While we’re all enjoying a little respite from last week’s heatwave, another rise in temperatures is on the horizon as the July heatwave is set to start this weekend. And one very effective - yet unknown-to-many - way to keep your home cool in a heatwave is the ‘window stacking’ method.
You’re probably wondering right about now – what’s a window stack? It’s a fair question. It’s a window treatment idea which combines and layers a few different styles of window dressings. And it so happens that it does wonders in keeping the heat out during the summer.
How does window stacking work?
‘Window stacking is an effective technique for controlling the temperature in the home, particularly during heatwaves,’ says Kate O’Brien, style consultant at Swift Direct Blinds. ‘It utilises the layering of window treatments such as curtains and blinds to help keep your home cooler, taking fabrics and styles into consideration.’
Even though the window stacking method is fairly new, this approach is already being adopted by many as we’re all learning about various cooling hacks, including the expert advice to keep blinds and curtains drawn during a heatwave to stay cool.
‘We’ve definitely seen growing interest in what people are calling a “window stack” – layering different types of window dressings together to better manage light, temperature and privacy,’ says Victoria Robinson, style and trend expert at Hillarys.
‘It’s something I often recommend, particularly during extreme weather like a heatwave. I’m a big advocate of layering because no single window dressing can do everything. By combining styles, you can create a much more adaptable solution throughout the day by keeping rooms cool and shaded when the sun is strongest, while still letting in light when you want it.’
How to create a window stack – what do you need?
‘The method works best with two or three different coverings to give maximum control over the temperature of your home. What’s especially great about window stacking is that it can also look incredibly stylish when done right, adding texture and dimension to a room,’ Kate at Swift Direct Blinds says.
And these are the elements to include for an effective and stylish window stack.
1. Start with slatted blinds
Whether it’s Venetian blinds or another style of slatted blinds - shutters also work - this will be your first line of defence against the sunlight and the resulting heat.
‘These blinds have adjustable slats that allow you to tilt and redirect sunlight away from your space, rather than blocking it entirely,’ explains Helen O'Connor, product and trends manager at 247 Blinds. ‘This helps reduce glare and prevents rooms from overheating, especially in south-facing rooms where sunlight is more intense throughout the day.’
Alternatively, you can opt for a double roller blind which is a two-in-one kind of solution. ‘Double roller blinds are designed with a dual purpose – to blackout the room at night and let light seep through during the day. They have two layers of fabric on a single bracket, which allows you to switch between a sheer privacy layer and a blackout layer. Double roller blinds also have the added benefit of greater insulation, with the double layer keeping rooms cooler in summer and warmer in winter,’ Kate at Swift Direct Blinds says.
Shutters give any space a bit of a Mediterranean, old-world charm. And these ones from Next are made to measure specially for your home's windows.
Boasting over 100 five-star reviews, these Venetian blinds are a customer favourite. Made with genuine wood, this versatile white design will fit with any space.
Equipped with a sheer blind and a blackout blind, these double roller blinds cover pretty much all the necessary bases.
2. Layer a sheer voile curtain
The next step is a light one but adding a light voile curtain helps with blocking some of the heat while also looking very chic.
‘Your second layer should soften the light and help regulate temperature without making the room feel dark and heavy and keeping your home feeling light and airy. For this, a sheer or lightweight curtain or drape works perfectly, without compromising on the overall styling of the room. This light fabric will help to diffuse harsh sunlight and minimise the circulation of hot air while still allowing natural light to flow through the space, ideal for keeping rooms bright but comfortable during peak daylight hours,’ Helen at 247 Blinds says.
If you're after something simple and budget-friendly, look no further than this Argos voile curtain with a linen effect.
This voile curtain from Next might just be favourite piece from them all. The simple detail of a contrasting blanket stitch trim instantly elevates this design.
If you love stripes as much as I do, this sheer voile curtain from dunelm with a subtle pinstriped pattern will be right up your street.
3. Add thermal blackout blinds or curtains
Thermal curtains are traditionally associated with the colder months to help with keeping the heat in and the cold out. But it works the other way round, too, and thermal curtains can keep the heat out in the summer.
‘Thermal and blackout curtains are the heaviest, and typically the outer layer, in a window stack. We often associate “thermal” with retaining the heat, but the barrier that they create also blocks heat and sunlight in the warmer months – as well as stopping already cool air from escaping the home,’ Kate at Swift Direct Blinds confirms.
She adds, ‘It’s important to choose a light-coloured fabric as they tend to absorb less sunlight than a dark-coloured blind.’
Last week, shoppers were going crazy for Dunelm's temporary blackout blind. But if you want to achieve the same cooling effect but in style, this is the one that I'd recommend.
If you'd prefer a blackout thermal blind to curtains then this customer-favourite design from John Lewis would be my top pick as it comes in so many different colours to choose from.
If you want to choose designer-looking curtains that won't break the bank then it doesn't get much better than this heavyweight, sophisticated design from Next.
Victoria at Hillarys concludes, ‘A well-thought-out window stack means you can respond to the changing temperature throughout the day, rather than relying on one solution. It’s a stylish approach, but also a very practical one, especially as summers continue to get warmer.’
