With temperatures soaring to record-breaking heights, it’s safe to say this is a heatwave like no other. And, I don’t know about you, but I’m doing everything in my power to cool down my house and make everyday life pleasant. a little These conditions are more tolerable.
It seems impossible Find portable air conditioners and fans that are still in stockSo experts are urging us to take matters into our own hands. From opening your loft hatch to keeping windows and blinds closed, you’ve probably heard of common tricks designed for this. Cool your home for free.
But, it’s the ‘cool down corners’ that experts swear by this summer.
What is a cool down corner?
As the name suggests, cool down corners are a designated area within your home that can help you with heatwaves.
‘A cool down corner is a small, deliberately designed area of the home that helps people relax and cool down physically and mentally in hot weather’, explains Julia Bilotta, Creative Stylist. Sophology. ‘It’s a place to feel lighter, calmer and more comfortable when the temperature rises – often using shade, air flow, soft seating and cooling materials.’
Cooling your home through style choices is a clever trick that won’t disrupt your existing plans. While AC units and fans While they may provide instant relief, they are often loud and unsightly, and can be an expensive short-term investment.
(Image credit: Future plc / Emma Lee)
‘UK homes are generally built to trap heat and help keep warm in the cold winter months, so they are not really equipped to cope with heat waves. However, because heatwaves are short-lived in the UK, most people don’t invest in redesigning their entire home or investing in expensive cooling systems for a few weeks of warm weather each year,’ agrees Chloe Barrow, interior expert. Laura James. ‘Cool down corners are the perfect middle ground, so you can create an area of the home that’s designed for those unbearably hot days.’
Plus, styling your own cool down corner means you can adjust the look and feel of the space to suit your needs. Staying in the shade will be a top priority at the moment, but these areas can also provide a quiet moment during the heat of the day.
‘Think of it as your own personal sanctuary, a quiet nook where you can get away from the heat and truly decompress,’ explains Kate Palmer, creative director. Painted Furniture Company. ‘It doesn’t have to be an entire room or a grand design project. A corner of the bedroom, a shaded alcove or even a tucked-away spot in the hallway can work beautifully.’
How to make your own
As with everything in the home, the way you choose to style the cool down corner comes down to personal preference. However, there are a few tips and tricks to remember if you want your space to do what it says on the tin and actually help cool you down.
1. Choose your position
You can style several cool down corners of your home or just have one big space where everyone can retreat. Either way, it’s important to get your placement right. ‘You ideally want to choose the coolest room in the house, which usually gets the least amount of direct sunlight’, suggests Chloe. ‘If you don’t have a space like this in your home, a corner in a north-facing room away from a window is the best option.’
(Image credit: Future plc / Malcolm Menzies)
‘Corners on the ground floor hold less heat than upstairs, so a shaded area in a sitting room or hallway is ideal,’ adds Kate. This is a useful trick to remember if you’re struggling to decide exactly what looks best in your home.
2. Consider airflow
Airflow is critical to making sure your cool down corner stays really cool on some of the hottest days. ‘This may include your switch up Furniture Layout to improve air flow and make the space feel more open and breathable. Instead of pushing the sofa against the walls, consider bringing the seating inwards, creating an unrestricted fun space for anyone wanting to chill indoors,’ advises Julia.
(Image credit: Future plc / Photoword Ltd)
Make sure any windows in that room are blacked out curtains or blinds. This is the most effective way to prevent heat from entering, and is a better option than trying to cool a room after it has already heated up. You want to keep it off all day,’ adds Chloe. However, once the temperature drops a bit in the evening or early morning, you can open all the windows to create a cooling effect.
3. Give preference to natural materials
‘A cozy armchair might seem like a natural choice for a corner, but I’d actually recommend going for an open-framed chair or mesh back as these will allow better airflow than a heavily upholstered armchair,’ says Chloe. ‘Of course, you can add soft furnishings to make it more comfortable, but natural fabrics, such as cotton and linen, feel cooler against the skin than heavier synthetic materials.’
(Image credit: Future plc / Jonah Henderson)
‘If you already have luxuriously rich upholstery, you may want to retire some of your cushions and most of your throws. Pulling back as much layering as you have in your cool down corner will help create more breathable space,’ adds Julia. This will achieve the same effect, without the need to purchase new items.
4. Add the finishing touches
A cool down corner works best when it’s visually calming, so keep the space uncluttered. A simple chair or daybed, a side table for a cold drink, and maybe a plant or two is all you really need,’ says Kate.
(Image credit: Future plc / Jonah Henderson)
However, if you can get your hands on one, consider adding a fan to your corner for extra cool. ‘The most effective choice is a fan with cooling capacity, but this can be a costly investment. If you are on a budget, I would recommend buying a side table that is the same height as the fan and sits in front of it. That way, when you’re ready to go to your cool down corner, grab a bowl of ice from the freezer and pop it on the side table in front of the fan. Turn on the fan and you have your own DIY air-conditioning,’ says Chloe.
5. Build your habits
Styling a cooling corner is one thing, but actually using it is another. So make sure to make it into your routine during the summer months. ‘Try to retreat to it at the same time each day, ideally during the hottest window between 1pm and 4pm. Leave your phone somewhere else if you can,’ says Kate.
(Image credit: Future plc / Douglas Gibb Photograph)
‘The more consistently you use it, the more your body and mind will respond to it as a real signal to slow down and cool down. That association is really where the benefit lies,’ she adds.
Shop for essentials
Not sure where to start? These are the purchases I’ve been snapping up for my cool down corner.
Generosity
Desk Fan Portable Rechargeable
Dunelm
Ticking Strip Piped Cotton Square Cushion Cover
Marytown
Self Adhesive Temporary Shade Blinds
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