When the summer sun turns your home into a sauna, your window treatments might be the unlikely heroes waiting to save the day. At Poles & Blinds, we’ve helped thousands of UK households transform their windows—not just for style, but for seasonal comfort too. Here’s our expert guide on how to cool down the house without electricity. Keep things fresh, stylish, and energy-smart simply with curtains and blinds.
How to Keep House Cool with Curtains or Blinds
1. Opt for Reflective or Light-Coloured Fabrics
Choose blinds and curtains made of light-coloured and lightweight materials such as cotton, linen, or sheer fabrics. The reason is simple - lighter colours reflect sunlight rather than absorb it, helping to keep the room cooler. If you choose blinds, these types are particularly effective in reflecting sunlight:
- Metal Venetian blinds with a white or silver finish bounce heat away.
- Day & night blinds allow you to filter light without fully exposing your room to heat.
- Solar-reflective roller blinds are ideal in kitchens and conservatories, where glass coverage is key.
Related: How to Dress Bifold Doors Beautifully?
2. Choose Thermal or Blackout Curtains – They’re Not Just for Winter
Curtains not only add an element of elegance to a room but can also provide effective heat insulation. Consider blackout fabrics with insulating properties. These fabrics not only block out sunlight but also prevent heat from penetrating your room, keeping it pleasantly cool.
3. Maximizing airflow with blinds
Blinds are an excellent choice for controlling the amount of sunlight and airflow entering your room. This works exceptionally well if windows face north and opening the blinds will not affect the direct sunlight entering the room. Vertical blinds with adjustable slats allow you to easily regulate the amount of light coming in, while horizontal blinds can be tilted to direct sunlight away from the room. When the temperature drops in the evening, opening the blinds can facilitate cross ventilation, allowing fresh air to circulate throughout the space.
4. Doubling up with layers
Image by TANYA (@home.style.interior)
Layering your window treatments creates a cool oasis. Start with net curtains to diffuse direct sunlight and get privacy during the daytime. Then, add thermal or blackout curtains to provide an extra barrier against heat. The combination of double curtains allows you to have more control over light, temperature, and privacy, creating an optimal environment for relaxation. To achieve this, use double curtain poles or double tracks.
 |
 |
|
| Double poles | Double tracks |
Related: The Art of Layering: Mixing and Matching Window Treatments
5. Keep Them Closed at Peak Heat Hours
It sounds simple, but it works. During heatwaves, keep your curtains or blinds drawn between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.—when the sun is at its strongest. Open them early in the morning or later in the evening to allow cooler air to circulate. If you’re out during the day, automated blinds on timers or smart devices are a hands-free way to control light and heat entry.
6. Don’t Forget the Hardware: Tracks and Poles Matter
The key to effective cooling is regular adjustment—opening in the morning to let in cool air and closing during peak heat hours. But if your curtain pole sticks or your track is difficult to glide, you're less likely to bother adjusting them. That’s where quality hardware matters.
- Use Curtain Poles with Integrated Track Systems for frequent summer use
- Choose the Right Gliders for Curtain Tracks.
- Corded curtain tracks are especially useful for tall or hard-to-reach windows, allowing smooth operation without pulling on fabric.
Related: How to Make Curtains Glide Smoothly: Easy Fixes and Expert Solutions
7. Choose Specific Solutions for Each Room
Every room has different heat-retention characteristics. Here’s a quick guide:
- Bedrooms: Blackout blinds or curtains to aid sleep and block heat.
- Home offices: Light-filtering blinds to reduce glare without darkening the space.
- Conservatories: Reflective roller blinds or pleated roof blinds for top-down sun protection.
- Kitchens: Easy-clean, moisture-resistant blinds (like Roller blinds) that handle heat and humidity.
Using your window treatments wisely can reduce indoor temperatures by up to 5°C, meaning less need for fans or air con. That’s not just refreshing—it’s a smart energy-saving move.
At Poles & Blinds, we’re here to help you live more comfortably in your home, season after season. Browse our expertly curated collection of blinds, curtain poles, tracks, and accessories to find what's best suited to your home.
If you’re unsure which track or pole are right for your windows, our friendly Support Team is here to help you! Call 01243 586660 or email [email protected] and we will be happy to answer any questions.