Cool down corners are the heatwave hack experts swear by if you don’t have an air conditioner – here’s all you need to know

With temperatures soaring to record-breaking heights, it’s safe to say that this is a heatwave like no other. And, I don’t know about you, but I’m doing everything in my power to cool my home and make day-to-day life feel a little more bearable in these conditions.

It seems impossible to find portable air conditioners and fans that are still in stock, so experts are urging us to take matters into our own hands. From opening your loft hatch to keeping windows and blinds shut, you’ve likely heard of the common tricks designed to cool your home for free.

But, it’s ‘cool down corners’ that experts are swearing by this summer.

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What is a cool down corner?

As the name suggests, cool down corners are a designated area within your home that can help you through the heatwave.

‘A cool down corner is a small, intentionally designed area in the home that helps people physically and mentally relax and cool down during hot weather,’ explains Julia Bilotta, creative stylist at Sofology. ‘It’s a space set up to feel lighter, calmer and more comfortable when temperatures rise – often using shade, airflow, soft seating and cooling materials.’

Cooling your home through styling choices is a clever trick that won’t disrupt your existing schemes. While AC units and fans can provide instant relief, they’re often loud and unsightly, and can be an expensive investment for a short period of time.

‘UK homes are generally built to trap heat and help us stay warm during our cold winter months, so they really aren’t well equipped to deal with heatwaves. However, because heatwaves in the UK tend to be short-lived, most people aren't going to redesign their entire home or invest in expensive cooling systems for a few weeks of hot weather each year,’ agrees Chloe Barrow, interior expert at Laura James. ‘Cool down corners are the perfect middle ground, so you can create an area of the home that’s designed just for these unbearably hot days.’

Plus, styling your own cool down corner means you can adjust the look and feel of the space to meet your needs. Staying shaded will likely be top priority at the moment, but these areas can also provide a moment of calm during the heat of the day.

‘Think of it as your own personal sanctuary, a quiet nook where you can step away from the heat and genuinely decompress,’ explains Kate Palmer, creative director at The Painted Furniture Company. ‘It doesn't need to be a whole room or a grand design project. A corner of a bedroom, a shaded alcove, or even a tucked-away spot in a hallway can work beautifully.’

How to make your own

Like everything in the home, the way you choose to style a cool down corner comes down to personal preference. However, there are a few tips and tricks to remember if you want your space to do what it says on the tin and actually help to cool you down.

1. Pick your position

You could style multiple cool down corners across your home, or just have one larger space where everyone can retreat. Either way, it’s crucial to get your placement right. ‘You’ll ideally want to choose the coolest room in the house, which is usually the one that receives the least amount of direct sunlight,’ suggests Chloe. ‘If you don’t have a space like this in your home, a corner away from the window in a north-facing room is likely the best choice.’

‘Ground floor corners tend to hold less heat than upstairs rooms, so a shaded spot in a sitting room or hallway is ideal,’ adds Kate. This is a useful trick to remember if you’re struggling to pinpoint exactly where it feels coolest in your home.

2. Consider airflow

Airflow is important to ensure that your cool down corner actually stays cool during some of the hottest days. ‘This may involve switching up your furniture layout to help improve airflow and make the space feel more open and breathable. Rather than pushing sofas against the walls, consider bringing seating inward, creating an unrestrained convivial space for anybody seeking cool comfort indoors,’ advises Julia.

‘Ensure any windows in that room have blackout curtains or blinds. This is the most effective way to prevent heat from entering, and is a much better option than attempting to cool the room down after it’s already hot. You’ll want to keep these closed all day,’ adds Chloe. However, once the temperatures have dropped slightly in the evening or early morning, you can open all windows to create a cooling cross-breeze.

3. Prioritise natural materials

‘A cosy armchair might seem like a natural choice for a corner, but I’d actually recommend going for a chair with an open frame or mesh back as this is going to allow better airflow than a heavily upholstered armchair,’ says Chloe. ‘Of course, you can add soft furnishings to make it more comfortable, but natural fabrics, such as cotton and linen, will feel much cooler against the skin than heavier synthetic materials.’

‘If you already have luxuriously rich upholstery, you may want to retire some of your cushions and most throws. Paring back as much of the layering in your cool down corner will help to create a more breathable space,’ adds Julia. This will achieve the same effect, without the need to buy new items.

4. Add finishing touches

‘A cool down corner works best when it feels visually calm, so keep the space uncluttered. A simple chair or daybed, a side table for a cold drink, and perhaps a plant or two is really all you need,’ says Kate.

However, if you can get your hands on one, consider adding a fan to your corner for an extra chill. ‘The most effective choice is opting for a fan with cooling capabilities, but this can be an expensive investment. If you’re on a budget, I’d recommend buying a side table that is the same height as the fan and sits in front of it. This way, when you’re ready to go to your cool down corner, simply grab a bowl of ice from the freezer and pop it on the side table in front of the fan. Switch the fan on, and you’ve got your own DIY air-conditioning,’ says Chloe.

5. Build your habits

Styling a cooling corner is one thing, but actually using it is another. So make sure to build it into your daily routine during summer months. ‘Try to retreat to it at the same time each day, ideally during the hottest window of the afternoon between around 1pm and 4pm. Leave your phone elsewhere if you can,’ says Kate.

‘The more consistently you use it, the more your body and mind will respond to it as a genuine signal to slow down and cool off. That association is really where the benefit lies,’ she adds.

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Not sure where to start? These are the must-have buys I'm snapping up for my cool down corner.