2025 Guide to Keeping Your Room Cool in Summer

With summers in the UK getting hotter each year, keeping your home comfortably cool is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. Whether you're working from home, relaxing in the evenings, or trying to get a decent night's sleep, the heat can quickly become overwhelming without the right setup. Luckily, there are plenty of practical, affordable and even stylish ways to beat the heat. From smart airflow hacks to home improvements that pay off in the long run, this guide is packed with ideas to help you stay cool, calm, and collected all summer long.

Natural Ventilation is Key

When it comes to keeping your room cool in the summer without relying solely on fans or air conditioning, natural ventilation is your best friend. With a few simple habits, you can harness the power of fresh air to create a noticeably cooler indoor environment—even during heatwaves.

Open your windows at night when temperatures drop. Evening and early morning air is often significantly cooler, so crack those windows open wide before bedtime to let that refreshing breeze drift in and push the warm, stuffy air out. If you can, open windows on opposite sides of your home or room to encourage a cross-breeze—this helps pull in cool air while pushing hot air out.

During the day, keep your windows shut. As tempting as it might be to let in some air, keeping your windows open when the sun is high can actually trap more heat inside. Close them before the morning sun starts to warm up the house and pair this with drawn blinds or curtains to block out the sun’s rays.

Close the doors to unused rooms—like spare bedrooms, conservatories, and loft conversions. These spaces often heat up quickly and act like heat traps, spreading warmth to the rest of your home if left open. By keeping them closed, you’ll contain the heat and maintain cooler air in the rooms you use most.

Finally, encourage airflow between the rooms you do use. Once the sun sets and the outside air becomes cooler, open up connecting doors to promote air circulation throughout your home. Strategic airflow is one of the easiest and most natural ways to reduce the build-up of hot, stagnant air indoors.

With a few smart moves and a good understanding of your home’s airflow, you can make a serious difference—no fancy gadgets required!

Use Fans Wisely

Fans can be absolute lifesavers during the warmer months—but only if you’re using them effectively. Rather than just plugging in and hoping for the best, a few clever tricks can turn your standard fan into a powerful cooling ally.

Start by placing your fan near an open window at night. As the temperature drops outdoors, a fan positioned to face inwards will draw in the cooler evening air and push out the built-up heat from the day. This creates a crosswind effect that helps refresh your space faster than an open window alone.

Positioning is everything. Height and distance can make a real difference—elevate the fan slightly to help it circulate air throughout the room rather than just blasting your ankles. You want to create a gentle, consistent breeze that reaches every corner, not a wind tunnel in one direction!

Fan settings also matter. If your fan has multiple speed or oscillation options, experiment to find the sweet spot. A slower, steady setting can often be more effective for long-term cooling than full blast. Oscillating modes help prevent hot spots and spread cool air more evenly across the room.

Turn off unused lights and electronics. These are sneaky heat sources that can work against your cooling efforts. Even your laptop charger or TV on standby can give off warmth that contributes to the overall room temperature.

Feeling creative? Improvise your own DIY air conditioner. Try placing a bowl of ice or a frozen water bottle in front of your fan to blow a cooling mist across the room. It’s a quick fix, but surprisingly effective—perfect for those sweltering nights when nothing else seems to work.

And finally, don’t limit yourself to just one fan. If you can, place fans in multiple rooms to keep the whole house feeling fresh. Even small desk fans can make a big difference, especially in spaces like home offices or bedrooms where heat builds up quickly.

Smart fan use can take your summer comfort to the next level—cool, calm and collected, all day (and night) long.

Consider Long Term Home Improvements

While quick fixes can bring short-term relief, investing in a few long-term home improvements can make a world of difference when it comes to keeping your home cool year after year. These changes might require a bit more planning, but the results are well worth the effort—especially when summer temperatures are climbing higher than ever.

Start with your walls—lighten up! Opting for light-coloured paints on walls, ceilings, and even roofs (where possible) can significantly reduce the amount of heat absorbed into your home. Lighter shades reflect sunlight instead of soaking it up, helping to naturally keep rooms cooler and brighter.

Insulation isn’t just for winter. Properly insulating your home helps to keep cool air in and hot air out during the summer months. Loft insulation, cavity wall insulation, and even insulated plasterboard can stop the heat from creeping in, making your home more energy-efficient and comfortable all year round.

If you're ready to go big, fitting air conditioning could be a game-changer. While still not as common in UK homes as in some other countries, modern AC units are more energy-efficient, compact, and user-friendly than ever before. Many systems now also double up as heaters in winter, giving you year-round climate control.

Block the sun with blinds. One of the simplest yet most effective solutions is to install blinds that reflect or absorb heat, particularly in rooms that get direct sunlight. Cassette blinds, blackout blinds, or thermal blinds can drastically reduce solar gain, keeping rooms cooler and protecting furniture and flooring from sun damage.

For an extra cooling boost, consider using reflective window film. These clever films stick to your windows and help reflect the sun’s rays before they enter your home, reducing heat build-up without blocking your view. They're especially useful for large windows and conservatories that can turn into hot boxes in summer.

By taking steps to improve your home’s thermal performance now, you’re not only beating the heat—you’re also future-proofing your space for more sustainable, energy-conscious living. It’s a win-win!

Stay Cool with DotcomBlinds

Keeping your home cool doesn’t have to be complicated—or costly. With the right mix of ventilation, smart fan use, and simple home upgrades, you can create a space that stays refreshingly comfortable even on the hottest days.

One of the easiest and most effective changes you can make is to install the right blinds—and that’s where DotcomBlinds comes in. Our wide range of made-to-measure blinds, including thermal, blackout, and cassette options, are designed not just to look great, but to block out the sun and keep unwanted heat at bay. Manufactured right here in the UK, our blinds are custom-made to suit your space, helping you stay cooler in summer and cosier in winter.

Explore our collection today and enjoy a cooler, more comfortable home—no matter what the forecast says.