How to keep your rooms cool this summer
Navigating the scorching New Zealand summer sun requires some savvy curtain strategies. While curtains certainly play a part in keeping your space comfortably cool, considering a holistic approach is key. Depending on the intensity of sunlight that graces your home, you might want to add fans or an air conditioner, in addition to the right curtains—particularly during the hottest days.
Here are our top tips for a refreshingly cool summer:
Images supplied by: @neatsocialnz
Choose light coloured curtains to reflect heat
Opt for curtains in light hues this summer, especially for rooms that get lots of direct sunlight. The lighter colours will reflect heat and light away rather than absorbing it, something darker curtains struggle with. This can help keep a room cooler through the hottest hours of the day - of course, you'll need to keep the curtains closed for them to help.
Let it flow with sheer curtains
A great choice for rooms that don't get too much direct sunlight, sheer curtains help soften harsh light and allow more airflow than other curtains. This is especially helpful for larger windows or doors that you want to keep open for the breeze. Sheers are a great option for maintaining indoor/outdoor flow and helping your space feel bright and inviting without harsh glares.
Keep the sun out with blockout curtains
Best for bedrooms or areas that get a lot of direct sunlight, blockout curtains do exactly that - blockout light. By keeping the light out, you keep much of the heat out as well for a cooler room. Although having blockout curtains may make a room quite dark, this can work to your advantage in bedrooms as blocking out the light in the evenings is great for a better night's sleep.
Stay cool with insulating thermal curtains
We often associate thermal curtains with keeping warm in winter, but their insulating properties work both ways! Thermal curtains create a barrier between the inside and the outside, helping to maintain the inside temperature - whether that's warmer or cooler than outside. This is a great option to have closed through the day while you're out, so you come home to a cool room. However, since thermal curtains tend to be quite thick, they'll also block most light which can make a room feel dark.
Mix and match curtain options for the best results
Dual curtains are the perfect solution to keeping cool this summer. Combine a sheer curtain with a thermal or blockout curtain to block the light and provide extra insulation when needed but allow natural light in and better airflow when desired. It's the best of both worlds!
