You’d think being inside with the heating on would guarantee comfort in winter, but many people still shiver even when the thermostat shows a cosy 20°C. Why does this happen? The answer lies in a mix of psychology, environment, and how our bodies process temperature.
Not everyone feels temperatures the same way
Temperature is surprisingly subjective. What feels perfectly warm to one person can seem chilly to another. Several factors play into this — from body composition to circulation and even mood.
Interestingly, colour psychology also has an impact. A 2016 study in the U.S. found that people felt less cold when surrounded by warm shades like red or orange, while cool tones like blue or grey made a room feel colder, even when the temperature stayed constant. It’s one reason interior designers often use warmer palettes in living spaces — they don’t just look inviting, they actually feel warmer too.
Clothes matter indoors, too
We often underestimate the role of clothing when inside. According to The Washington Post, how we dress influences our perception of temperature just as much as the actual reading on the thermostat. That means staying in light pyjamas or a T-shirt while the heating hums along can still leave you feeling cold. Layering up, even at home, helps the body conserve heat more effectively.
The hidden influence of your home environment
Beyond perception, physical factors in the home can amplify the chill. Experts in housing and energy efficiency point out three major culprits:
- Cold interior walls, which radiate less warmth.
- High humidity, which makes the air feel damp and cooler.
- Drafts and air leaks, which let warmth escape and cold air in.
Much like the concept of wind chill in weather forecasting, these elements can make a 20°C room feel noticeably colder. Poor insulation in particular is a common source of constant heat loss, leaving residents feeling chilly no matter how much they turn up the thermostat.
The personal side of temperature
Finally, there’s the simple fact that thermal comfort is deeply individual. As The Washington Post highlights, how warm or cold we feel is shaped by our personal perception of the environment around us. For some, that means needing thicker socks and a blanket at 20°C, while others are perfectly fine in short sleeves.
The takeaway
Feeling cold indoors isn’t always about the thermostat setting. Perception, clothing, insulation, and even colour can all influence how our bodies register temperature. The good news is that small changes — from improving home insulation to swapping your wall paint or just pulling on an extra jumper — can make winter indoors far more comfortable.
