Conservatory too hot in summer? Try these 8 clever fixes

Is your conservatory getting too hot in warm weather? Keep things nice and cool with these 8 tips.

One of the easiest ways to keep your conservatory cool in the summer is to fit some blinds. They shield your room from sunlight and its heat while adding a stylish touch to the space. Plus, if someone wants the sun and someone else wants the shade, they can each customise their nearby blind configurations without affecting the other.

Bonus: drawing the blinds can also help keep the heat inside during colder months. Add a heater and some blankets and you'll have yourself a cosy spot all winter round.

Some popular blind variations for conservatories include:

• Pleated blinds: made with lightweight fabrics and folded in an accordion-like shape
• Venetian blinds: perhaps the most common type of blind, Venetian blinds feature horizontal slats made of plastic, wood or aluminium that can be rotated in unison
• Roman blinds: fabric-based pleated blinds that fold underneath themselves when raised
• Roller blinds: these are just like Roman blinds except they roll up rather than concertina up

2. Install air conditioning

Another way to keep your conservatory nice and cool in warmer weather is to install an air conditioning system.

Your typical air conditioning unit doesn't come cheap. However, it's a highly effective option if you have the spare cash to spend. It works by circulating cool air in your conservatory. 

The ideal model for most conservatories is a small air conditioning unit. It should fit discretely into your space at floor or ceiling level. Alternatively, you can mount it onto a wall. 

Are you likely to have small children using your conservatory? Air conditioning is usually considered a safer option compared to electric fans, which can trap and nick tiny fingers.

These units usually have a heating function too, so you can use them to warm up the space in colder months.

3. Let the air move

Keeping the air moving with effective ventilation is key when it comes to keeping conservatories cool.

Here's an easy solution: keep a door open to let hot air flow out and a cool breeze flow in. If that's not feasible for you, try installing small outward-opening ventilation areas at the top of each large windowpane that allow hot air to flow outside.

You can also use an electric fan to circulate the air. Keep your windows closed and position the fan towards where you're sitting. Or consider a roof fan if you have little ones around who could be harmed by a stand-alone or countertop fan.

4. Glass roof? It's time to adapt

If you need a roof upgrade or want to totally refurbish your conservatory, you should consider a thermal roof this time around rather than a glass roof. Thermal conservatory roofs help regulate the temperature inside.

Really want to see the sky? Go for shaded, reflective glass instead – or an insulated roof with a large roof light.

If you already have glass roof panels in your conservatory and can't afford a roof upgrade right now, you can try adding an opaque or translucent film. When fitted to glass panels, this prevents some of the sun's heat from getting inside.

5. Take any rugs up

Got a lovely wool rug adorning your conservatory floor? We've got some bad news for you: it could be contributing to the heat in warmer weather. 

Natural fibres are designed to trap heat – that's why our cosiest winter jumpers are made from wool. It's best to roll up those fluffy rugs and store them for the colder months if your conservatory is getting too hot.

6. Opt for light furniture

You know how wearing black in hot weather makes you sweat buckets? That's because light is attracted to dark colours – and the same principle applies to any dark furniture and furnishings in your conservatory. 

Make sure you choose soft fabrics (avoid leather) in light colours. And when it comes to paint and wallpaper, go for white or pastel colours.

7. Plant some trees in your north-facing garden

Deciduous trees like beech, birch, ash and whitebeam can be strategically planted outside your conservatory to create shade and help protect you from the heat of the summer sun. Try planting some if you have room.

8. South-facing garden? Try a retractable canopy

If you don't have any trusty tree pals to help keep you cool in the summer, you can always try fitting a retractable canopy to the side of your conservatory.

These devices can help regulate the temperature inside your conservatory by shielding it from the heat during the sunniest parts of the day.

You can even leave the windows open to let in a breeze while enjoying protection from the sun. 

Want to keep your conservatory at the perfect temperature all year round? Calder Windows is a registered installer of SupaLite's insulated conservatory roofing.

This revolutionary tiled roof system doesn't just regulate heat – with its attractive and robust design, it transforms conservatories into practical modern living spaces.

Interested? Our expert conservatory roof installation service covers the whole of West Yorkshire. Please don't hesitate to get in touch for a fast, free quote.