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Decoration

11 Ideas to Naturally Refresh Your Room

Learn how to refresh the room with simple tricks, smart material choices, and a light decor that helps to relieve the heat in daily life

By Chrys Hadrian

Submitted at Apr 26, 2025, 8:33 AM

10 min de leitura
Alessandra Gandolfi – Suite Refuge of the Autistic. Project of CASACOR Espírito Santo 2024.

Alessandra Gandolfi – Suite Refuge of the Autistic. Project of CASACOR Espírito Santo 2024. (Camila Santos)

Sleeping well on hot nights may seem like a challenge, but with some decoration and organization strategies, it is possible to cool the room naturally. The thermal sensation of a project does not depend solely on electronic devices — many of the factors that influence heat are related to how the space is occupied, ventilated and decorated. Materials, colors, lighting, and even the type of plant used in the room directly affect the perceived temperature. Therefore, understanding how to cool the room goes beyond a technical solution: it is also a way to make the space more harmonious, pleasant, and functional for rest.

Thermal Choices in Decoration


Oliveira over 250 years old is the center of this country house. Project by Ana Weege. In the picture, room with home office and view of the garden.

(Rafael Renzo/Divulgação)

Decorating the room with a focus on thermal comfort is a matter of choosing materials and colors. Lightweight and natural fabrics, such as cotton and linen, provide greater ventilation and freshness. Bedsheets, bedspreads and curtains made with these fabrics are great allies on hot days.

Avoid materials that absorb heat, such as dark upholstery and plastics. Fluffy rugs, heavy blankets, and thick fabric curtains should also be removed or replaced in the summer. On the other hand, light colors on the walls, floor, and furniture help reflect light and keep the project lighter.

Apartment has a view of four postcards from Rio de Janeiro. Project by João Panaggio. In the photo, a bedroom with a bed, a picture, and a nightstand.

Projeto de João Panaggio. (Foto: Denilson Machado, do MCA Estúdio / Produção visual: Aldi Flosi/Divulgação)

Another important point is lighting: LED bulbs generate less heat than fluorescent or incandescent ones, and they also provide a soft light that promotes relaxation. Betting on indirect lighting, such as lamps with light fabric shades, also creates a fresh and welcoming atmosphere.

How to Take Advantage of Natural Ventilation?


Japanese minimalism inspires coverage décor in Rio de Janeiro. Project by Carmen Zaccaro. In the photo, a bedroom with a wall featuring boiserie and a straw headboard.

Projeto de Carmen Zaccaro. (Juliano Colodeti, do MCA Estúdio/Divulgação)

Creating efficient ventilation within the room is one of the most natural and economical ways to ensure freshness on hot days. Here are some strategies that make a difference:

Cross Ventilation

Cross ventilation occurs when there are openings (such as windows or doors) on opposite walls or sides of the room. This configuration allows air to enter from one side and exit from the other, creating a constant breeze that helps keep the project cooler during the day and night.

Open Doors and Free Openings

Keeping the door of the room open during the day and avoiding blocking the windows with heavy furniture or thick curtains favors airflow. Small openings, such as tilt-and-turn windows and transoms, also help promote circulation, even when the main window is closed.

Strategic Use of Fans

Ceiling or floor fans can be positioned strategically to move the cold air that tends to accumulate in the lower parts of the room. A useful tip is to place them near windows at night to pull fresh air inside or direct them towards open corridors, creating a "wind tunnel".

Reorganization of Furniture

Avoid positioning large furniture, such as wardrobes and headboards, in places that obstruct air passage, especially if they are near windows. Low furniture with legs can facilitate circulation and also contribute to a lighter look in the room.

Natural Resources to Cool the Room Stylishly


40 m² loft receives a minimalist project that combines white and wood. Project by Diego Raposo and Manuela Simas. In the photo, a bedroom with an integrated bathroom. Plant pot and bed.

Projeto de Diego Raposo e Manuela Simas. (MCA Estudio/CASACOR)

Natural elements not only help to climatize the room but also contribute to a more pleasant and sensory decoration. Plants, for example, play a dual role: they bring visual freshness and slightly increase air humidity, balancing the project on dry days.

Among the ideal species for rooms are lavender (calming), pothos (resilient), and bamboo palm (great for purifying the air). Just position them near the window or in a corner with diffuse light and water them moderately.

Other natural resources include furniture and objects made from plant fibers (wicker, rattan, bamboo) and the use of refreshing aromatic essences, such as mint, eucalyptus, and lemongrass. In addition to contributing to well-being, they create a sensory ritual that helps to relax and sleep better.

Strategies to Cool the Room Without Using Air Conditioning


Wood, signed furniture, and works of art set the tone for this 1,830 sq ft apartment. Project by Cristina Bezamat. In the photo, a couple's bedroom with a bed featuring a cane headboard.

(Juliano Colodeti, do MCA Estúdio/Divulgação)

It is not always possible — or desirable — to rely on electronic devices to climatize the room. Fortunately, there are various alternative and natural resources that work well and can be easily incorporated into the routine:

Thermal and blackout curtains:
These models are designed to block direct sunlight and prevent heat from accumulating inside the project. In very exposed windows, especially those that receive afternoon sun, thermal curtains can significantly reduce the room temperature.

Reflective films on windows:
These translucent stickers applied directly to the glass help to reflect part of the solar radiation, reducing heat incidence. Additionally, they offer a slight privacy during the day and do not interfere with the entry of natural light, keeping the project bright and pleasant.

Ice trick or frozen bottle:
Placing a bottle with frozen water or a basin of ice in front of the fan is a practical and immediate way to cool the circulating air. The air passing over the ice cools slightly, creating an effect similar to that of a homemade mini air conditioner.

Conscious use of electronics:
Avoid leaving electronic devices on for long periods inside the room, especially laptops, TVs, and very powerful lamps. They emit heat and contribute to an increase in the project temperature, even when they do not seem to warm to the touch.

Window opening and closing routine:
During peak heat — generally between 11 am and 4 pm — keep windows and curtains closed to block external heat. In the late afternoon and at night, open everything to renew the air and allow the coolness of the night to enter the room. This simple exchange helps keep the room more thermally balanced.

This content was made with the support of CASACOR Publisher, an exclusive content creation agent, developed by the CASACOR Technology team based on the knowledge base of casacor.com.br. This text was edited by Yeska Coelho.

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