As temperatures soar across the UK during the latest heatwave, a simple curtain trick could help you stay significantly more comfortable. With 'above average' temperatures forecast for August by the Met Office, many Brits are seeking effective ways to keep their homes cool without relying solely on fans or air conditioning.
Window Stacking: The Expert-Recommended Technique
Kate O'Brien, Style Consultant at Swift Direct Blinds, suggests 'window stacking' as the ideal approach to shield your home from heat this summer. This method involves layering two or three different window coverings to give you greater control over indoor temperature—without breaking the bank.
Window stacking uses the combination of curtains, blinds, and sheers to create a barrier that blocks heat and sunlight while preventing cool air from escaping. According to O'Brien, thermal and blackout curtains are typically the heaviest and form the outer layer. She explains: 'We often associate thermal with retaining heat, but the barrier they create also blocks heat and sunlight in warmer months – as well as stopping already cool air from escaping the home.'
Choosing the Right Fabrics and Colors
When selecting a thermal blind, O'Brien advises opting for a light-coloured fabric, as these absorb less sunlight than darker alternatives. Shutters or blinds serve as an excellent daytime solution for managing sunlight direction. By adjusting slats upwards or downwards, you can redirect light and prevent glare, or shut them entirely to create a protective layer that stops cool air escaping and hot air entering.
Sheer curtains provide both an elegant and practical addition. They minimise sunlight while keeping the room bright and airy, making them ideal if you still want a breeze. Alternatively, double roller blinds offer two fabric layers on a single bracket, allowing you to alternate between a sheer privacy layer and a blackout layer. These also provide superior insulation, maintaining cooler rooms in summer and warmer spaces in winter.
Practical Tips for Maximum Cooling
O'Brien recommends layering these coverings strategically: use thermal curtains or blackout blinds as the outer layer, shutters or blinds as the middle layer for daytime control, and sheer curtains or double roller blinds as the inner layer to maintain brightness and airflow. This combination can keep rooms up to several degrees cooler during peak heat.
With temperatures expected to remain high, this low-cost technique offers an effective way to stay comfortable without increasing energy bills. As O'Brien concludes, 'Window stacking gives you precise control over light and heat levels, making it the best choice for households looking to beat the heat.'
