'It's like a sauna in here!' If you've found yourself saying this during a recent heatwave, your decor could be partly to blame.
While hot weather can make any home feel uncomfortable, certain decorating choices can actually trap heat indoors and make rooms feel even warmer than they need to. From heavy textiles to cluttered surfaces and the wrong flooring accessories, some common design mistakes could be turning your home into a heat trap.
The good news? A few simple swaps can help create a cooler, more comfortable space. To find out which decorating errors are having the biggest impact, we spoke to Marie Goodwin, head designer at Prestigious Textiles. She reveals the five most common mistakes that could be making your home feel hotter — and the easy changes to make instead.
Read more tips and tricks to help you keep cool during the heatwave:
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1) Using dark and heavy curtains
Still have your thick curtains up from winter? It might be time to switch things up. 'While these richer fabrics add warmth and depth to a room aesthetically, they can also trap physical heat, making interiors feel stuffy and less comfortable during hot weather,' says Marie.
What to do instead:
'A simple seasonal update is to swap them for lightweight fabrics in softer, neutral tones. Linen, cotton or sheer curtains are perfect for this as they allow for better airflow and create a brighter, airier feel, while thermal blinds can help minimise the amount of heat entering through windows,' Marie tells us.
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2) Layering like it's still winter
'Layering can still play an important role in creating characterful summer interiors, but it’s often more effective when approached with a lighter, more considered touch. An abundance of cushions, throws and decorative accessories can make a room feel crowded, particularly during the warmer months,' explains Marie.
What to do instead:
'I’d focus on layering breathable fabrics through playful patterns like ticking stripes and ditsy florals as these bring visual interest without adding unnecessary bulk to the spaces where you relax,' says Marie. 'This helps to keep rooms feeling light, airy and free from trapped pockets of heat.'
3) Leaving your cosy materials out
As we move into the summer months, it's easy to hold onto materials that just aren't needed. 'One of the most common mistakes I see is holding onto heavy winter textiles long after summer begins. Thick bedding, chunky knit throws and plush accessories can all contribute to a room feeling warmer and more enclosed than it needs to,' says Marie.
What to do instead:
Marie says 'switching to lighter, natural fabrics like linen and cotton allows the air to circulate more freely than synthetic or heavier fabrics, helping heat escape rather than becoming absorbed.'
4) Having rugs that are too thick
'Rug choices are often overlooked when it comes to summer styling, but they are one the biggest culprits for decor features making rooms feel stuffy in the summer,' reveals Marie. 'In winter, thick wool rugs are ideal for adding warmth and cosiness, but in the warmer months they can make spaces feel heavier and more insulated as temperatures rise.'
What to do instead:
'Rugs made from natural materials like jute or sisal are great alternatives as they introduce texture and visual interest without the density of heavier designs, whilst complementing the laid-back coastal schemes,' suggests Marie.
5) Arranging furniture without considering airflow
When the weather warms, we all know the power of a through-breeze, and Marie tells us that airflow is something to be wary of in summer. 'The positioning of your furnishings is just as important as the materials you choose when it comes to keeping a home comfortable in summer. Many homeowners keep their furniture layout the same throughout the year without realising how much it can affect airflow,' she says.
What to do instead:
'Something as simple as placing large sofas and chairs directly in front of windows can easily restrict circulation, making rooms feel warmer than it needs to. A quick reshuffle, combined with a lighter approach to soft furnishings, can help create a room that feels noticeably fresher and more spacious,' Marie explains.
