July 2, 2025, 3:58 am | Read time: 5 minutes
When summer temperatures rise, it can quickly become uncomfortably warm indoors. However, with the right setup, you can counteract the summer heat—even without air conditioning.
For years, summers have been getting hotter. In big cities, the summer heat is often hard to bear. Those who can’t stand the high temperatures outside prefer to retreat to their own homes. But even there, without air conditioning, it can quickly become too warm. However, with the right interior design tips, such as cleverly chosen colors, materials, and furniture, you can create a space that not only looks refreshing but also improves the living climate.
Light Colors Reflect Heat
Colors not only affect our mood but also the room climate. Dark colors absorb sunlight and store heat, while light colors reflect light and make rooms appear cooler. Therefore, opt for colors like white, beige, light gray, or pastels for your walls and choose textiles such as cushion covers, curtains, and tablecloths in natural tones and delicate patterns.
Even switching from dark to light cushions or a light throw can immediately brighten the room’s atmosphere and create a cooler look. Furniture in light wood tones like birch or ash, or even lacquered surfaces, also appears lighter and reflects light.
Sun Protection: Light Yes – Heat No
Windows bring in a lot of light, but are the main source of heat indoors. It’s all the more important to properly shield them during summer heat. Thermal curtains or blackout curtains are suitable for this. They are made of special fabrics with a reflective backing and keep heat out. At the same time, they also dampen sound.
If you don’t want to completely darken your home, opt for curtains made of airy fabrics like linen or cotton to diffuse the incoming light. Interior pleated blinds or roller blinds with aluminum coating can also effectively reflect sunlight and counteract the heat. If possible, you can also install external blinds or awnings to intercept the sun’s rays before they reach the window.
Important: Keep windows and curtains closed during the day and ventilate in the morning and late evening when the outside temperature is not yet high or has dropped again. Cross-ventilation provides the best air exchange.
Airy Furnishings for Better Circulation
Rooms that are cluttered or tightly furnished retain more heat. Large pieces of furniture also hinder natural air circulation. Create pathways for unobstructed air movement—especially important if a fan is used. Arrange your furniture so that it doesn’t block airflow, particularly between windows and the interior. It’s best to avoid placing large furniture like sofas, shelves, and sideboards directly in front of radiators or windows, as they absorb and store heat in the room.
Tip: In summer, less is often more: A tidy, well-structured room retains less heat and automatically looks lighter and fresher.
Use Seasonal Textiles
The change of seasons can also be reflected in fabrics. While heavy wool throws and thick curtains provide coziness in winter, light, breathable materials are in demand in summer. Cushion covers, curtains, and bedspreads made of natural fibers like linen and cotton allow air to pass through and regulate moisture. Muslin fabric is also particularly popular in summer heat. For a fresh effect in the bedroom, bed linens made of percale or renforcé can be used. These are tightly woven cotton fibers that are breathable and cooling.
Thick, soft carpets can be swapped for rugs made of summery materials like jute or seagrass. These retain less heat, are barefoot-friendly, and also create a summery-natural atmosphere visually.
Plants as Natural Air Conditioners
Plants are not only beautiful but also demonstrably improve air quality and the room climate through evaporative cooling. When watered, they release some of the water back into the air through their leaves, lowering the perceived room temperature and increasing humidity. Large-leaved species like the areca palm, ficus, rubber tree, monstera, or fern are particularly effective. A nice side effect is that the plants create a fresh, lively ambiance that perfectly suits the summer season.
Tip: To improve air circulation, place several plants in different spots in the room—they are especially well-placed near windows or opposite them.
Electronics – Unseen Heat Sources
Many forget that electronics emit heat, even when not actively used. In summer, this can add up to a noticeable increase in warmth. It’s best to turn off devices like TVs, routers, or chargers after use or disconnect them from the power source. This saves electricity and keeps the room cooler. Using energy-saving LEDs instead of halogen lamps also helps reduce heat generation.
Tip: To prevent the apartment from heating up, use heat-emitting devices like ovens or dryers during the cooler evening hours.
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Small Helpers with Big Impact
If you want to actively combat the heat, you can place bowls of cold water in the room. The evaporation of the water cools the air. Portable fans or air coolers can also be used. It’s best to place them near an open window or in the draft line. Nowadays, there are even stylish fans made of wood or metal that blend well with the decor.
With a few targeted interior design tips, you can create a pleasantly cool living environment even in summer heat, without air conditioning. The key is a combination of colors, materials, light protection, and air circulation. At the same time, you can adapt your home’s style to the season and create a fresh, light atmosphere. This way, your home becomes a place of comfort even in summer.