How Edwardians kept their home cool in the summer
During the Edwardian era, keeping cool in the summer was a top priority for many people, especially those living in the city where the heat could be oppressive. Despite the lack of modern air conditioning, Edwardians found clever ways to beat the heat and make their homes more comfortable during the hot summer months. Here are some tips on how Edwardians kept their homes cool:
Use light-colored fabrics and linens
One of the easiest ways to create a sense of coolness in your home is to use light-colored fabrics and linens. Light colors reflect sunlight and heat, while dark colors absorb them, making the room feel warmer. Edwardians often used light-colored curtains, bed linens, and upholstery to make their homes feel cooler and more inviting during the summer.
Keep windows and doors closed during the hottest part of the day
During the hottest part of the day, typically between 10 am and 4 pm, Edwardians would keep their windows and doors closed to prevent hot air from entering the house. This helped to keep the interior of the home cooler and more comfortable, especially if there was a breeze outside. In the evening, when the temperature dropped, they would open the windows and doors to let in fresh air and cool down the house.
Use fans and cross ventilation
Fans were a popular way to cool down during the Edwardian era, especially before the widespread use of air conditioning. Edwardians would place fans in strategic locations throughout the house to create a cross breeze and circulate the air. They also made use of architectural features such as high ceilings, transom windows, and open floor plans to encourage natural ventilation and airflow.
Plant shade trees and use window awnings
Edwardians understood the importance of shade in keeping their homes cool during the summer. They would plant shade trees around their homes to provide natural cooling and reduce the amount of direct sunlight entering the house. Window awnings were also a common feature, used to block out the sun’s rays and keep rooms cooler. These simple additions helped to maintain a comfortable temperature inside the home even on the hottest days.
Avoid using heat-generating appliances
During the Edwardian era, heat-generating appliances such as stoves, ovens, and lights could contribute to the overall temperature of the home. To keep their homes cooler, Edwardians would avoid using these appliances during the hottest part of the day and opt for lighter meals that required less cooking. They would also use lower wattage light bulbs and keep the blinds or curtains closed to block out excess sunlight and heat.
Conclusion
While air conditioning was not yet a common feature in Edwardian homes, people found creative ways to keep cool during the hot summer months. By using light-colored fabrics, keeping windows and doors closed during the hottest part of the day, using fans and cross ventilation, planting shade trees and using window awnings, and avoiding heat-generating appliances, Edwardians were able to create a more comfortable living environment. These simple tips can still be applied today to help keep your home cool and inviting during the summer months.
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