When the UK turns into a sauna for a few rare (but increasingly frequent) weeks each summer, keeping your home cool can feel like a full-time job. Sure, we could all invest in air conditioning — or move into the frozen aisle at Tesco — but there’s a simpler, more stylish solution: your blinds.
Yes, really. The right blinds can dramatically reduce indoor temperatures, cut glare, and even protect your furniture from sun damage. Here’s how:
🌡️ How Blinds Help Cool Your Home
1. They Block Direct Sunlight
When sunlight streams through your windows, it doesn’t just light up the room — it turns it into a greenhouse. Closing blinds during the hottest parts of the day (usually between 11am and 3pm) blocks out that solar gain and keeps the heat where it belongs: outside.
Pro tip: South- and west-facing windows get the most intense sun. Prioritise those.
2. Reflective & Thermal Blinds = Cooler Rooms
Some blinds aren’t just for show — they’re designed to reflect heat.
Look for:
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Thermal Roller Blinds
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Honeycomb (Cellular) Blinds
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Reflective Venetian Blinds
These materials reflect sunlight or trap air in insulating pockets, preventing the heat from radiating into your space.
🪟 Don’t Forget Shutters – Stylish and Heat-Blocking
Shutters aren’t just timeless and elegant — they’re also highly effective at keeping heat out. When fully closed, shutters create a solid barrier that blocks direct sunlight, reduces glare, and helps maintain cooler indoor temperatures.
Plantation shutters, in particular, offer adjustable slats that let you control airflow while still shading your space. Plus, their insulating qualities mean they’re just as helpful in winter too.
Bonus: Unlike fabric blinds, shutters don’t fade or warp in strong sun, making them a smart long-term investment for heat-prone rooms.
3. Light Colours Help Too
Just like you wouldn’t wear a black jumper in a heatwave (we hope), your windows shouldn’t either. Light-coloured blinds reflect more heat, keeping your home brighter and cooler. White, cream, and light grey are great options.
🏠 Best Blinds for Beating the Heat
| Blind Type | Cooling Power | Style Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Thermal Roller Blinds | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Sleek, minimal, energy-efficient |
| Honeycomb Blinds | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Modern, excellent insulation |
| Venetian Blinds (Aluminium) | ⭐⭐⭐ | Reflective, adjustable light control |
| Roman Blinds with Thermal Lining | ⭐⭐⭐ | Elegant, great for bedrooms/lounges |
💡 Quick Tips to Maximise Cooling
- Close blinds before the room heats up — don’t wait!
- Pair blinds with open windows on the shaded side of your home for airflow.
- Use blackout blinds at night to trap cool air inside.
😎 Stay Cool in Style
At The Blind Tailor, we don’t just make beautiful, made-to-measure blinds — we help you live more comfortably, all year round. From stylish roller blinds to energy-saving honeycombs, we’ve got something for every room (and heatwave).
👉 Browse our summer-ready blinds now or contact us for free advice on keeping your home cool.
