Window curtains or blinds can block sunlight from entering windows, making them an essential tool for keeping indoor spaces cool in the summer. According to experts, there is a simple trick to make curtains more effective at lowering the temperature, which is not commonly known as simply opening or closing them.
Despite the obvious choices of using electric fans or air conditioning to stay cool, experts suggest that a simple curtain technique can be highly effective in cooling specific areas of the house that need it the most.
Kate O’Brien, a style consultant from the UK window blind manufacturer “Swift Direct Blinds,” introduced a strategy called “window stacking,” which utilizes a combination of two to three different types of window coverings like curtains and blinds, taking into account fabric and design considerations to help keep indoor spaces cool at an affordable cost.
In the window coverings combination, thermal curtains and blackout curtains are usually the heaviest and can be used as the outer layer. This barrier not only helps in insulation but also blocks heat and sunlight during hot months, preventing the loss of cool air indoors.
When choosing thermal curtains, selecting light-colored fabrics is crucial as they tend to absorb less sunlight compared to dark fabrics. On the other hand, blinds are an ideal solution for adjusting the direction of sunlight. By adjusting the angle of the blinds, you can control the entry of light and prevent glare, while closing them completely acts as a protective layer to prevent the loss of cool air indoors and the entry of hot air from outside.
For households looking to precisely control light and heat, blinds are the best choice according to O’Brien.
Finally, sheer curtains can be used as the inner layer in the window coverings combination. They are both aesthetically pleasing and practical, similar to blinds in reducing direct sunlight and maintaining brightness indoors. If you still want a gentle breeze indoors, sheer curtains are a good option as they create a light and airy atmosphere.
Additionally, consider using double-layer roller blinds. They provide complete blackout at night while allowing daylight to enter during the day. These blinds consist of a translucent layer and a blackout layer on the same bracket, allowing you to switch between privacy and complete blackout effectively.
Double-layer roller blinds also offer excellent insulation properties, helping to keep indoor spaces cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
When it comes to curtains, you may wonder about their origin.
According to Taiwan’s Song Mei Curtain Company, after the invention of paper by Cai Lun in the Han Dynasty, ancient China used white paper on windows with a certain thickness and durability, which did not easily tear unless intentionally damaged. With the introduction of fabric during the Song Dynasty, people began using fabric to make curtains, incorporating various materials and styles to match different interior designs. This is why fabrics are still popular choices for curtains today.
With modern technological advancements, window coverings made from materials such as aluminum alloy, wood slats, and non-woven fabric have become popular. Curtains now offer additional functions like flame resistance, energy efficiency, sound absorption, noise reduction, antibacterial properties, mold resistance, waterproofing, oil resistance, stain resistance, dust resistance, and anti-static properties.
Currently, practical solid wood blinds are trendy. They can resist dust mites, protect against UV radiation, regulate indoor lighting and block outside noise, control light and temperature indoors, and provide an elegant texture.