Keep sunlight out during the day, then let cooler outdoor air in when conditions are safe: that’s the basic sequence for a bedroom that stays cooler and darker through bright summer nights. Close curtains or blinds on sun-facing windows during the day; open windows only when the air outside is cooler than indoors; and darken the room for sleep. Fans have limits in hot conditions, so use them according to current England guidance rather than as a substitute for cooling an overheated room.
Use a day-to-night cooling sequence
Opening a window is not automatically the right move. On a hot day, sunlight through glass can add heat, while outdoor air may be warmer than the air inside. The England home checklist and NHS advice recommend closing windows and shading sunny windows during the day, then ventilating when the outdoor air has cooled and it is safe.
- Before the hot day: identify which bedroom windows get direct sun and plan how to shade them. GOV.UK’s Beat the heat: keep cool at home checklist lists internal curtains or blinds and, where practical, external shutters, roller blinds, or awnings.
- During the day: close curtains or blinds on windows exposed to direct sunlight and keep windows closed if the outside air is hotter. Turn off heating and lights or electrical equipment that are not in use.
- In the evening or at night: compare the outdoor air with the air indoors. If outside is cooler, open windows when it is safe and, where possible, allow air to move through the home. If outside is still hotter, opening a window may not help cool the bedroom.
The NHS heatwave advice also suggests checking room temperatures. A room thermometer can help you make the inside-versus-outside comparison, but the guidance does not set one ideal bedroom temperature for everyone.
Choose window coverings for heat and light
Shading and blackout solve related but distinct problems: reducing direct sun can limit daytime solar gain, while blocking light helps make the room darker at bedtime. A covering that darkens the room is not automatically proven to keep it cooler; the cited public-health sources do not test particular materials or quantify a temperature reduction.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
#1 Best Overall
- READY MADE: Set includes 2 BLACKOUT CURTAINS PANELS of 42" wide x 63" length with 6 grommets top each. Quality fabric without liner feels soft and heavy.
- SERVE WELL: Curtains impede 85%-99% light and UV rays(Dark color curtains work well). Noise-reducing, better TV viewing thanks to the innovative triple weave technology.
- ENERGY SMART: Triple weave blackout fabric balances room temperature by insulating against summer heat and winter chill. Protect your furniture, floors, and artwork from the ravages of the sun, the drapes will pay for themselves off over time.
- GOOD TO GO: Thread trimmed and wrinkle-free, ring (1.6-inch inner diameter) fits easily with standard curtain rods. All sets for you to put them up right away.
- EASY TO MAINTAIN: NICETOWN blackout curtains are made to last. Machine washable in cold water, tumble dry. Quick ironing or steam clean when needed. Visiting the NICETOWN store, find out your favorite curtains.
| Option | What it can help with | Renter fit and installation | Light and ventilation | Cost or effort |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| External shutters, roller blinds, or awnings | Shade before sunlight reaches the window; the England checklist describes these as potentially very effective. | May require permission or installation; feasibility depends on the property. | Can reduce direct sun; windows can still be opened separately when outdoor air is cooler and it is safe. | Not stated in the cited guidance. |
| Internal curtains or blinds, including blackout curtains or blinds | Shade the room from direct sunlight and help darken it for sleep. Blackout products are an option, not a proven cooling treatment. | Often practical without exterior work, though fitting and permission depend on the existing window and tenancy. | Can block light when closed; open them or the window as conditions allow. | Not stated in the cited guidance. |
| Sleep eye mask | Blocks remaining light at bedtime; it does not cool the room. | No installation; portable. | Blocks light at the eyes without restricting window ventilation. | Not stated in the cited guidance. |
The England checklist says external shading options can be very effective, but the available guidance is not a direct comparative test of coverings. If light spills into the bedroom from outside, positioning or shielding the source may also matter. GOV.UK’s light-pollution guidance describes light intrusion as light spilling beyond the area being lit.
Make the bedroom dark enough for sleep
A bright room can remain uncomfortable even after the window is shaded. NHS sleep advice recommends a quiet, dark, cool bedroom and suggests fully closing curtains or using blinds. If a narrow gap or early-morning light still reaches the bed, an eye mask is a simple alternative that does not depend on changing the window covering.
Rank #2
- SIZE & MATERIAL:Set includes 2 panels blackout curtains（52" Wide by 84" Long). Each panel has 8 grommets.The interior diameter of hole is 1.6 inch.It's easy to hang. Curtains are made by quality faux linen.
- BLACKOUT CURTAINS: Thermal insulated blackout curtains could block 100% light out to darken your room completely.Suitable for late sleepers, shift workers, seniors, parents, students and computer operators to enhance their quality of sleep well during the day.
- TRIPE WEAVE TECHNOLOGY:We adopt tripe weave technology to make material. With the help of this technology, curtains could insulate the room from the heat and cold all the year, so that it will save energy. Also,curtains could reduce the noise to keep your room quiet. Blackout curtains could provide you a comfortable environment with privacy.
- CLASSIC HOME DECOR:Quality linen curtains could decorate your room into a vintage, gorgeous and luxurious style. It is available in 8 sizes to accommodate your bedroom, living room, den,etc.
- EASY CARE: If there are wrinkles when opening the packaging. Warm iron or steam iron and tumble dry at low temperatures if necessary. Don't use sharp things scratching curtains.Due to different screen display, the color of actual item may vary slightly from images.
The NHS Every Mind Matters sleep advice recommends a dark, cool room, while NHS insomnia guidance identifies a room that is too hot or too cold as a possible factor in insomnia. Neither source gives a universal temperature target.
Use a fan only within the stated heat guidance
For England, the Department of Health and Social Care and UK Health Security Agency advise that an electric fan may be used when ambient air is below 35°C. Their checklist cautions against aiming it directly at the body because this can contribute to dehydration. A fan moves air and may improve comfort; the guidance does not say it lowers the room’s air temperature or makes a dangerously hot room safe.
Rank #3
- SET DETAILS: 2 charcoal gray curtains per package. Each panel measures 42 inch wide by 63 inch long with 6 silver metal grommets (1.6 inch inner diameter) on top, easy to install and slide.
- LIGHT BLOCKING: these bedroom curtains block out 98% sunlight and UV (darker color works better). Get you a good night sleep, afternoon nap and weekend lie-ins. Also protect furniture and carpet from the fading effects of the sun.
- QUALITY FABRIC: These thick living room curtains work well in noise reducing and privacy protection. Same solid color on both sides. The material feels soft with no chemical smell, safe for kids room and nursery room.
- ENERGY SAVING: these energy efficient curtains can reduce room heat and cold loss through window during winter and summer, help cut your energy bills.
- EASY CARE: these privacy drapes are machine washable below 86℉; Gentle cycle; Do not bleach; Tumble dry low; Warm iron.
If the bedroom stays hot, prioritize blocking sun and ventilate only when outdoor air is cooler. The fan threshold is not a recommendation to keep using a fan regardless of how someone feels.
Check whether the bedroom has higher overheating risk
Some homes are harder to cool than others. The England checklist identifies these features as potential overheating risks:
Rank #4
- Made of high quality durable 100% polyester fabric, our blackout curtains are super smooth, soft and free from chemical smell
- Package Includes: 2 black curtain panels, each blackout curtain measures 52 inch wide and 84 inch length constructed with 8 silver grommets measuring 1.6 inches inner diameter
- Blackout Curtains and Privacy Maximization: Curtains impede 85%-99% light and UV ray(Darker colors more better).The curtains are made using a triple weave innovative production method, and they help maximize privacy and reduce some noisy
- Energy Saving Curtains: These thermal insulated curtains help prevent energy loses by insulating hot summers and cold winters. Perfect thermal curtains for bedroom, living room, kids room and nursery room
- Care Instructions: Our room darkening blackout curtain machine washable, do not bleach, iron at low temperature settings
- A top-floor flat.
- Limited ventilation or lack of shading.
- Large, unshaded windows facing east, west, or south.
- High insulation that can trap heat during summer.
If several apply, make a daytime shading and safe-ventilation plan before a heat spell rather than relying on a fan alone.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Know when heat becomes a health emergency
Older people, especially those aged 65 and over, young children, pregnant people, people with long-term health conditions, and people taking certain medicines are among the groups at increased risk identified by England’s Beat the heat: staying safe in hot weather guidance. That document estimates that 2,803 people aged 65 and over died due to heat in England in 2022. It also says annual heat-related deaths may triple by 2050; that is a projection, not a certain outcome.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Best Value
- Pair Sold: Each package includes 2 panels of blackout curtains. Each panel measures 40"W x 63"L, with a pair measuring 80"W x 63"L. Each panel has 6 anti-rust silver grommets(1.6 inch inner diameter) which would fit most standard curtain rods
- Light Blocking: Our blackout curtains block 95% to 60% of light and UV, with darker colors up to 95% and medium shades at 80%. Even white color reduces light by 60%. Whether you need darkness for deep sleep in the bedroom or reduced glare for movie nights in the living room, these curtains deliver light blockage while enhancing your space's comfort and aesthetics
- High-Quality Material: Crafted from high-quality 225GSM polyester fabric, these curtains offer enhanced durability and elegant drape. The soft blackout material features triple-layer weaving technology, with a middle layer of black yarn for superior light blocking and privacy. Both sides feature the same refined color, ensuring a seamless look that elevates your home’s aesthetic with understated sophistication
- Energy Saving: The thermal-insulated fabric keeps heat out in summer and retains warmth in winter, reducing your reliance on AC/heating and lowering energy costs by up to 15%. They are perfect for living rooms, bedrooms, patios, villas and offices
- Easy Care: Machine washable in cold water. Tumble dry. Gentle cycle. Do not bleach. Quick ironing or steam cleaning at low temperature if needed
Heat exhaustion and heatstroke are serious. If you suspect heatstroke, call 999. For a heat-related concern that is not an emergency, contact NHS 111, following the advice in the same England guidance. People outside England should follow local public-health advice, since recommendations and housing conditions vary by location.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
