As temperatures climb, keeping your home cool can quickly become a daily challenge. While opening windows in the early morning and evening can help, one of the simplest ways to stop your home overheating is blocking out the sun before it has a chance to warm up your rooms. That's where blackout blinds and curtains come in.
Designed to reduce the amount of sunlight entering your home, they can help create a cooler, darker and more comfortable space during even the hottest days.
Whether you're trying to keep bedrooms cool enough for a good night's sleep, stop the afternoon sun from turning your living room into a greenhouse, or simply reduce glare while you work from home, there’s a blackout option to suit every space and style.
From elegant linen-look curtains to fuss-free roller blinds, we’ve rounded up some of the best blackout window dressings to help you stay cool throughout the heatwave – with prices starting from just £8.
Best budget buy
If you’re looking for an affordable way to keep your home cool, IKEA’s £12 Bengta blackout curtain is a seamless decision. The soft sage colour creates a fresh, calming environment, while the blackout fabric helps block harsh sunlight and reduce heat build-up. Ideal for bedrooms or living spaces, it’s a simple upgrade that requires no hesitation.
Country cottage charm
For those drawn to floral prints and traditional interiors, Dunelm’s country garden blackout curtains bring the best of both worlds. The botanical design adds character and colour while complementing country-inspired homes beautifully. Better still, the blackout lining helps keep bright sunshine and excess heat at bay on warmer days.
For a lavish look
If you prefer something a little more indulgent, DUSK’s olive velour blackout curtains offer a sophisticated alternative. The sumptuous velvet fabric instantly elevates a room, while the blackout lining helps create a darker, cooler space for relaxing or sleeping. It's a great choice if you want practicality without compromising on style.
Timeless stripes
If understated elegance is more your style, M&S’s Hebden striped blackout curtains are an effortless choice. The neutral brown stripe offers a refined look that works in both period and contemporary homes, while the blackout lining helps create a cooler, more restful environment from day through to night.
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Classic Black
Not every room needs a full-length curtain treatment and this Argos blackout roller blind proves that less can be more. Its clean, fuss-free design suits modern interiors, home offices and kitchens alike, while the blackout fabric helps minimise glare and reduce the amount of heat entering your home.
Blue Floral
If you’d rather make your windows a focal point, this Christelle Yale blue roller blind from Blinds 2go is a beautiful option. Featuring an elegant floral design inspired by classic prints, it adds decorative charm without sacrificing practicality, helping to shade rooms from intense summer sunshine.
The hardworking all-rounder
For a window dressing that works all year round, John Lewis’ Loch blackout thermal roller blind is a smart investment. Available in nine colours, its thermal backing helps keep rooms cooler during a heatwave by reducing heat gain through windows, while also helping retain warmth during the colder months. It’s a practical choice with lasting benefits.
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Cooling pillows
Silentnight Wellbeing Cool Touch Pillow
Hybrid™ Pillow
