Looking to keep your home cool without air conditioning? As the summer sun starts to heat up in Brighton and across Sussex, many of us are looking for ways to keep our homes cool – without relying on air conditioning. Whether you’re trying to reduce energy costs or simply don’t want the hassle of a bulky unit, there are simple and stylish ways to beat the heat.
At Brighton Sunblinds, we’ve been helping local homeowners stay comfortable for over 50 years. Here are our top tips to help you keep your home cool naturally, with clever use of blinds, awnings, and shutters.
1. Choose Blinds That Reflect Heat
One of the easiest ways to keep a room cooler is to block out the sun before it heats up your space. Certain types of blinds are better than others when it comes to controlling temperature:
- Pleated blinds: These are a popular choice thanks to their energy-saving properties. Many pleated blinds come with a thermal backing that helps reflect heat and light away from your windows.
- Blackout roller blinds: Ideal for bedrooms, these not only darken the room but also reduce solar heat gain during the day.
- Twist Vision blinds: These give you more flexibility to control light and airflow, perfect for living spaces where you still want a view.
🔍 Tip for homeowners: Always close your blinds during the hottest part of the day (usually 11am–3pm) to stop heat from building up indoors.
2. Install an Awning to Shade Your Windows
If you have large south-facing windows, patio doors, or a garden seating area, a retractable awning can make a huge difference. By shading the outside of your windows, an awning prevents heat from ever entering your home, unlike internal blinds which trap it inside.
Awnings also create a cooler space outdoors, perfect for relaxing or entertaining during hot days.
3. Use Shutters to Block Heat and Let Air Flow
Plantation shutters are not just stylish – they’re practical too. When closed, they block the heat. But you can also tilt the slats to let cool air in and keep the sun out.
Ask our team about combining shutters and pleated blinds for even better heat and light reduction.
Shutters are especially effective for front-facing or street-level windows where you want privacy and ventilation.
4. Keep it Cool with Made-to-Measure Solutions
Off-the-shelf blinds often leave gaps that let light and heat sneak in. Our made-to-measure blinds are designed to fit your windows perfectly, helping to trap cool air inside and keep warm air out.
We’ll help you choose the right material, finish, and mechanism for your needs – from manual to motorised options for even easier control.
Stay Cool, Stylish and Sustainable
Keeping your home cool in summer doesn’t have to mean cranking up the fans or air con. With smart shading solutions like pleated blinds, awnings, and shutters, you can stay comfortable, reduce glare, and even cut your energy bills.
You can learn more about keeping your home cool without air-conditioning on the BBSA website.
Want help finding the right blinds to beat the heat?
Contact Brighton Sunblinds today for a free consultation or home visit.