Property Plus
Coimbatore
Filter in the sunlight your own way
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Come summer and the only question on everyone’s mind is how to keep the house cool, writes M. Soundariya Preetha
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PHOTOS: S. SIVA SARAVANAN
A respite: Hand fans and bamboo shades can be used during summer time to beat the heat. —
It is time to roll back the heavy drapery at home and welcome bright sunlight as summer sets in and days get warmer. Though Coimbatore does not see extreme climate differences, summer certainly means all efforts to beat the heat in day time. Rather than complaining about the soaring mercury levels, a little re-do of home interiors can help create a chirpy and sunny ambience.
In the northern States, where climate changes see sharp difference in temperature, winter beds have to be rolled back and many houses use fabrics as light filter, says an architect. In the south, most of us use curtains. Bamboo shades are also used to have diffused light streaming in. Picture a house with coir cots, earthen water pot, bamboo shades and hand fans. Most of these now occupy a decorative rather than a utilitarian space. Hand fans are mostly purchased from other States and sold here. Earthen pots and bamboo shades are in good demand. For those of us, who do not want to go in for the ethnic touch , some simple tipswill come in handy.
Tips
Beat the heat out in the daytime by closing the curtains or the windows, especially those facing the sun. Further, use white coloured blinds or shades and have bed spreads and table clothes in vibrant patterns and flowery prints to create an airy and relaxed atmosphere. Open the doors and windows in the evening hours when the temperature has cooled.
Wise use of heat-generating appliances, electronic devices and lighting helps reduce the heat within the house. Excess use of these not only sees the energy bills going up but also builds up the temperature within the house. Whenever possible use ceiling or table fans to improve air circulation.
Climatic factor
Get rid of the excess “comfy” materials and put away the heavy drapery. Try to have a less cluttered room. Clean the glass and mirror in the room so that they reflect light and give a fresh look. A bowl or tray of ice placed in front of a box fan can give a cool breeze. And, of course add shade trees, bushes and vines in the garden and have seasonal flowers in the room. These will add colour and life to the bright days and we can enjoy cool days even in summer.
Result of many of these efforts however depends on the local climate.
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