The Best Blinds for Summer

Summer in the UK can be a mixed bag. Some days we can go through several seasons in an hour, others it rains constantly, and on some you can’t move without sweating - because when it's hot, it's HOT. That scorching heat can make your home feel somewhat unbearable, but fear not!

One of the most efficient ways of lowering your house temperature is by blocking the sun coming in. Choosing the right window blinds - whether that’s Venetian, Roman or another style - and using them cleverly can help to keep your house cool and comfortable all summer long.

When it comes to summer blinds, there are several options available to suit different needs and preferences. These include heat reflective blinds and others, specifically designed to keep the temperature down inside.

What Makes a Good Heat Reflective Blind?

Heat reflective blinds are designed to minimise the amount of heat that enters your home. 

They are typically made with special materials that reflect sunlight and prevent it from heating up your space. When choosing heat reflective blinds, consider the following factors:

• Material: Look for blinds made from reflective materials such as aluminium-backed fabrics, or temperature control options - such as thermal blinds. These materials can effectively reflect sunlight and keep your room cool.

• Colour: Lighter colours tend to reflect more sunlight, so consider blinds in shades of white, beige or pastel tones.

• Energy Efficiency: Opting for blinds with high energy efficiency ratings can help reduce the amount of heat transferred through your windows.

What are the Best Blinds to Keep Your Room Cool?

In addition to heat reflective blinds, there are other types of blinds that can effectively keep your room cool during hot summer days. Consider the following options:

• Blackout Blinds: As these blinds are designed to block out sunlight, your room will remain cool and dark even during the brightest days.

Our Folium PVC blind works well in both kitchens and bathrooms, as they can withstand steam and are easy to clean.

You could also consider our Pheasant roman blind if you wanted to bring a bit of English countryside character indoors.

• Day and Night Blinds: These shades are made from specialised fabrics that filter sunlight while allowing some natural light to enter your space. They help reduce glare and heat, without sacrificing visibility.

Our Aries option is available in a range of colours to give you a greater range of choice for your space.

• Thermal Blinds: You may not think thermal blinds are an obvious choice for the summer months, but the technology that helps to keep heat in can also perform the opposite effect - and prevent heat from entering.

Many of our Roman blinds are available with a thermal blackout lining, including our Positano Roman blind.

• Vertical Blinds: Vertical blinds can be adjusted to control the amount of sunlight entering your room. By angling the slats, you can block direct sunlight while still allowing some light to filter through.

Our Kensington range offers a clean and simple window treatment to enhance your room, and is available in a range of colours.

If you’re looking for something slightly easier to clean, our plain PVC option is available with blackout lining, too. 

The Best Summer Style Blinds

If you're looking to enhance your summer aesthetic while keeping your space cool, consider blinds with a light and airy design. Here are a few recommendations:

• Sheer Roller Blinds: These blinds feature translucent fabrics that let natural light in while providing privacy and a summery vibe.

Our sheer made to measure Fog roller blind is the perfect accompaniment to a more colourful room.

• Roman Blinds with Floral Patterns: Floral patterns are perfect for summer, and roman blinds with floral designs can add a refreshing and vibrant look to your space. 

Our Orla Kiely Kimono roman blind can be the focus of a neutral space, or tone with other greens, blues or corals, in whichever room you like!

Alternatively, the Palomo Midnight roman blind adds a burst of vibrancy to any room.

• Voile Blinds: Voile blinds are made from lightweight, sheer fabrics that offer a delicate and breezy appearance. They let in a soft, diffused light while maintaining privacy.

For an airy and on trend addition to your home for the summer months - try our Eloise made to measure roman blind.

Should You Keep Blinds Closed or Open in Summer?

One common question about using blinds in summer is whether to keep them closed or open. The answer depends on the time of day, and the direction your windows actually face.

During the hottest part of the day, it is advisable to keep your blinds closed - especially if they are heat reflective or blackout blinds. Keeping them shut will prevent direct sunlight from entering your space, reducing heat buildup and keeping your room cooler.

However, if the temperature outside is cooler than indoors, you can open your blinds to allow natural ventilation and fresh air to circulate. The best time for this tends to be in the early morning or late evening, when the temperature drops.

Choosing the right blinds for summer can make a significant difference in maintaining a cool and comfortable home. Whether you opt for heat reflective blinds, blackout blinds, or blinds with a summer-inspired aesthetic, we’ve got you covered (literally).