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Boo-ware of the attic!

1 in 5 Brits are scared of their own home, new findings from Homebase reveal  

 

· Homebase has uncovered the spookiest rooms in the house  

· Over 33% voted the attic as the room they’re most afraid of  

· Expert shares ways to eliminate unwelcoming spaces in the home 

October 2024: In a chilling revelation just in time for Halloween, new research exposes the haunting truth about British homes. Homebase, the one-stop shop for all your home needs, surveyed the nation to uncover the spookiest rooms in the home that we avoid entering after dark; the results suggest that the real frights this Halloween might be closer to home than we realise! 

The findings revealed that a spine-tingling 21% of Brits are too terrified to enter certain rooms alone after dark and nearly a quarter (23%) sense an unsettling presence lurking in the shadowy corners of their own abodes.  

Understanding our Spooky Home Anxieties

We spoke to 2,003 people across the UK to find out which parts of their homes give them the spooks. Our survey uncovered some interesting insights about how we perceive our living spaces:

  • 21% of Brits feel uneasy about certain rooms at night.

  • 23% sense an unsettling atmosphere in parts of their homes.

  • Age plays a role: 52% of 25-34-year-olds avoid specific rooms at night, compared to only 3% of those 65 and over.

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Where Are the Spooky Hotspots? Identifying Problem Areas

Nationally, these are the rooms that cause the most unease:

  1. Attic (33%)

  2. Spare room (10%)

  3. Boiler cupboard (7%)

  4. Bathroom (6%)

  5. Conservatory (5%)

Interestingly, this list closely mirrors the most neglected spaces in our homes:

  1. Attic (33%)

  2. Spare room (19%)

  3. Boiler cupboard (9%)

  4. Conservatory (5%)

  5. Bathroom (5%)

This shows that these spooky feelings aren't actually due to anything paranormal but potentially the result of neglect and lack of maintenance. Rooms that fall into disrepair or need work done are more likely to feel unsettling, highlighting the importance of regular upkeep and renovation in creating a comfortable home environment.

The UK's Most Unsettling Cities

As part of our research, we wanted to uncover which areas of the UK were most affected by these home-related anxieties. Our survey revealed that some cities reported higher levels of home-related unease:

  1. Manchester (34%)

  2. London (28%)

  3. Belfast (28%)

  4. Glasgow (27%)

  5. Bristol (25%)

Manchester stands out as the UK's most 'haunted' city, with a spine-tingling 34% of residents admitting they're too scared to enter certain rooms alone at night – significantly higher than the national average of 21%.

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Manchester

When it comes to specific rooms, Manchester's residents find their attics (26%) the most unsettling, followed closely by bathrooms (13%) and spare rooms (11%). Wherever you are in the UK, if you think your home needs some TLC to help banish the bumps in the night, you can find everything your home & garden needs online or at your nearest Homebase.

DIY Solutions for Unsettling Spaces

Most of these 'spooky' feelings can be addressed with some simple home improvements. Let's look at why these rooms might feel unsettling and how you can transform them.

The Attic: From Neglected to Functional

Attics or lofts often suffer from a combination of factors that can make them feel eerie. Poor lighting can create deep shadows and dark corners, while creaky floorboards might produce unexplained noises. Inadequate insulation can lead to temperature fluctuations and allow outside noises to penetrate more easily, all contributing to an unwelcoming atmosphere.

DIY solutions:

  • Install bright, motion-sensor lighting to improve visibility.

  • Secure loose floorboards to eliminate creaks.

  • Add proper insulation to regulate temperature and reduce outside noise.

  • Consider converting your attic into a usable space, like a home office or guest room.

The Spare Room: From Forgotten to Inviting

Spare rooms that aren't used frequently can develop a stale, musty atmosphere. Lack of regular airflow and heating can make these spaces feel cold and damp. Additionally, if the room lacks purpose or personal touches, it can feel impersonal and unwelcoming, contributing to a sense of unease.

DIY solutions:

  • Apply a fresh coat of paint in warm, inviting colours.

  • Add soft furnishings like curtains and rugs to improve acoustics and comfort.

  • Ensure proper heating and ventilation to eliminate mustiness.

  • Use the room regularly to keep it feeling 'lived in'.

The Boiler Cupboard: From Cluttered to Organised

Boiler cupboards are often small, cramped spaces filled with pipes and machinery. The lack of natural light, combined with the unfamiliar noises of the boiler and potential clutter, can make these spaces feel mysterious and slightly intimidating. The technical nature of the space can also contribute to feelings of unease for those unfamiliar with home systems.

DIY solutions:

  • Install good lighting to improve visibility.

  • Organise the space efficiently with appropriate storage solutions.

  • Have your boiler serviced regularly to ensure it runs quietly and efficiently.

  • Consider adding a carbon monoxide detector for safety.

The Bathroom: From Drab to Spa-like

Bathrooms can become unsettling due to a variety of factors. Poor lighting can create an unwelcoming atmosphere, while leaky taps can produce unsettling dripping sounds. Inadequate ventilation can lead to dampness and potential mould growth, creating discomfort. The presence of mirrors in a dimly lit space can also play tricks on the mind, adding to the unease.

DIY solutions:

  • Fix any leaky taps or pipes to eliminate unexplained sounds.

  • Install a well-lit mirror with a demister pad to reduce condensation.

  • Add cheerful, water-resistant decor to brighten the space.

  • Ensure proper ventilation to reduce dampness.

The Conservatory: From Drafty to Cosy

Conservatories can feel vulnerable due to their high proportion of glass, which can lead to temperature fluctuations and increased exposure to outdoor elements. Poor insulation might result in a space that's too cold in winter and too hot in summer. The sound of rain or wind on the glass can create an unsettling experience, especially at night.

DIY solutions:

  • Upgrade to energy-efficient glass to regulate temperature and reduce noise.

  • Add thermal curtains or blinds for insulation and privacy.

  • Bring in some houseplants to create a welcoming atmosphere.

  • Install additional heating options for year-round comfort.

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This Halloween, instead of worrying about unexplained noises or chilly spots, why not tackle those home improvement projects you've been putting off? Whether it's a creaky attic or a chilly conservatory, there's usually a practical explanation behind these unsettling feelings.

With some simple DIY work or just a lick of paint, you can transform every room in your house into a space you truly love.

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