For many years, keeping homes warm through the winter has been the main focus for homeowners in the UK. However, with hotter summers and more frequent heatwaves becoming the norm, many people are now looking for ways to keep their homes cooler too.
While fans and portable air conditioning units can provide temporary relief, one of the most effective ways to improve comfort is by preventing heat from entering your home in the first place. The right window coverings can make a noticeable difference, helping to reduce glare, improve privacy and create a more comfortable living environment throughout the summer.
So, which window covering performs best when the temperature starts to rise?
Why Your Windows Make Such a Difference
Windows are one of the biggest sources of heat gain in any home. Sunlight passes through the glass and warms the surfaces inside your property, including floors, furniture and walls. These then radiate heat back into the room, creating the greenhouse effect that can make living spaces feel uncomfortably warm. South and west-facing rooms are usually affected the most, with conservatories, living rooms and bedrooms often becoming particularly hot during the afternoon.
Choosing the right window covering can help reduce the amount of solar heat entering your home while still allowing you to enjoy natural light.
Option 1: Curtains
Curtains remain one of the most common window coverings in the UK, and they can certainly help reduce heat entering a room, especially if they are made from thicker, lined fabrics. However, curtains are usually either open or closed. Closing them during the hottest part of the day helps block sunlight but often leaves the room feeling darker and more enclosed.
They can also trap dust, require regular washing and may fade over time if exposed to strong sunlight. For homeowners who prefer flexibility, curtains don’t always offer the level of light control that other options provide.
Option 2: Blinds
Roller blinds, Venetian blinds and Roman blinds are another popular choice. They generally offer more control than curtains, allowing you to reduce glare while still letting some light into the room. They are available in a huge range of colours and styles, making them suitable for almost any interior.
That said, blinds still allow heat to build up between the fabric or slats and the window. Depending on the material, they can also be more prone to bending, fading or becoming damaged over time. Cleaning blinds can also be more time-consuming, particularly styles with multiple narrow slats.
Option 3: Indoor Shutters
Indoor shutters have become increasingly popular, not just because they look great, but because they’re practical throughout every season. Unlike curtains or blinds, shutters create an additional barrier between your room and the window. This helps reduce the amount of heat entering your home during the summer while also providing extra insulation during the colder months.
The adjustable louvres allow you to block direct sunlight without completely losing natural light, helping rooms feel brighter, cooler and more comfortable throughout the day. This flexibility is one of the reasons so many homeowners choose shutters for living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens and home offices.
Before and after shutters
After Shutters
Before Shutters
What about conservatories?
Conservatories are often one of the hottest rooms in the house during the summer, with glass on multiple sides and often overhead. They can quickly become uncomfortable when the sun is shining in the summer months (or in winter when it’s cold outside).
Made-to-measure conservatory shutters help reduce glare and limit heat entering through the windows, making the space far more enjoyable during warmer weather. They also provide privacy without making the room feel closed off.
For homeowners who want to use their conservatory throughout the year, shutters are often one of the most effective window treatments available. They’re also proven to reduce energy costs by insulating your windows.
So which window covering is best?
Every home is different, and the best solution depends on your priorities.
If you’re looking for a simple and affordable way to block sunlight, curtains or blinds may be enough. However, if you’re looking for a window covering that helps improve comfort during summer, provides insulation during winter, offers excellent privacy and enhances the appearance of your home, indoor shutters are difficult to beat.
Their combination of practical benefits and timeless style has made them one of the UK’s most popular window coverings, and it’s easy to see why. As UK summers continue to bring longer periods of warm weather, choosing a window covering that balances affordability, style, and energy efficiency has become more important than ever.
Indoor shutters offer an excellent balance of light control, privacy, insulation and style, helping to create a home that’s comfortable throughout the year rather than just during one season. Whether you’re looking to keep a bedroom cooler, make your living room more comfortable or get more use from your conservatory, shutters are a practical solution that delivers benefits long after the summer has passed.
