Are dark drapes better or light colored drapes to keep a house cooler during the summer?

Answer 1

Here is the thing, if your windows face the sun, put in a drape that fits whatever your decor is but make sure that they have a white lining that faces out. This will reflect the suns rays and keep your house cool. Dark drapes on their own without the backing will cook your room. They attract the suns heat. For rooms that dont face the sun at any given point during the day you can put whatever you want that matches your decor..

Answer 2

I think that the heaviness of a drape is more important than color. Use heavy, lined or thermal drapes to keep heat out. Lighter colors tend to reflect heat, so drapes that have a light-colored lining facing the window would probably keep heat out the best.

Answer 3

I bought light drapes to reflect the sun. I thought dark drapes would keep the heat in my house, but I could be wrong on this.

Answer 4

The color actually will have very little to do with keeping a house cooler in summer or warmer in winter. Lighter colors appear cooler and do reflect the sun's rays vs Darker colors which absorb the sun's rays.

Sheer fabrics will give the illusion of a lighter and airier feeling room. Even sheer fabrics that have color to them feel cooler than heavy fabrics.

The real trick to keeping a house warmer or cooler will be in the insulating factor of your drapery's. Are they sheer and see through or are they heavier. Heavier can go from a lightweight woven fabric to a very heavy chenille. Then you also have linings. There are blackout linings, sateen linings, interlinings, etc. The highest rated drapery for energy efficiency will not only have a lining but an interlining. The fabric that is the main face fabric can then be to your choosing dark or light.

Answer 5

Dark drapes if it has the repelling backs on them. I have a set of this and they are also good to keep the outside sounds quiet.

Answer 6

Pick drapes that match your room, use blinds or sheers or something under them to keep the heat out.

Answer 7

Light is good for the summer for the dark colors attract the light and will attract heat. The dark colors for the winter for the little sun light is attracted and the heat is wanted...hope it helps, also v. blinds work better then shades.

Answer 8

dark insulated drapes for summer heat and sun shine

Answer 9

I have Darker Drapes for my Residence -- it is something of a necessity.

Answer 10

DARK DRAPES ARE ALWAYS BETTER TO KEEP YOUR PLACE COOL.