Which curtains are best for keeping a house cool in the Spanish summer?

Living in Spain has many wonderful advantages — the sunshine, the lifestyle, the warmth. But come July and August, keeping your home cool becomes a serious priority. Air conditioning helps, of course, but the right curtains can make a surprising difference — reducing heat gain, blocking intense sunlight, and keeping rooms fresher for longer. Here's what you need to know.

Which curtains are best for keeping a house cool in the Spanish summer?

Why Curtains Matter More Than You Think

Windows are the main entry point for solar heat in summer. In fact, up to 30% of unwanted heat enters a home through its windows. The right window dressing can significantly reduce this, cutting down on how hard your air conditioning has to work — and how much it costs to run.

In Spain's intense summer climate, where temperatures regularly exceed 35°C on the Costa del Sol, this isn't just a comfort issue — it's a practical one.

1. Blackout Curtains — The Most Effective Option

Blackout curtains are, without doubt, the most effective curtains for blocking heat and sunlight. Originally designed to block light completely, they also provide excellent insulation.

Why they work:

• Dense, tightly woven fabric blocks direct sunlight before it can warm the room
  
• The thermal lining traps a layer of air between the curtain and the window, acting as insulation
  
• Particularly effective on south and west-facing windows that receive the most intense afternoon sun

Best for: Bedrooms, home offices, any room where you want to sleep or work in cool comfort.

At Yorkshire Linen, our blackout curtain range includes styles like the Dillon Blackout Pencil Pleat and Matrix Blackout Pencil Pleat, both available in the Summer Sale.

2. Thermal Lined Curtains

Thermal curtains have a special backing — usually a layer of acrylic foam or multiple layers of fabric — that provides insulation in both summer and winter.

Why they work:

• The thermal lining reflects radiant heat away from the room
  
• Creates a barrier that slows the transfer of heat through the glass
  
• Works year-round — keeping heat out in summer, warmth in during cooler months

Best for: Living rooms and open-plan spaces where you want to balance light and temperature control.

3. Light-Coloured Curtains

Colour plays a bigger role than most people realise. Lighter colours — whites, creams, pale greys and pastels — reflect sunlight rather than absorbing it.

Why they work:

• Light colours reflect solar radiation rather than absorbing it
  
• White or cream curtains can reduce solar heat gain significantly compared to dark fabrics
  
• Still allow a sense of brightness and airiness in the room

Best for: Living rooms, dining rooms, and any space where you want to keep things feeling light and Mediterranean rather than dark and cave-like.

4. Voile & Net Curtains — A Spanish Staple

There's a reason you see voiles and nets in almost every traditional Spanish home. These light, sheer curtains filter sunlight without blocking it entirely, creating a diffused, cooler light.

Why they work:

• Filter harsh direct sunlight into a softer, cooler glow
  
• Allow air to circulate, which is important when you want a breeze through the room
  
• Reduce glare on screens and surfaces without darkening the room

Best for: Use in combination with heavier curtains — voiles during the day to filter light, and heavier curtains closed during the hottest part of the afternoon (typically 2pm–6pm).

5. The Practical Approach — Layering

The most effective approach for Spanish summers is layering:

• Voile or net curtain closest to the window — filters light during the morning and evening
  
• Blackout or thermal curtain over the top — closed during the hottest hours of the afternoon to block peak solar heat
  
• Open both in the evening to allow cool night air to circulate

This is how many Spanish households manage the heat naturally — and it works beautifully.

Tips for Getting the Most From Your Curtains in Summer

Hang them high and wide. Curtains hung as close to the ceiling as possible, and extending beyond the window frame on each side, block more light and heat. The less gap between curtain and wall, the better.

Keep them closed during peak hours. The hottest part of the day in southern Spain is typically between 2pm and 6pm. Closing curtains during this period — even in rooms you're using — makes a noticeable difference.

South and west-facing windows are the priority. These receive the most intense and prolonged sunlight. If you have to choose where to invest in better curtains, start here.

Consider the heading style. Eyelet and pencil pleat curtains hung on a pole close flush to the wall, leaving less gap for heat to enter around the edges.

Shop the Yorkshire Linen Curtain Range

At Yorkshire Linen Beds & More, we stock a wide range of curtains suited to the Spanish climate — from blackout and thermal options to light voiles and stylish eyelet styles. Many are currently in our Summer Sale 2026, with fantastic savings while stocks last.

👉 Shop Curtains in the Summer Sale

Or visit us in store on the Ctra. de Mijas, Km 3.5, open Monday to Friday 10am–6pm and Saturday 10am–5pm.

Yorkshire Linen Beds & More — Quality Home Textiles on the Costa del Sol since 2005.