As the summer holidays roll in, so do the challenges of keeping the house cool and the kids content. While school’s out and routines fly out the window, temperatures often soar – and suddenly, your calm family home starts feeling like a chaotic sauna. Sound familiar?

From early sunrises that wake everyone up too early to mid-afternoon meltdowns in stuffy rooms, the school break can be testing. But with a few smart tweaks to your home – especially around your window dressings – you can create a cooler, calmer environment for both kids and grown-ups alike. 

Here’s how.

Rise and Shine (or Not): The Power of Blackout Blinds

One of the biggest complaints from parents during summer? The kids waking up way too early. With the sun rising as early as 4:30 AM in some parts of the UK, blackout blinds can be a game-changer.

Unlike standard blinds or curtains, blackout blinds are designed to block out up to 99% of sunlight – ideal for kids’ rooms and nurseries. They help little ones enjoy a proper lie-in (and let’s be honest, give you a chance to sleep in too). For parents of babies and toddlers, blackout blinds can also encourage better nap routines during the day when the light outside is blazing.

Many modern blackout options now come in a wide variety of colours and playful prints – from animal designs to stars and rainbows – making them both functional and fun.

Beat the Heat with Heat-Controlling Blinds

If your house traps heat like a greenhouse, you’re not alone. South-facing windows, conservatories, and loft conversions are notorious for becoming uncomfortably warm in the summer.

Thankfully, thermal and solar-reflective blinds are here to help. These clever blinds are designed with special fabrics that reflect the sun’s rays, helping to reduce heat build-up during the day. 

Duette blinds, for instance, have a unique honeycomb structure that traps air and acts as insulation – keeping things cooler in summer and warmer in winter.

For kitchens, conservatories, and playrooms, these blinds not only make the space more comfortable but can also help reduce the reliance on fans or air conditioning, keeping your energy bills in check too.

Cordless = Kid-Safe

With kids running around the house all summer long, safety is paramount. One often overlooked danger in family homes? Loose blind cords.

The safest choice for homes with young children is to opt for cordless blinds or blinds with integrated child safety mechanisms. Motorised blinds are becoming increasingly popular – not only are they safer, but they’re also super convenient. 

With a touch of a button (or a voice command via smart home tech), you can adjust your blinds without interrupting your child’s playtime or your much-needed tea break.

For a manual option, spring-loaded and wand-controlled blinds eliminate cords entirely, offering peace of mind without compromising on style.

Create Chill Zones for Downtime

During the holidays, your home becomes everything: playground, cinema, reading nook, craft zone and more. Creating distinct “chill zones” in the house – especially with the help of clever blinds – can really help children feel more relaxed and settled.

For example, blackout or dim-out blinds in the living room can instantly transform it into a movie theatre feel for film afternoons. In bedrooms, layered blinds and curtains not only improve insulation and light control but also help build that cosy, safe space that kids need when winding down.

Zoning your space with window dressings can also help you manage temperature across the home more effectively – keeping some areas bright and breezy while others stay cool and shaded.

Stylish, Practical… and Still Home

We get it – practicality is key during summer. But you don’t want your home to feel like a nursery or a tech showroom. The good news is, there are plenty of stylish blind options that blend functionality with great design.

Roman blinds in blackout fabrics, sleek roller blinds in neutral tones, or pleated blinds in pastel shades can all elevate your interiors while helping you keep your cool – literally.

Many brands also now offer made-to-measure solutions, so your blinds fit perfectly and offer maximum coverage. Plus, with easy-clean fabrics, even the inevitable holiday-time ice lolly spills won’t be a drama.

Final Thoughts: Cool Home, Calm Kids

The summer holidays don’t have to mean stress and sweat. 

With the right combination of light control, heat management, and child-safe designs, your blinds can do a lot of the heavy lifting – allowing you to focus on making memories instead.

Whether it’s getting the kids to sleep in, keeping the playroom cool, or creating calm corners for downtime, investing in the right window dressings can make all the difference. And let’s face it – anything that helps bring a bit more peace and sanity to the school break is worth considering.

So this summer, take a closer look at your windows – they might just hold the key to a more enjoyable (and cooler) holiday at home.

Should you have any questions or would like any more information on the ranges and styles of blinds and shutters that we at Fraser James Blinds have to offer, then please don’t hesitate to contact us. Alternatively, you can also arrange a home visit at a time that works best for you.