Whilst warmer days in the UK seem few and far between, they’re actually becoming more frequent as the years go by. And, many homeowners are realising that their properties do not have the infrastructure to keep the heat out effectively.
Luckily, there are many ways you can make your living spaces more comfortable during the summer season. For example, you could battle the heat with a set of blinds. In fact, the British Blinds & Shutters Association has revealed that blinds and shutters can reduce heat in the home by up to 33% with double glazing and up to 63% with single glazing.
To ensure you find the best blinds to keep the heat out in your home, we’ve listed our top five recommendations below…
What are the best blinds to keep heat out?
There are several types of blinds that can keep the heat out of your home effectively, such as:
1. Vertical blinds
A common choice in many homes, vertical blinds are made from vertical louvres or vanes. These can be tilted with ease to completely block out the light from the outside, or you can slightly filter them to allow a little bit of light in your home.
How do they work for heat reduction?
Those with vertical blinds should ensure their vertical blinds are completely closed with the sides facing out. This way, the heat from outside is directed to the ceiling, which helps to keep the room cooler.
2. Roller blinds
Using a single piece of fabric, roller blinders cover your entire window when in use. A tube at the top of the window rolls out the fabric. When the blind completely retracts, it opens up a full view of the outside.
How do they work for heat reduction?
Like other blinds in the list, roller blinds have a barrier that acts as an insulator when warm. This reduces heat transfer during warmer weather.
3. Thermal blinds
Thermal blinds are specifically designed to stop cold air entering your home in the winter, as well as preventing warm air from flowing into your property in the summer. They are typically made of insulating materials, such as cotton, polyester, or PVC.
How do they work for heat reduction?
Because of their insulating layer, thermal blinds help increase heat reduction by reflecting warmth away from the window. This helps to keep the room cool during the summer months.
4. Day and night blinds
Another blind option you can choose from is day and night blinds. They function just like roller blinds, but instead of one piece of fabric they have two. These two pieces of fabric slide past each other, so can be used depending on the amount of light and heat you want to allow in your home.
How do they work for heat reduction?
Day and night blinds have a naturally insulated barrier, thanks to the air pocket created between the two fabrics. This helps to reduce heat transfer in both the summer and the winter.
5. Plantation shutters
Popularised in the American South, plantation shutters are an effective way to keep out heat, without compromising on style either. Plantation shutters are a popular design in most homes today, as whilst they are traditional, they aren’t outdated.
How do they work for heat reduction?
Plantation shutters improve heat reduction during warmer weather as they have insulating materials. When closed, they create a physical barrier between the hot exterior and cooler interior. This prevents heat transfer through the window.
Which colour blinds are best to keep your home cool in the summer?
Darker colours retain and absorb heat, meanwhile, lighter colours reflect light and as such, absorb less heat. Therefore, the best blinds to keep your home cool in the summer are actually those in light colours.
Opt for pastel colours if you’re looking for a touch more vibrancy. If you’re looking to keep things cool and contemporary, whites or beige shades will do the job perfectly.
Should you keep your blinds closed when it’s warm?
It might be tempting to keep your blinds open to ensure air circulation during the warmer weather, but it can actually be less effective at keeping the heat out.
If your home is heavily insulated, close your blinds, shades or shutters during the day. Open them at night to allow cooler air to flow in.
Come Down to a Solaire Blinds Showroom to See for Yourself
If you’re considering purchasing a new set of blinds, or simply looking for some inspiration, visit our blinds showrooms in Wakefield and Leeds – where you can see the extensive display of blinds we have on offer.
When you arrive at our showroom, one of our blinds experts will be on hand to greet you. They can provide you with insight into the blinds, fabrics and styles we have available for you to choose from. Find out more about our best heat retaining blinds, or blinds that prevent the heat from getting in in the summertime.
Book a Free Design Consultation Today
We have a free design service available that helps our customers to decide which blinds or shutters will work best in their home. At Solaire Blinds, our range of window blinds and window coverings is extensive, giving you the choice to pick from a vast collection of fabrics and textiles.
And, if you live in the North West, you can even benefit from a visit from a Solaire representative if you’d rather design your blinds at home. Our expert will measure your space and guarantee the blinds fit perfectly in your room. Friendly and experienced, our staff are more than happy to work with you and provide a design consultation that takes your unique requirements into account.
To book your free design consultation, and take advantage of a Solaire no-obligation quote, contact us at your earliest convenience.
