When temperatures soar, most of us instinctively close the curtains, open the windows or switch on a fan. But one thing many homeowners overlook is the impact their furniture has on the temperature and comfort of a room. 

From where your sofa sits to the fabrics you choose, a few small adjustments can help improve airflow, reduce trapped heat and make your living room feel fresher during a heatwave. 

Monika Puccio, Buying Director at Sofa Club, shares her top tips for creating a cooler, more comfortable living space this summer. 

1. Pull Your Sofa Away From the Wall 

It might seem like a small change, but giving your sofa a little breathing room can make a noticeable difference. 

Monika explains: 

"When people think about keeping their homes cool, they usually focus on windows, blinds or fans, but the position of your furniture can also make a surprising difference to how a room feels. Large sofas placed directly in front of radiators, blocking air vents or pushed tightly against external walls can restrict airflow, making a space feel warmer and stuffier than it needs to." 

Moving your sofa just a few centimetres away from the wall allows air to circulate more freely around the room. This is especially useful in older homes, where improved airflow can also help reduce moisture build-up behind furniture and minimise the risk of condensation and mould. 

2. Don't Block Radiators or Air Vents 

Even if your heating isn't on during summer, radiators and air vents still play a role in how air moves around your home. 

Furniture positioned directly in front of vents can prevent cooler air from circulating properly, leaving certain areas feeling warm and stagnant. 

If possible, leave a clear gap around radiators, air conditioning units or ventilation points to encourage better airflow throughout your living room. 

3. Choose Breathable Upholstery 

The fabric you sit on matters just as much as the furniture itself. 

Monika says: 

"Your choice of upholstery can also affect comfort in warmer weather. Natural fabrics such as cotton and linen blends tend to feel cooler and more breathable than heavier, synthetic materials, while lighter-coloured upholstery reflects more light and creates an airier feel than darker fabrics, which visually and physically absorb more warmth." 

If you're investing in a new sofa, consider breathable fabrics and lighter shades during the warmer months. They not only feel cooler underfoot and against the skin but also help create a brighter, more spacious feel in your home. 

4. Pack Away Heavy Winter Accessories 

Your sofa styling can have a surprisingly big impact on how your living room feels. 

During winter, chunky knit throws, faux fur blankets and layers of velvet cushions create a cosy atmosphere. In summer, however, they can make a room feel visually heavier while trapping unnecessary warmth. 

Monika recommends: 

"Avoid over-layering your sofa during a heatwave. Thick faux fur throws, heavy knit blankets and multiple velvet cushions are perfect for winter but can make a room feel visually warmer and trap unnecessary heat. Swapping them for lightweight cotton throws and fewer cushions instantly helps create a fresher, cooler-looking living space without changing the furniture itself." 

Simple swaps such as cotton throws, linen cushions or lighter textures can instantly refresh your space for the season. 

5. Reduce Cushion Clutter 

Less really is more during a heatwave. 

While styling cushions add personality to a sofa, too many can make seating feel warmer and less inviting. Reducing the number of cushions creates a lighter, cleaner look while giving you more space to relax comfortably. 

It's an easy seasonal update that costs nothing but can make a noticeable difference. 

6. Keep Your Sofa Clean 

Regular vacuuming isn't just good for keeping your sofa looking its best. It can also improve comfort during warmer weather. 

Dust and dirt can build up within upholstery fibres over time, making fabrics feel less fresh. 

Giving your sofa a quick vacuum every week helps remove dust, improve freshness and keep upholstery feeling cleaner throughout prolonged warm spells. 

Monika's Top Tips for Keeping Your Living Room Cooler 

If you're looking for quick wins this summer, Monika recommends: 

• Pull sofas slightly away from walls to improve airflow and reduce trapped heat and moisture. 
• Keep furniture away from radiators and air vents so cool air can circulate more effectively. 
• Swap heavy winter textiles such as faux fur and chunky knit throws for lightweight cotton or linen alternatives. 
• Choose breathable upholstery, including cotton or linen blends, where possible. 
• Reduce the number of cushions during summer to create a cooler, lighter-feeling living room. 
• Vacuum upholstery regularly to remove dust and keep fabrics feeling fresher during warm weather. 

Small Changes, Big Difference 

Keeping your home cool doesn't always require expensive gadgets or constant air conditioning. Sometimes, the simplest changes have the biggest impact. 

By rethinking your furniture layout, choosing breathable fabrics and updating your seasonal styling, you can create a living room that feels lighter, cooler and more comfortable all summer long. 

Whether you're refreshing your current space or searching for a sofa designed with everyday comfort in mind, thoughtful design choices can help you enjoy your home whatever the weather.