White or light coloured curtains and blinds are better at reflecting heat and light away from your home. If you have thick, dark curtains, closing them will only trap heat in the room.
For the summer try going for lighter shades. Any colour can completely block out the sun, but temperature management changes according to the shade you choose. If you want that streamlined feel without the heat, consider a darker shade of blue or green.
For cooling, black is actually worse for cooling a house, because it will actually absorb heat through the window, and re-radiate it into the house. White curtains are better because they will reflect heat radiation back out of the window.
The most common types of material that we recommend for warm months are cotton, linen, silk, polyester, rayon, acrylic, lace, and voile.
Blackout curtains and shades will reduce the amount of heat which is transferred via your windows by as much as 24 percent, keeping the rooms where they're installed cooler in summer and warmer in winter. This will allow you to use your heating and cooling system more efficiently and save energy.
Sunbrella fabrics range in weight, but thicker options like Alma, a heavyweight-linen-like material, and Velarte, a durable canvas, are great choices for curtains to keep heat out.
Wool is the ideal choice for thermal curtains as, unlike other animal-based textiles, it is crimped. This tightly-bound quality adds bulk to the fabric, in which it retains heat. Wool is a great insulator - after all, that's why we wear wooly jumpers in the winter!
Normal drapes and blinds will keep the sun out and potentially keep the home cooler, but the most efficient cooling fabric to hang is a blackout fabric. Luckily, so-called “blackout curtains” aren't always black, and they don't always have to be the main window dressing you install.
For extra warmth during the colder seasons, we have thermal blackout curtain lining options. These linings are designed to reduce the amount of natural light coming into your room whilst keeping the warm in and the cold out. Interlinings will give your curtains extra insulation and give a plump full look.
Light coloured curtains are good for rooms that get a lot of direct sunlight as they're less prone to fading from the sun. Dark and bright colours tend to fade faster.
White is the most reflective, so it is your best option for reflecting light and keeping the room cooler. However, pale greens and pale blues are also great options. Light-reflecting colours bounce the light around the room rather than absorbing it, which is why it's great for making smaller rooms look bigger.
Studies demonstrate that medium-colored draperies with white-plastic backings can reduce heat gains by 33%. When drawn during cold weather, most conventional draperies can reduce heat loss from a warm room up to 10% and increase the thermal comfort of the home.
Black and white are the colours that you might be wondering about which colour will give your room a cooler temperature. Well, the answer is white curtain colours keep the room cooler than a black coloured curtain fabric because the colour white reflects the thermal energy and black absorbs it.
Light blue, including shades like sky blue or aqua, reflects sunlight and helps maintain a cooler body temperature. This makes it an ideal choice for hot days. Light blue also provides a refreshing and calming effect, making it a practical and pleasant color for summer wear.
Blue: Known for its calming effect, blue is a popular choice for bedrooms. Light blues can create a serene environment, while darker blues add a sense of depth. Earth tones: Colors like taupe, brown, and olive green create a warm, inviting atmosphere that is perfect for a restful bedroom.
Polyester is made from plastic fibers. On the upside, it wicks moisture and dries quickly, but it tends to retain bad odors. The breathability varies depending on yarn size and whether it is a knit or weave, but in general, polyester should be avoided in hot weather.
Linen. "Linen and cotton are top choices for summer due to their breathability," Lauren says. Linen is a natural fiber made from flax with a loose weave designed for maximum airflow. Because of its comfort and durability, linen can be worn in all sorts of climates.
Stylish wool. Yes, you read that right! You might think wool is just for winter, but the qualities that make it keep you warm mean it also keeps you cool in summer. Super-fine merino wool can be as light as cotton, is breathable, moisture-absorbing, antimicrobial (so it won't smell), and offers UV protection.
White, cream, beige, or pastel shades are ideal choices for summer curtains. Sheer or Semi-Sheer Curtains: Sheer curtains not only provide privacy but also allow natural light to filter through, creating an airy and bright atmosphere in your home. They also promote airflow, preventing your room from feeling stuffy.
For heavy-duty heat blocking, you'll want thermal drapes that are made with thick materials like polyester and microfiber. These also resist moisture and will minimize it from accumulating in between the window and curtain.
Choose blinds and curtains made of light-coloured and lightweight materials such as cotton, linen, or sheer fabrics. The reason is simple - lighter colours reflect sunlight rather than absorb it, helping to keep the room cooler.
If you're on a budget consider only thermal lining the rooms with direct sun. White or light coloured curtains and blinds are better at reflecting heat and light away from your home. If you have thick, dark curtains, closing them will only trap heat in the room.
Float-length drapery should be no more than 1- or ½-inch off the floor because any higher than that and your curtains may look like they were ordered too short. How to Measure for Float-Length Drapery: Measure from the curtain rod down the floor and subtract ½ or ¼ of an inch.
To ensure your windows are insulated against the cold, the easiest, most efficient and economical solution is to install thermal curtains.