How to keep your home cool with shutters

10:42AM 04 July 2025

We all know that in the UK our summers are getting warmer with each passing year, with temperatures over 30°C regularly being reached in recent times.

Whilst we all love the idea of a sunlit summer, our homes aren’t necessarily set up to deal with periods of intense heat like in other countries with historically warmer climates.

That’s why people are looking more and more for solutions to cool their home during the summer heat waves.

The great news is plantation shutters are great at helping to keep your home cool during the summer. This is just one of the many benefits of shutters and why people throughout the country are fitting them to their windows.

Here, we’ll break down the ways window shutters can help cool your home for this and many summers to come…

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Shutters can act as a natural insulator

Window shutters form an extra barrier between your windows and the outside. This makes them excellent insulators during the winter months allowing you to trap in the heat for longer.

Those insulative properties also work wonders during the summer too. Shutters crafted from materials like hardwood have properties that allow them to trap in the heat from the sun for longer and release this heat slower into the room.

Although hardwood shutters work best at insulating your home, other ranges such as faux wood do have some impact with them also acting as a barrier between your windows and the climate outside.

Strategically close shutters during warmest times of the day

One major difference between shutters and blinds and curtains is that you can be more strategic about opening and closing your window dressing with shutter blinds.

During the warmest times of the day, conversely to what our natural instincts might be it’s actually better to not have your window dressing and windows open during the peak periods of heat.

Instead, your windows should closed and your window dressing should also be shut to have the best chance of cooling your home. This is because it prevents the sunlight and the heat to transfer through to your home as easily.

You should open your windows and shutter slats during the early morning when it is cooler and then close them until evening. This will ensure you ventilate your home with cooler air and protect your home from the heat in the warmest parts of the day.

Take advantage of enhanced light control

Something that makes shutters a popular choice is the improved light control they provide versus other window dressings.

Although it is recommended that you keep your windows and window coverings closed during peak periods of heat, you’ll be wanting to let some light at times to enjoy some of the benefits of the sunshine.

With shutters you can use the louvres and slats to tilt slightly open to let light in, this means you’ll still have some protection from the heat whilst also being able to let some light in.

Use shutters in combination with the breeze

On some really warm days we at least get the relieving benefit of a nice breeze. You can take advantage of days when this happens by having window shutters.

When the window picks up you can open your windows to allow a natural cooling breeze into your room. You can also keep your shutter slats closed as you open the window to maintain the insulation effect.

Shutter colours and finishings can make a difference

When you’re choosing to buy window shutters you’ll have the choice of a range of different colours and finishings. Keep in mind that what’s chosen at this stage can play a part in cooling your home too.

Darker colours like black for example absorb heat, so you might want to avoid black window shutters or dark coloured shutter blinds if keeping cool is important to you.

Instead, lighter shades of white and pale blues are a better option because they reflect sunlight a little more.

Can shutters cool your home: The verdict

You’ll be pleased to know that for all the reasons we’ve outlined shutters can indeed help to keep your home cool.

So, next time you’re sat at home in the height of summer wondering how to keep cool, consider investing in shutters and upgrading your window coverings to a cooler option.

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