Grew up with fan heaters ( which sucked up electricity like crazy ) and oil heaters which generated pretty heat, were safe and used less energy. No, they didn't stink either. Years ago, I bought a ceramic for my tiny flat in Sydney, and while it bumped up the electricity, it didn't really heat up the room. I had to really sit infront of it to get any heat. Just bought a large oil heater yesterday, as it was getting dire in iur village house. Unfortunately, the rooms are pretty open plan so doesn't heat everything unless left on all night, but we did that last night in our bedroom which did ok. At least we didn't wake up in 11 oC again this morning!

Bar heaters are effective and safe is mounted up high, but not left on for long periods, such as all night.

For the best heating, I'd say adopt a couple of dogs and cats ( our fat boy heats us up no probs) to share the bed. Strategically train to sleep at feet and by side.