With temperatures soaring in recent weeks, people are looking for new ways to keep their living spaces cool.
Writing in the Daily Telegraph, interiors expert Sarah Lonsdale suggest that Brits take inspiration from European homes and fit window shutters and awnings.
Sun awnings are particularly effective at creating shade around south and east facing windows while plantation-style wooden shutters can also prevent rooms from overheating during the day.
“External shutters and shades are always better than internal ones. By the time the sun’s heat hits internal window coverings, it is already in the house,” she added.
Fitting blinds can also help keep rooms cool during hot weather as it stops the sun from warming rooms up.
Speaking to the Sun this week, sleep expert Dr Ian Smith, from Papworth Hospital in Cambridge, said that people should keep their bedroom blinds shut all day when the weather is warm to help them get a better night’s sleep.