As much as we all may long for the summer, on those really hot days you just need respite from the heat! There’s nothing like relaxing in the sun, but when you go indoors to find somewhere cooler, your home might need some help keeping the heat out.
The good news is you can easily keep your rooms cool by using one of the most versatile and useful blinds we sell – the blackout blind.
About Blackout Blinds
The blackout blind is widely recognised for its ability to facilitate a good night’s sleep – which isn’t something to be sniffed at! Crafted from triple weave fabric tightly woven to block out light, these blinds create a peaceful ambience by preventing light filtration. However, their benefits extend beyond better sleep without any disturbance from the sun.
Blackout blinds do more than simply block out the daylight. They excel at retaining heat during the winter months, making them a practical option for energy efficiency. They’re often designed to be waterproof, too, adding durability and functionality to their repertoire and making them a great choice for kids’ rooms as well as bathrooms!
When it comes to style, blackout blinds come in various options, allowing you to choose the perfect fit for your space. Roman and roller blinds are popular choices for blackout functionality, offering sleek and practical designs to suit different preferences and interior styles.
Blackout Blinds As Solar Shade
But what makes blackout blinds even more appealing is their ability to act as solar shades. By blocking the light from entering a room, they effectively deflect the heat, keeping the space cooler during hot summer days.
You might have heard of cheaper, DIY solutions to this – like tin foiling your blinds.
We’ve heard that this ‘top tip’ is being suggested on some forums; use tin foil to cover the window to reflect the light back out. DO NOT DO THIS! It can heat the glass, and you could end up with cracked windows! Instead, strategically placing blackout blinds in your home can help reduce the temperature inside without any risk.
To optimise the cooling effect of blackout blinds, it’s essential to identify the areas in your house that require cooling the most. Consider the direction of sunlight and heat ingress to determine which windows will benefit the most from blackout blinds. Choosing appropriate windows for installation is key to ensuring maximum effectiveness.
You can strategically place blackout blinds in your home so you can reduce the temperature inside. So, to summarise, you need to do this… or face cracked windows and poor coverage!
- Identify the areas of the house that require cooling.
- Determine the direction of sunlight and heat ingress.
- Choose the appropriate windows for your blackout blinds.
What Type Of Blind Is Best To Keep Your Room Cool?
When selecting the type of blind that works best for keeping your room cool, there are several options to consider.
Roller and Roman blackout blinds are popular choices due to their blackout capabilities.
Thermal blinds are also worth considering for their insulation properties, which can help regulate room temperature. For added convenience, motorised blinds can be set on a timer, allowing you to effortlessly control the light and heat entering your space.
Does Colour Matter?
While choosing the right type of blind is essential, the colour of the blind also plays a role in heat management.
First of all, it might be tempting to pick a darker colour to enhance the blackout effect of the fabric. But this can actually have the total opposite effect. Dark colours like black, plum, or anthracite are attractive in more ways than one. They can attract heat, counteracting the usefulness of closing your blinds.
What are your other choices? You won’t be surprised to find out that light colours are much more effective at reflecting light back out of your room, helping to maintain a cooler environment. But be aware, it’s worth noting that light-coloured blinds may require slightly more maintenance to keep them looking pristine.
Installation & Maintenance
Just Blinds will measure up so you have exactly the right size, so your room can be as cool – or warm – as possible.
When it comes to installation, you can rely on our team to measure your windows accurately, ensuring a perfect fit. This precision allows the blinds to effectively control the amount of light and heat entering the room, maximising their cooling potential.
To ensure that your blackout blinds provide total coverage and reach their optimal performance for as long as possible, here are a few tips to keep in mind. First of all, make sure the blinds are installed correctly, which they will be if installed by our expert fitters!
Still, it’s a good idea to regularly inspect the blinds for any signs of wear and tear, like rips, sagging, poor function or dents – and address any issues you notice as quickly as possible so they don’t cause problems.
How about maintaining your blackout blinds? Luckily, blackout blinds are designed to be low-maintenance. But it’s still important to keep them clean if you want to preserve their appearance and keep up a good level of functionality. For example, if you let your blinds get encrusted in grime and dust, they might not adjust as smoothly or look as nice!
Depending on the material and manufacturer’s instructions, you can easily keep them clean with gentle dusting, vacuuming, or spot cleaning. Less is more when it comes to maintaining your blinds.
Do Blackout Blinds Help In The Summer?
Keeping your room cooler with blackout blinds on a scorching hot day means you, your children, and your pets will be more comfortable. If you’re ready for a more bearable summer period without the sun in your eyes or the heat flowing in, get in touch to find out about your blackout blinds options.
