The small heat has arrived, and the hot summer has begun. According to "Explanation of the 72 Solar Terms", "Heat, meaning heat... Now the heat is still relatively mild", although it is only "a little hot", the warm wind has already arrived, and everything is preparing for the intense heat. Ancient people during the summer season paid attention to following the natural laws, with just a bamboo curtain or a light veil in the mind, a cool space could be created; while today's people seeking coolness rely more on the advanced textile technology to improve the quality of fabrics. During the Small Heat season, how to choose a curtain that knows the proper measure for your home - one that can block the heat but not make the space feel too dull - is something we want to talk about with you slowly today.
The ancient wisdom of cooling off in summer
1. Bamboo curtains "The vast rice fields are filled with white egrets flying, and the shady trees are chirping with yellow orioles." The poetry of summer cannot be separated from this green shade. At home, bamboo curtains are the ideal tool to create this shade. The bamboo strips woven into curtains have fine and uniform gaps, which can filter the intense midday sunlight into a series of gentle rays, while also leaving sufficient space for air to flow freely.
The gentle breeze blew, causing the bamboo curtains to sway gently. The light and shadow danced playfully. Not only did it bring a visual coolness, but it also provided physical cooling. The beauty of the bamboo curtains lies in their non-hard-blocking and non-blocking nature. Instead, they "dissolve" the heat, ensuring that the room always has a breathable and layered coolness.
Apart from bamboo curtains, gauze curtains were also a common choice for ancient people. Unlike the sturdy nature of bamboo curtains, gauze curtains add a touch of tenderness to the interior with their light and flowing texture. They are usually made of natural fibers such as silk and cotton, with a thin and lightweight texture and excellent breathability.
The sheer curtains not only ensure the privacy of the room but also do not completely block out the light and scenery. The sunlight passing through the curtains becomes soft and warm, spreading over the room and creating a hazy aesthetic feeling. At the same time, the good ventilation also keeps the indoor air circulating, avoiding a stuffy atmosphere.
In addition to curtains, ancient people would also lay straw mats and use porcelain or bamboo pillows on their beds. These items have excellent heat-conducting properties, which can immediately absorb the body's heat upon contact, providing a direct feeling of coolness. This is similar to the way we choose cool-textured bedding and sofa cushions today.
The ancient people's wisdom in cooling off was centered around "adapting to nature and making ingenious use of resources". They did not aim for absolute low temperatures but instead, through the selection of materials and the layout of spaces, created a relatively comfortable, ventilated and shady environment. This wisdom still holds significant implications for our choice of household items today. At the beginning of the Small Heat Festival
The first line of defense in summer
When we decorate our home, we usually focus our attention on things like sofas, coffee tables, and lamps, which can be seen at a glance. Curtains, on the other hand, are often overlooked and considered as items to be added only at the very end. But once you actually move in, you'll realize that, especially in summer, the importance of curtains is much greater than you might have imagined.
After the start of the Small Heat Festival, the sunlight becomes particularly "powerful". As the sun rises higher during the day, if the light shines directly in, the window becomes a channel for the heat to pour in. When a curtain is drawn, the inside and outside of the room have completely different sensations - especially in a room exposed to the west sun, if the window on that wall has no decent shading, the entire room becomes a greenhouse. Even with the air conditioner on for a long time, it feels cooler only slowly. Looking at the temperature difference in numbers might not be obvious, but when standing by the window and comparing the pulled-open and pulled-closed states, the skin is the first to know the difference.
However, there are certain considerations when choosing curtains. Thick blackout fabric that provides good insulation is indeed good, but once it's drawn, the room becomes pitch-black and even during the day it feels like dusk. After a while, one can't help but feel bored. Light chiffon curtains are also nice, as they flutter in the wind and have a certain charm. However, they offer limited sun and heat insulation. Is there a material that can block the heat while still maintaining a light and breathable texture?
In the end, the core of curtains is the fabric. And this matter is precisely what we have been carefully considering over the years. When choosing curtains, it's not just about the color.
Having understood the wisdom of the ancients and the modern technology, let's return to our original question: During the Small Heat Festival, how can we choose an appropriate curtain?
Clarify the requirements and adapt to local conditions.
Living Room: As the center of family activities, the living room needs to be bright and spacious. You can choose curtains with good light transmission or bamboo fiber curtains. This will not only ensure good lighting but also protect privacy, while creating a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere.
Bedroom: Bedrooms have higher requirements for shading and privacy. You can choose a double-layer combination of "silk curtains + fabric curtains". During the day, pull up the silk curtains to allow soft light; at night or during naps, pull up the blackout fabric curtains to create a quiet and dark sleeping environment.
Study: The study needs uniform and soft lighting to avoid screen reflections. Venetian blinds or roller blinds are good choices. They can be adjusted flexibly to control the angle of the light.
Pay attention to the materials and appreciate the details
When choosing curtains, don't just rely on the pictures of the patterns. It's better to touch them yourself. Is the fabric smooth or not? Does it have a slight cool feeling when attached? Look at the density and light-transmitting property of the fabric under the light - for good fabric, even if it is woven densely, it should still maintain a natural breathability. When buying, it's a good idea to ask a bit more: What are the fabric components? Are there any special functions, such as moisture absorption and sweat discharge, heat insulation, light-blocking, etc.?
Embrace technology, choose "breathing" fabrics
On this small summer solstice, why not turn your attention to those new types of fabrics that integrate modern technology? For instance, the Zite DEZTE bamboo series fibers that we have been refining. This fiber not only retains the breathable and sweat-wicking properties of natural materials, but also achieves a breakthrough in functionality. It is snug-fitting and has strong quick-drying properties, giving the fabric the vitality of "breathing". Whether used for window screens, curtains, or sanding fabrics, decorative fabrics, it can ensure heat insulation and shading while allowing the indoor air to circulate freely, getting rid of the dullness brought by traditional heavy curtains. The small summer solstice has arrived, and may you find that cool curtain at home.