted fireplaces

Another heating option that's attractive and stylish while also lending a romantic touch is an electric fireplace. The Touchstone Onyx 50-inch fireplace is black and rectangular, making a great visual statement on the wall whether it's glowing or not. The embers look realistic ($349). Many wall-mounted electric units are plug-in ready and come with timers and remote controls, so you can boost the temperature at the touch of a button.

Freestanding fireplaces

No room on the wall? Choose from a wide variety of freestanding fireplaces and stoves. Designed to fit with almost any decor, electric fireplaces are available in everything from a traditional stove look to units with mantelpieces and faux stonework. Some generate actual flames using a gel fuel or faux electric flames. Gel fireplaces are a better option for looks than warmth. To banish a chill, an electric fireplace does a better job.

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Living Space: Stop shivering in that pesky cold room of your house