Why walls feel cold in Joburg flats
Highveld winters can be harsh, and most Joburg flats have plastered walls that soak up the chill. Even with a heater on, you often feel the cold coming through behind your sofa. Stone or tile floors make it worse, since they reflect the cold right back up.
In many blocks, insulation is minimal and the plastered walls are painted straight onto the brick. This makes the wall feel hard and unwelcoming in winter, especially when you want to relax after a long day. The typical workaround is to move the sofa away from the wall, but that eats into precious floor space.
What we have learned using wall felt here
Our Softline Wall Felt is a practical way to soften these problem walls. Because felt is non-woven, it cuts cleanly and edges don't fray, so we can finish the field neatly even around plug points and skirtings. We fit panels to cover the area just behind and above seating, or run the felt across the full wall for a broader effect.
Mounting is simple: most clients choose either a continuous rail system for easy removal or adhesive for a thinner profile. Felt adds both visual softness and a bit of insulation, taking the edge off that cold plaster. We recommend lighter finishes like Mist Paper or Cloud Pale for sunnier flats, while Ink Edge or Forest Mute suit shaded rooms.
Felt needs only occasional dusting and a gentle vacuum with a soft brush head. If you’re in a flat with lots of winter sun, rotate artwork or cushions so the colour fades evenly over time.
A recent project in Killarney
One of our recent installations was for a couple in Killarney who dreaded sitting down on winter evenings. Their lounge wall caught the cold all day, making the room feel unwelcoming.
We fitted a field of Softline Wall Felt in Cloud Pale behind their sectional sofa, running from skirting to just above head height. The felt instantly softened the look of the space and, more importantly, they found they could sit comfortably without reaching for a throw or extra heater.
Simple steps to plan your wall field
Here’s how to get the wall behind your sofa sorted with felt:
- Measure the width of the sofa and the height you want covered (we suggest at least 60 cm above the backrest)
- Decide if you want the felt to run the full wall width or only behind your seating
- Take photos of your lounge wall in good daylight and note any plug points or heaters nearby
- Choose your finish from our felt swatches, or ask to see samples at our Rosebank or Brooklyn showrooms
- Let us know if you want rail mounting (removable) or adhesive (low profile)
What to send us for help
If you want to warm up your Joburg flat with Softline Wall Felt, send us a message with the following details:
A few photos of your wall and seating area, your flat’s location, wall measurements, and any finish preferences. We’ll guide you through samples, options and the quote process step by step.
