As summer’s fast approaching and the mercury is hotting up, it’s time to get prepped for keeping your place at a comfortable temperature. It’s well known that most houses in the UK are built to retain heat more than they are to keep cool, which is down to our cloudy climate. With this in mind, we’ve rounded up some top tips that’ll help you keep your place perfectly chilled this season.

Close blinds to block direct sunlight

We love a sunbathing session out in the garden, but direct sun on exterior windows or rooms with larger windows really warms up a room fast. Take notice of which rooms get the most direct sunlight during different points of the day and keep blinds and curtains closed in these areas. For extra cooling properties, add reflective window treatments that keep heat out, but still allow you to enjoy the view.

@stepheroo.harris - Model 02 armchair in Vine

Check your wall insulation is up to scratch

Did you know insulation isn’t just for retaining warmth in winter? By slowing down temperature changes, reflective wall insulation makes sure exterior sun-drenched walls don’t retain as much heat. This is particularly important if your home has a brick exterior, so it’s wise to check before summer approaches. To do so, check your EPC, or call in a professional to have it looked at.

Swap out textiles around the home

For a really quick fix, we’d recommend swapping out those fluffy throws and thick pile rugs for lighter fabrics. Breathable materials like linen and cotton are great choices for summer on everything from bed sheets to cushion covers, as they’ll store less heat than their more dense winter versions.

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Make the switch to energy-saving bulbs

As it gets darker in the evenings, you’ll want to think about electrics. The heat that comes off traditional filament and halogen bulbs is pretty hot, and this only adds to the temperature rise of indoor spaces. Going green and swapping out these for energy saving bulbs not only helps keep your place cool, but saves you pennies on those ever-rising energy bills. Double win.

Create shade with plants

Lucky enough to have an outdoor space? Now’s the perfect time to get green fingered and get planting to make sure your garden, patio or balcony is ready for summer evenings. Give larger, leafier foliage like bamboo or palm plants a spot outside where your windows that get the strongest sun, to create natural shade that’ll keep the inside temperature down. Just don’t forget to water them.

Invest in an air cooler

Still feeling the heat? Fans are great for circulating air, but the only thing that can really cool a space down significantly is an air cooler or air conditioning unit. Since most homes in the UK don’t have them built in, your best option is to seek out a mobile air con unit. These can be pricey, but well worth it if your place ends up hotter than the temperature outside in the height of summer.

How do you cool down a room without air conditioning?

• Closing blinds and curtains during the day. 
• Opening windows at night to allow airflow. 
• Using an oscillating fan.
• Choosing thermal curtains to keep heat out. 
• Reducing the use of electronics in the room. 

Which sofa material is best for hot weather?

Stick to natural fabrics like linen and cotton when choosing a sofa material that's best for hot weather. These sofa materials allow for better airflow which helps rooms feel cooler in hot weather.

If you enjoyed this article, you might like: 8 Garden Trends for 2022, 17 Small Living Room Ideas, or our Linen Sofa Buying Guide.