When you work in an office, someone else sets the thermostat. At home, it's tempting to keep the heat low to save money, and by midafternoon you're hunched over your laptop in a coat wondering why you can't feel your toes. The good news: staying warm at a desk is mostly about a handful of small habits and a few smart additions. Here's what actually helps.
Start with your feet
Sitting still for hours means your legs and feet get less circulation, and floors (especially tile, laminate or hardwood) pull heat away from you. Cold feet tend to make your whole body feel cold, so fix them first.
- Swap bare feet for a thick pair of socks. Wool and wool-blend socks are a good choice because they stay comfortable when you're sitting for a long time. Browse our Warm Socks & Slippers collection for options.
- Add a slipper or house shoe with a proper sole, so the floor isn't pulling heat out through your socks. The House Shoe is made for exactly this kind of all-day indoor wear.
- Put a rug or mat under your desk. Even a simple one creates a barrier between your feet and a cold floor.
Layer like you're going outside (just softer)
Several thinner layers usually keep you warmer than one bulky sweater, because they trap small pockets of air and let you adjust as the day changes. A simple approach:
- A snug base layer against your skin.
- A sweater, fleece or cardigan in the middle.
- An easy-to-remove outer layer, like a vest or shawl, so you can peel off if you warm up.
Keep your neck and lower back covered too. A scarf or a high collar makes a noticeable difference when you're sitting for hours.
Look after your hands
Cold hands at your desk are one of the most common work-from-home complaints, and they're more than uncomfortable: stiff, chilly fingers make typing slower and less precise. Regular gloves get in the way, which is where fingerless options help. A pair of fingerless typing gloves keeps your hands and wrists covered while leaving your fingertips free to type, click and scroll.
If your workspace is genuinely chilly or you step outside to take calls or walk the dog between meetings, a pair of waterproof wool gloves is handy to have by the door. For more ideas beyond the desk, see our guide on how to keep hands warm in cold weather.
Warm the person, not just the room
Heating an entire house for one person at a desk isn't always practical. Instead, focus warmth on your body:
- Drape a throw over your lap and legs. Our cozy throw blankets are easy to toss over a chair and fold away when you're done.
- If you like more active warmth, an electric blanket with adjustable heat lets you set the level that suits you. Always follow the safety instructions that come with it.
- Take a look at the heated blankets and wearables collection if you want warmth you can wear while you work.
Fix drafts and choose your spot wisely
Sometimes the problem isn't the temperature, it's a stream of cold air. Check where you sit:
- Move your desk away from single-pane windows and exterior doors if you can.
- Feel around window frames and door gaps with your hand on a windy day. Draft stoppers, weatherstripping or a rolled towel at the bottom of a door can help.
- Close curtains at dusk to hold in heat, and open them during sunny hours to let the light warm the room.
- Work in a smaller room if you have the choice. It's much easier to keep a small space comfortable.
Set a realistic room temperature
You don't need to heat the house to summer levels. Many people find a moderately cool room comfortable once they're dressed warmly. Experiment: set the thermostat a notch lower than you'd like, add layers and warm feet, and adjust from there. If you rely on a space heater, keep it clear of fabrics and never leave it unattended.
Keep your body moving
Sitting still is one of the quickest ways to get cold. Build in small movement breaks:
- Stand up and stretch every hour or so.
- Roll your wrists and shoulders and flex your fingers between tasks.
- Walk around the house while you're on a phone call.
- Do a few calf raises or marches in place while the kettle boils.
Use warm drinks wisely
A warm mug is comforting, and wrapping your hands around it gives your fingers a quick boost. Tea, broth, hot water with lemon or a hot chocolate all work. Just remember that a warm drink warms you briefly; it's no substitute for dressing for the temperature. Pair it with a proper meal at lunchtime too, since eating regularly helps your body generate warmth.
A simple work-from-home warm-up checklist
- Warm socks and a house shoe on before you sit down.
- Layers on, including neck and lower back.
- Fingerless gloves for typing.
- A throw or heated blanket over your lap.
- Desk away from drafts, curtains closed at dusk.
- A warm drink and a movement break every hour.
You don't need to do everything at once. Start with your feet and hands, add a blanket, and build from there. Looking for something for a remote-working friend or family member who's always shivering? Our gifts for people who are always cold collection is a good place to start.