comScore
CASACOR
Decoration

5 cheap and practical ideas to keep your home cool in the summer

We gathered super practical solutions to ease your home on hot days without compromising the budget

By CASACOR Publisher

Submitted at Jan 15, 2026, 3:00 PM

08 min de leitura
Projeto de Natália Lemos.

Projeto de Natália Lemos. (Fotos: Denilson Machado, do MCA Estúdio | Produção: Andrea Brito Velho/Divulgação)

With the arrival of summer, high temperatures turn the house into a less comfortable space, especially in warmer regions or in homes with little natural ventilation. However, resorting to air conditioning is not always the best—or the most viable—solution. In addition to the high energy consumption, the constant use of these devices can strain the budget and impact the projects.

The good news is that there are simple, economical, and efficient alternatives to help keep the house cool in the summer, taking advantage of natural resources, smart decor choices, and small adjustments in routine. Below, we have gathered five practical and accessible ideas that help reduce heat inside the house, without major renovations or high investments, making the spaces more pleasant during hot days.

1. Invest in light and natural fabrics in decor


460 m² house in Fortaleza designed for a couple with four daughters. Project by Romário Rodrigues. In the photo, dining room with black wall and sideboard.

Casa de 460 m² em Fortaleza projetada para um casal com quatro filhas. Projeto de Romário Rodrigues. Na foto, sala de jantar com parede preta e aparador. (Leonardo Soares/Divulgação)

One of the simplest ways to alleviate heat inside the house is to replace heavy fabrics with light and breathable options. Curtains made of voile, cotton, or linen allow for better air circulation and filter light without retaining heat, unlike synthetic and thicker fabrics.

270 m² Beach House gains nautical and contemporary style. Design by Amanda Miranda.

Casa de Praia de 270 m² ganha estilo náutico e contemporâneo. Projeto de Amanda Miranda. (Luiza Schreier/Divulgação)

The same applies to sofa covers, cushions, blankets, and bedding: natural fibers absorb less heat and provide a more pleasant thermal sensation to the touch. Besides being practical, these changes are cheap and quick to implement, renewing the house's look and contributing to a cooler and more comfortable project in the summer.

2. Use light colors to reflect heat


[caption id="69606df6dd8c9c604ce0587a" width="736" data-alt="Beach house of 270 m² gains nautical and contemporary style. Project by Amanda Miranda." data-caption="Beach house of 270 m² gains nautical and contemporary style. Project by Amanda Miranda." data-credit="Luiza Schreier" data-source-id="68f2b8ff98f18c7f5f5e4deb" data-source-name="Divulgação"]Beach house of 270 m² gains nautical and contemporary style. Project by Amanda Miranda.[/caption>

The colors directly influence the temperature perceived in the projects. Light tones, such as white, beige, sand, and pastels, reflect better sunlight and absorb less heat than dark colors. If painting the walls is not an option at the moment, it is possible to apply this concept economically through decor.

[caption id="69417549bdae89408d2aea26" width="736" data-alt="Beach apartment gains refinement with sculptural wine cellar and noble stones" data-caption="Beach apartment gains refinement with sculptural wine cellar and noble stones" data-credit="Gustavo Bresciani" data-source-id="68f2b8ff98f18c7f5f5e4deb" data-source-name="Divulgação"]Beach apartment gains refinement with sculptural wine cellar and noble stones[/caption>

Light rugs, cushion covers, curtains, and decorative objects in soft tones help make the space visually lighter and thermally more pleasant. This strategy is especially effective in small projects or those with a lot of sun exposure, contributing to a cool house in the summer without major interventions.

3. Make better use of natural ventilation


[caption id="68f2bb2d98f18c7f5f5fc6e8" width="736" data-alt="Duplex of 400 m² gains a new leisure floor with a beachy vibe. Project by Natália Lemos. In the photo, the master bedroom with pictures and balcony." data-caption="Duplex of 400 m² gains a new leisure floor with a beachy vibe. Project by Natália Lemos. In the photo, the master bedroom with pictures and balcony." data-credit="Photos: Denilson Machado, from MCA Estúdio | Production: Andrea Brito Velho" data-source-id="68f2b8ff98f18c7f5f5e4deb" data-source-name="Divulgação"]Duplex of 400 m² gains a new leisure floor with a beachy vibe. Project by Natália Lemos. In the photo, the master bedroom with pictures and balcony.[/caption>

The cross ventilation is a powerful ally to reduce heat inside the house and costs nothing. To take advantage of it, keep doors and windows open at opposite points whenever possible, creating a constant airflow. Avoid blocking the passage of wind with large furniture near the openings and prefer lighter layouts during the hot months.

[caption id="696073a7dd8c9c604ce05898" width="736" data-alt="178 m² integrated apartment with terracotta palette and signed design. Project by Paula Neder." data-caption="178 m² integrated apartment with terracotta palette and signed design. Project by Paula Neder." data-credit="Denilson Machado, from MCA Estúdio" data-source-id="68f2b8ff98f18c7f5f5e4deb" data-source-name="Divulgação"]178 m² integrated apartment with terracotta palette and signed design. Project by Paula Neder.[/caption>

Another practical tip is to open the windows in the early hours of the morning and at night, when the outside air is cooler, closing them during periods of intense sunlight. With small adjustments, it is possible to significantly improve air circulation and thermal sensation in the projects.

4. Invest in plants that help cool the projects


[caption id="68f2bb3798f18c7f5f5fcdad" width="736" data-alt="150 m² apartment blends natural materials and urban style. Project by Junior Piacesi. In the photo, kitchen with island and plants." data-caption="150 m² apartment blends natural materials and urban style. Project by Junior Piacesi. In the photo, kitchen with island and plants." data-credit="Estúdio NY18" data-source-id="68f2b8ff98f18c7f5f5e4deb" data-source-name="Divulgação"]150 m² apartment blends natural materials and urban style. Project by Junior Piacesi. In the photo, kitchen with island and plants.[/caption>

In addition to being decorative, plants help keep the house cooler and more pleasant. Species like jiboia, sword of Saint George, ferns, and areca palms help increase humidity and reduce the feeling of warmth, especially in indoor projects.

[caption id="68f2baf898f18c7f5f5fa3d6" width="736" data-alt="Works of art and coatings add color to a 300 m² project. Project by Rodra Arquitetura, In the photo, dining room with plants and painting." data-caption="Works of art and coatings add color to a 300 m² project. Project by Rodra Arquitetura, In the photo, dining room with plants and painting." data-credit="MCA Estúdio" data-source-id="68f2b8ff98f18c7f5f5e4deb" data-source-name="Divulgação"]Works of art and coatings add color to a 300 m² project. Project by Rodra Arquitetura, In the photo, dining room with plants and painting.[/caption>

Positioned near windows or in well-lit areas, they also act as natural filters for sunlight. The investment is low, maintenance is usually simple, and the visual effect transforms the space, bringing freshness, warmth, and a greater connection with nature during the summer.

5. Reduce artificial heat sources in daily life


[caption id="68f2bb2d98f18c7f5f5fc69f" width="736" data-alt="Urban retreat of 75 m² gets a SPA in the outdoor area. Project by Junior Piacesi. In the photo, master bedroom with paneling." data-caption="Urban retreat of 75 m² gets a SPA in the outdoor area. Project by Junior Piacesi. In the photo, master bedroom with paneling." data-credit="Jomar Bragança" data-source-id="68f2b8ff98f18c7f5f5e4deb" data-source-name="Divulgação"]Urban retreat of 75 m² gets a SPA in the outdoor area. Project by Junior Piacesi. In the photo, master bedroom with paneling.[/caption>

Often, excessive heat inside the house comes from daily habits that can be easily adjusted. Incandescent bulbs, for example, generate heat and can be replaced with LED models, which are more economical and generate less heat.

[caption id="6944ab68bdae89408d2af100" width="736" data-alt="a-bright-lamp-hanging-in-a-living-room" data-caption="a bright lamp hanging in a living room" data-credit="Freepik" data-source-id="68f2b8ff98f18c7f5f5e4deb" data-source-name="Divulgação"]a bright lamp hanging in a living room[/caption>

Avoiding prolonged use of the oven and stove during the hottest times also helps keep the projects cooler. Another simple tip is to unplug electronic devices when not in use since they continue to emit heat even in standby mode. Small routine changes make a real difference in thermal comfort and energy consumption.

CASACOR Publisher is an exclusive content creator agent, developed by the CASACOR Technology team based on the knowledge base of casacor.com.br. This text has been edited by Yeska Coelho.