As Britain endures its fifth heatwave of the summer, with temperatures forecast to reach 38°C in some areas, a simple £13.80 stick-on blackout blind is proving an effective low-cost way to keep bedrooms cooler without air conditioning.
Heatwave prompts extreme heat warnings
Rare amber "extreme heat" warnings have been issued across 12 counties, including London, the South East, East Midlands, East of England, West Midlands, and South Yorkshire. These warnings are active from 9am on Tuesday, August 11, through to midnight on Thursday, August 13.
The Met Office forecasts temperatures will hit 33°C on Wednesday, before climbing to 37°C or 38°C on Thursday. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has also issued amber heat health alerts for every region in the UK, operational from 9am on Tuesday, August 11, through to 9pm on Friday, August 14.
How the blackout blind hack works
During a heatwave, bedrooms can rapidly become stifling. Fans often just move warm air around rather than actually cooling the space, and opening windows at night may not be possible for some due to noise or security concerns. The author, based in the South East, found sleep a struggle despite using a fan, often waking up drenched in sweat.
She opted to try stick-on blackout blinds with a UV-resistant coating and reflective backing to deflect sunlight from her windows. While some people use tinfoil on windows to block heat, she found that approach messy and potentially damaging to double-glazed windows. Blackout blinds, primarily designed to block light, can also help lower indoor temperatures when used correctly.
Effectiveness and practical tips
According to Broadview Shading Solutions, "Blackout blinds can reduce solar gain - the process by which sunlight heats up a room - by blocking direct sunlight from entering through the window." They are most effective when kept shut during the warmest periods of the day. Traditional blackout blinds are equally useful but can be expensive, especially for larger or unusually shaped windows.
The stick-on blinds, priced at £13.80 on Amazon, come in various sizes and can be trimmed to fit any window. They fasten using sticky-backed velcro attached to both the window frames and the blinds, with the reflective side facing outwards to deflect heat. In the evening, when temperatures drop, the blinds are taken down and windows opened to allow fresh air to flow. Before retiring, windows are shut to block out noise, and blinds are replaced to prevent early-morning sun from waking the sleeper.
Keeping the blinds drawn during the warmest periods of the day is essential. The only drawback is a darkened bedroom throughout the day, but this is a minor sacrifice for a cooler, more restful night's sleep.
