How to keep a conservatory cool

Author Lisa CooperHead of Product at Hunter DouglasWritten 04/06/2025Updated 20/05/2026

side conservatory roller blinds paired with white pleated roof blinds in large circular conservatory

Hillarys Pleated Perfect Fit Bali Ivory Anthracite in the living room

Why do conservatories get so hot?

Keeping a conservatory cool can be a challenge. The very features that make these spaces so appealing - large glass windows, clear roofing and sun exposure - are also what cause temperatures to rise.

Together, they create a greenhouse effect that traps heat and pushes temperatures up, particularly during the summer months. That’s why preventing heat from entering the space in the first place is one of the most effective ways to keep a conservatory cool and comfortable.

grey duette pleated blinds on windows in circular conservatory

How to cool a conservatory naturally

Start with simple steps that can make an immediate difference. Good ventilation is key, so open windows, roof vents, and doors to encourage fresh airflow. Shading also plays an important role. Using outdoor shading options like awnings or pergolas are particularly effective as they block direct sunlight before it reaches the glass and heats the room.

Planning ahead helps too; lowering blinds earlier in the day or in the evening can reduce heat build-up until you’re ready to use the room. You could also consider adding a few large, leafy plants. As well as enhancing the look of your conservatory, they release moisture into the air through transpiration, which can help create a slightly cooler, more comfortable environment.

“With our awning, we can now enjoy being outside for longer and use it as shelter from the sun in very hot weather.”
Sally Cullen, Interiors stylist

Bright conservatory with large windows fitted with Pleated blinds, filling a stylish dining space with soft natural light.

Blinds that beat the heat

One of the most effective ways to manage temperature is with clever window coverings. Designed to reduce heat loss by up to 55% and block 99.9% of UV rays, Duette® honeycomb blinds will help keep your conservatory cool on sunny summer days. Plus, their reflective coated fabric helps reduce glare and absorb or reflect sunlight.

If you frequently use the exterior doors in your conservatory then consider Perfect Fit or INTU blinds. They’re great for doors and windows with minimal space, fitting snugly inside the frame, helping to block out excess heat.

Our range of conservatory blinds includes styles that are not only practical but also beautiful. From classic Roman blinds to contemporary Roller options, you can find a look that complements your decor while enhancing your comfort.

“My Perfect Fit khaki metal Venetians enable me to control natural light flooding into my studio and the blinds’ colour has enabled me to bring a sense of the outside in.”
Sarah Worswick, Interiors content creator

Elegant conservatory seating area with tall windows fitted with crisp white shutters and roof glazing softened by subtle blind panels, flooding the room with light.

Consider shutters for style and temperature control

One of the most stylish and effective ways to keep your conservatory cool is by installing  shutters. Unlike fabric-based options that may trap heat, shutters allow you to regulate sunlight and airflow with precision. Adjustable slats let you control the angle and intensity of the light coming in, which can significantly reduce solar gain during peak sun hours.

Shutters also add a permanent, architectural feel to your space, offering both form and function. When closed, they act as an extra insulating layer, keeping heat out in summer (and helping to retain warmth in winter).

For conservatories with large spans of glass or roof windows, full-height or tier-on-tier shutters provide a practical solution that looks clean and cohesive. Luxury vinyl shutters are well suited to conservatories because they're made from durable, heat-resistant materials, so they’re less prone to warping or fading under prolonged sun exposure.

Don’t forget the roof

When it comes to cooling a conservatory, roof blinds are a game-changer. Because the sun is high in the sky in summer, the roof absorbs the heat all day long and can quickly turn the space into a greenhouse. Roof blinds help by significantly reducing the amount of direct sunlight that enters from above, making the room instantly more comfortable.

Available in a range of styles, they not only help manage heat but also reduce glare and protect furniture from UV fading. Opt for thermal or solar-reflective fabrics to enhance their cooling performance. Many options are also motorised, making it easy to adjust hard-to-reach blinds with a remote.

Smart solutions for temperature control

Need some help with those hard-to-reach windows? Consider automated options. With motorised technology, electric blinds let you easily adjust one or many blinds at once at the touch of a button. Fancy going a step further? You can also connect a Somfy Smart Hub to your Alexa or Google Assistant for voice-controlled activation. So, when you can’t reach for the remote, you can speak to adjust the blinds.

“A massive benefit with my Duette® blinds has been the smart technology. I can control these blinds with a remote, via the app or on my phone.”
Hannah Bruce, Interiors content creator

Improve insulation to prevent heat build-up

While insulation is often associated with keeping warm, it’s equally important for keeping cool.

Upgrade glazing: Double or triple glazing can reduce heat gain in summer and heat loss in winter.
Roof panels: Replacing a glass or polycarbonate roof with a solid or tiled alternatives can drastically improve temperature control.

Small interior changes can also help: Light colours reflect sunlight instead of absorbing it. Tiles or laminate flooring can feel cooler underfoot than carpet. Avoid overcrowding the space with furniture as this can impact air circulation.

White conservatory with wide glazed windows and roof panels, letting daylight flood a dining area and framing a clear view of the garden outside.

Active cooling options to consider

For some conservatories, especially those used as offices or living spaces, additional active cooling options may be the most effective solution as they are designed to lower the internal temperature.

Air conditioning units: actively lower temperature, improve air quality, and reduce humidity.
Fans and evaporative coolers: can improve comfort by increasing air evaporation from the skin.

Bright bay window dressed with white blinds, filtering daylight into a modern breakfast area with a small round table, chairs and morning pastries.

What are the best ways to keep a conservatory cool?

Keeping a conservatory cool doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right combination of ventilation, shading, insulation and (where needed) active cooling, you can transform your space into a comfortable haven.

Whether you’re relaxing, entertaining or working from home, a cool conservatory helps it remain a comfortable, usable space all year round.