Summer has a way of exposing the spaces in the home that aren’t working quite as well as they should be. Maybe it’s a living room that feels gloomy despite having large windows. A kitchen that always flooded with blinding sunshine when you’re trying to wash the pots. Or a bedroom that’s too bright in the morning and much too warm by bedtime.
When it comes to updating our interiors for summer, quite often we’ll simply pack away the faux fur throws and chunky wool cushions, replace them with lighter cottons and linens, and leave it at that. But the right window dressings can also play a huge part in how your home looks, feels, and functions throughout the summer months too. Whether it’s maximising on natural light, reducing the sun’s reflection off TVs and computer screens, enhancing privacy on lighter evenings, creating a seamless connection between your indoor and outdoor spaces, or keeping your rooms feeling cooler as the weather gets warmer.
We’ve collated our top summer home styling trends for 2026 to give you some ideas:
- soft neutral colour palettes
- sheer fabrics that maximise natural light
- layered patterns and textures
- energy-efficient window coverings
- cool and comfortable bedrooms
- outdoor shading solutions that support indoor-outdoor living
Whether you’re planning on a complete makeover or just looking for some easy seasonal updates, these window blind ideas will help you create a lighter, brighter home this summer.
Pick a soft, neutral colour palette
You switch your duvet for one with a lower tog rating and your winter textiles for lighter fabrics during the summer months, so why not swap your window treatments too?
Pale shades like white, ivory, stone, pebble, sand, and soft pastel tones don’t just brighten a space visually – they also make rooms feel cooler and airier because they have light-reflecting qualities. Darker colours tend to absorb light and heat, so they can have the opposite effect. If you’ve been thinking about redecorating, summer really is the perfect time to choose a lighter décor aesthetic.
Neutral roller blinds work beautifully alongside almost any interior style and help reflect natural light around the room.
Choose sheer fabrics that maximise natural light
Summer is all about making the most of natural light. But that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice privacy or live with uncomfortably bright or over-hot rooms. Light-filtering blinds are one of the most effective ways to soften sun glare while still allowing rooms to feel bright and airy.
The Twilight blinds in this bright, airy conservatory have alternating sheer and opaque fabric panels – meaning it’s super easy to adjust light levels throughout the day.
Large patio doors and bi-fold doors are designed to blur the line between indoors and out, but they can sometimes be tricky to dress.
Sheer voile curtains allow just enough sunlight in to brighten the space without cutting off the garden view. And the soft flowing fabric gives a contemporary, relaxed vibe that’s perfect for summer living.
Layer patterns and textures for a relaxed summer look
Summer is the perfect time to embrace lighter fabrics and nature-inspired prints. Ocean blues, botanical motifs, and crisp whites work brilliantly to instantly make a room feel brighter.
Try mixing and matching blinds and curtains rather than opting for a single window treatment throughout the space. Use the same fabric for a cohesive, tailored finish or complementary patterns from the same colour family to add another layer of visual interest.
In this breezy coastal bedroom, the floral curtain pairs perfectly with the abstract patterned Roman blind. The throw cushions echo the fresh blue-and-white palette and the entire scheme is anchored by the natural jute rug, light wood furniture, and wicker accessories. It’s calm, comfortable, and effortlessly summery.
Opt for energy-saving blinds to keep homes cool
A lot of people are switched on to the benefits of thermal blinds during the winter – but they can be equally beneficial in warm weather too. During the summer, they can block up to 79% of solar heat from entering the home through windows, so they actually make for a more comfortable indoor environment, And all while reducing the need for expensive fans and air conditioning.
Honeycomb styles like these Duette® blinds in bright sunshine yellow are designed with a unique cellular structure that helps regulate room temperatures throughout the year.
Keep bedrooms cool and comfortable
Long summer days, earlier sunrises, and warmer bedrooms can all make it more difficult to get a great night’s sleep. No matter how much you love the sunshine, it’s best to keep your bedroom window dressings closed during the hottest part of the day to block direct sunlight and prevent heat from building up. Bedrooms that stay cool and dark throughout the day usually feel more comfortable at bedtime.
The floral design on these BlocOut™ blinds brings a gorgeous burst of summer colour to the space. And they work just as hard behind the scenes – keeping the bedroom cool, dark and comfortable for summer sleep.
Extend your living space outdoors with a patio awning
Creating a seamless connection between your indoor and outdoor spaces is fabulous way to really embrace summer living. Coordinating your interior blinds and outdoor shading solutions can create a cohesive look that flows effortlessly from inside to out.
A retractable awning can help transform a patio, terrace, or outdoor living and dining area into a comfortably shaded outdoor living room that feels like a true extension of your home.
Have we inspired you to find the perfect summer blinds?
Our experts can help you find the perfect made-to-measure solution for every room – and even the garden. Book a free home consultation with your local Apollo Blinds here to find out more.