Summer is great, but it can be challenging to enjoy the season when it translates to scorching temperatures inside your apartment. Luckily, you can incorporate several décor tricks to create a cool and refreshing environment in your apartment.
These hacks will help you save on your A/C bill while staying cool and comfortable throughout the summer.
Decor Hacks to Keep Your Apartment Cool This Summer:
1. Block the Heat with These Window Treatments
Windows are a major source of heat in your apartment. Here’s how to use window treatments strategically to block out the sun’s rays and keep the cool air in:
- Blackout Curtains: These are lifesavers, especially for rooms that get direct sunlight in the afternoon. The dark lining blocks heat from entering and helps keep the space cooler. They also add a layer of insulation which can be helpful at night when temperatures drop.
- Light Reflecting Curtains: If blackout curtains aren’t your style, opt for light-colored curtains made from linen or cotton. These materials reflect sunlight away from your apartment, keeping it cooler. Sheer curtains or blinds allow natural light to filter through while still providing some heat protection.
- Blinds and Shades: Blinds and shades offer excellent control over sunlight. Choose blinds/shades made from natural materials such as bamboo or wood. During the day, tilt the slats upwards to deflect sunlight away from the inside of your apartment.
2. Swap out all Bulbs with LEDs
Traditional incandescent bulbs emit heat, adding warmth to your apartment. Replace them with LED bulbs, which are much more energy-efficient and give off little to no heat. This is an easy change that can make a big difference in your energy bill and overall comfort.
3. Use Plants to Cool Your Home
Houseplants aren’t just decorative, they can also help cool your apartment and purify the air. Plants release water vapor into the air which has a natural cooling and purifying effect. Peace lilies, snake plants, and spider plants are all excellent choices for cooling and air purification.
4. Eliminate Heavy Rugs
Area rugs can add warmth and style to your apartment, but heavy rugs can trap heat. Swap out the heavier rugs for area rugs made from natural fibers such as jute, sisal, or seagrass. These materials are breathable and add a touch of summery flair to your décor.
5. Use a Cooling Mattress Pad & Light Bedding
Swap out your bedding for sheets made from linen, cotton, or bamboo. These fabrics are breathable and wick away moisture, helping you stay cool and comfortable.
In addition to lightweight blankets and cool sheets, we also recommend investing in a cooling mattress pad to eliminate sweating at night.
6. Replace Velvet/Fur Throw Pillows
Eliminate heavy pillows made from velvet or fur, as they tend to trap heat. Replace them with lighter-weight cushions in breezy fabrics like linen or cotton.
7. Lighten Up Your Color Palette
Cool colors such as white, light blue, green, and yellow can create a feeling of coolness and tranquility in your space. Add a bright summery throw blanket or a colorful vase to add personality without overwhelming the space.
8. Create a Fan Cross-Breeze
Rather than blast the A/C, set up fans in front of your windows at night to create a cross-breeze throughout your apartment. This will help you save on your energy bill and is also great for those who don’t have air conditioning.
9. Invest in a Portable Air Conditioner
If you don’t have air conditioning and fans aren’t cutting it, consider a portable air conditioner. These are great for renters as they don’t involve any installation; they just need to be plugged in.
10. Set Up a Dehumidifier
While dehumidifiers might not directly lower the temperature in your home, they will remove excess moisture from the air. This can make a big difference on humid days.
11. Avoid Using the Oven
The oven can turn your home into a sauna. If you have access to a grill, try to cook dishes outdoors. If grilling isn’t an option, opt for cooler meals such as sushi, salads, cold noodles, slaw, BLTs, gazpacho, etc. Salads packed with seasonal vegetables, chilled soups, and marinated proteins are all delicious ways to nourish yourself without cranking up the heat.
12. Invest in Your Balcony
Invest in your balcony to create a cool space after the sun goes down at night. Add umbrellas, an outdoor fan, plants, and water features to create a cool and inviting area.
13. Keep All Inside Doors Open
Keeping your interior doors open during the summer improves air circulation throughout your home. This allows air to flow freely from room to room.
14. Unplug Electronics That Aren’t in Use
Electronics that are turned off but still plugged in can generate low-level heat production. To combat this, unplug electronics such as chargers, TVs, game consoles, toasters, coffee pots, and microwaves when they’re not in use.
This small step can help keep your home cooler and reduce your overall energy consumption, saving you money on your electricity bill.
Things to Consider
Small touches can make a big difference in keeping your apartment cool. By incorporating light fabrics, strategic fan placement, indoor plants, and other decorative choices, you can transform your apartment into a cool oasis that beats the heat.
Here are a few key takeaways:
- Close blinds or curtains during the hottest part of the day.
- Cook outside on the grill or use a toaster oven instead of your oven.
- Take advantage of night air by opening windows when it’s cooler outside.
- Unplug electronics that aren’t in use as they generate heat.
- Stow furs and velvets away during the warmer months.
If you’re in the market for an apartment, Draper and Kramer’s luxury rental properties offer tenants a wide range of amenities to beat the heat.
These include central air, roller window shades, lighting with dimmer switches, private terraces and balconies, pools, shaded rooftops, and more. Many buildings also offer grilling areas, offering the opportunity to cook outside instead of using your oven. Contact us to learn more about our luxury apartments.
