When the summer sun finally shows up in full force, it’s easy to romanticise those golden rays flooding into our homes and lighting up the garden. 

But let’s be honest – too much of a good thing can quickly turn your living room into a greenhouse and your patio into a no-go zone by lunchtime. That’s why smart design is about working with the sun, not waging war against it.

Whether you’re trying to keep your indoor space cool and comfortable, or create an outdoor haven that doesn’t melt your guests, a few thoughtful choices can help you master the art of living in harmony with natural light.

Understanding the Summer Sun

Before diving into design tips, it helps to know what we’re up against – or rather, working with. 

In the United Kingdom, summer sunlight shifts dramatically throughout the day. East-facing rooms catch those energising morning rays, while south-facing areas bask in the sun all day long. West-facing windows get the hottest part of the afternoon, and north-facing rooms stay relatively cool and shaded.

Knowing this can shape how you design both interiors and exteriors. Each orientation brings its own set of perks and challenges. The goal isn’t to block light entirely but to filter, redirect or soften it in ways that suit your comfort and style.

Window Treatments That Tame (and Celebrate) the Light

Let’s start indoors. The right window treatment doesn’t just boost aesthetics – it can completely change how your home feels during those long summer days.

1. Sheer Curtains for Soft Morning Light

If your bedroom or breakfast nook faces east, you’ll likely want to embrace the early morning sunshine while keeping the glare at bay. Sheer curtains in lightweight fabrics like voile or linen are ideal here. They diffuse harsh beams, give privacy, and still let you wake up naturally with the sun.

Sheers are also a great way to visually “cool down” a space, especially in white or neutral tones. They create a breezy, effortless aesthetic that works wonders for summer styling.

2. Duette or Honeycomb Blinds for All-Day Sun

South-facing rooms are blessed with light but can become ovens if left unchecked. Enter the hero of summer window coverings: Duette blinds. These clever honeycomb-structured blinds trap air in their cells, adding insulation and helping to regulate temperature. The double layer blocks out intense sunlight without plunging you into darkness.

Better still, they come in top-down, bottom-up options so you can keep natural light while maintaining privacy – a win-win if your living room doubles as your home office.

3. Blackout Roller Blinds for Afternoon Glare

Got a west-facing TV room or home cinema setup? You’ll want to keep things cool and dim in the late afternoon. Blackout roller blinds are clean, minimal, and highly effective at blocking the harshest sun when it matters most. 

Just remember to choose a colour that suits your decor – black might sound dramatic, but neutral tones with blackout linings work just as well.

Clever Outdoor Design: Your Garden’s Natural Shade Strategy

When it comes to your outdoor space, the right structures can extend how – and when – you use it. No more bolting inside by midday or dragging chairs around in search of a shady spot. Let’s explore some stylish and functional options.

1. Pergolas: Structured Shade with Style

A pergola is like the friendly middle ground between open sky and a solid roof. With their open beams or slatted tops, pergolas allow dappled light through – perfect for creating a dreamy atmosphere that doesn’t roast you alive. 

You can train climbing plants like wisteria or grapevines over the top for a natural sun filter or add retractable canopies if you want full control over how much shade you get.

For south-facing gardens, a pergola over your patio area can make it usable all day long. Pair it with a comfortable outdoor sofa and a ceiling-mounted fan, and you’ve got a chic summer lounge spot that stays blissfully bearable.

2. Retractable Awnings: Instant Shade On Demand

Think of awnings as a secret weapon in your outdoor design arsenal. With a retractable awning, you can enjoy the sun when you want it, and roll out the shade exactly when you need it. This is perfect for spaces that face west – giving you coverage during peak heat in the afternoon without blocking the cool evening breeze.

Modern awnings come in UV-resistant fabrics, motorised options, and sleek colours that blend seamlessly with your home exterior. Install one over your decking or kitchen patio doors to stop the heat from flooding into the house during BBQ hours.

3. Sail Shades for Flexibility and Flair

If you’re after a contemporary look with flexibility, shade sails are an excellent solution. These triangular or square pieces of fabric can be stretched between walls, posts, or trees, creating bespoke patches of shade. They’re particularly useful in awkwardly shaped gardens or places where a permanent structure isn’t feasible.

Just be mindful of the angle and height when installing – a poorly positioned sail can actually funnel heat instead of dispersing it. But get it right, and it adds a sculptural, artistic touch to your outdoor design.

Furniture and Material Choices That Keep Cool

It’s not just the light you need to manage – it’s also how surfaces respond to it. That trendy black metal garden set might look great online, but try sitting on it at 2pm in July…

Choose Light-Coloured, Heat-Reflecting Furniture: Materials like rattan, wicker, and light aluminium don’t absorb as much heat as darker options. Add some weather-resistant cushions in white, sand, or pastel tones and you’ve got a cool, comfortable seating area that won’t scald your thighs.

Avoid Glossy Surfaces Indoor: High-gloss floors or mirrored surfaces might bounce light beautifully in winter, but come summer they can create an almost blinding effect. Matte finishes in pale colours help soften the light and reduce indoor glare – especially in kitchens and conservatories.

Embrace Nature’s Built-In Cooling System

Don’t forget one of the simplest and most sustainable ways to work with the summer sun: plants.

Indoor greenery can help absorb heat and purify the air, while tall potted trees or trellises with climbing ivy provide organic shade outdoors. Think of them as nature’s air con – beautiful, budget-friendly, and wonderfully effective.

Even strategically placed window boxes or hanging baskets can create micro-shade outside windows, cooling the glass before the heat ever hits your interiors.

Final Thoughts: Light Is Your Friend – With a Little Help

The summer sun doesn’t have to be your enemy. 

By designing with intention – choosing the right window treatments, installing smart outdoor shading, and embracing materials that complement natural light – you can create spaces that feel fresh, stylish, and perfectly comfortable.

Whether you’re lounging in a softly lit conservatory, sipping drinks under a pergola, or letting the kids play outside without fear of sunburn, thoughtful design helps you live better with the light. So this summer, don’t shut the sun out – invite it in (with just the right amount of shade).

If you would like any further information or have any questions about our ranges of blinds, shutters, awnings or pergolas, then please don’t hesitate to contact us. Our friendly, yet professional team, are always more than happy to help. Alternatively, you can also arrange a home visit from us.