When searching for a house to raise a family in, many people prioritize having plenty of windows that let in natural light. The findings of a survey carried out by Roof Window Outlet were unmistakable: an overwhelming majority of Brits (52 percent) reported that the presence of sunlight in their homes was the single factor that contributed most to their level of happiness. In point of fact, 42% of people said that having access to sunlight in their homes increased their overall wellness levels, which included feelings of relaxation and happiness. The findings of the survey also showed that when people renovated their homes, one in six of them focused on adding more sources of light to the space. There is evidence that spending time outdoors can improve our health and mood. At home, natural light can make a room appear lighter and brighter, and it can also create the impression that there is more space there. If you want to bring an abundance of natural light into your home, the following eight suggestions are an excellent place to begin.
1) Colors that are lighter than white reflect the sun beautifully.
Remove any bold wallpaper or dark block colors from your walls and replace them with a light shade of paint instead. This will allow for the introduction of lighter colors. White tones will make a space feel brighter because they will reflect the natural light entering the room rather than absorbing it. This will make the space appear to have more available light. On the other hand, Chris Harvey, an interior expert from Stelrad, recommends staying away from brilliant white paint on walls because it has the potential to make a room feel chilly. Instead, he recommends using an off-white shade because it will produce a much warmer effect. If you enjoy using color, Farah Arshad, Head of Design at Dusk, recommends that you experiment with muted tones that still manage to evoke a sense of openness:This season, a lot of people are gravitating toward earthy tones and neutral ones. Choose glossy paint over matt paint for a more polished appearance; the sheen in glossy paint helps to scatter light, creating the impression of more space. Painting the ceiling a couple of shades lighter than the walls is another trick you can use to make the room feel more open and airy.
2) Choosing the appropriate flooring can be helpful.
Selecting wooden, laminate, ceramic, or stone floors with a polished finish can also turn floors into light-friendly reflectors. Carpets, on the other hand, will reflect significantly less light than the other types of flooring. If you would rather have a carpet, then choose colors that are light or neutral.
3) Accessorize your space with mirrors and other reflective objects.
Accessorizing with accessories made of glass, metal, or mirrors can help you make the most of the light in your home while also adding a touch of sophistication to various rooms. Even the smallest home can be made to look and feel much larger and brighter simply by increasing the amount of light that it reflects. The most efficient method for giving the impression that there is more space is to strategically place mirrors so that they reflect the light from the surrounding area. Positioning is everything, and Farah Arshad recommends positioning them "directly opposite windows in order to reflect more natural light back into your room," particularly if you are attempting to make the most out of a constrained amount of space.
4) Don't ignore the appearance of your exterior.
It is important not to undervalue the effect that the vegetation that surrounds your property can have on the amount of light that enters your home. If there are obstructions to the sunlight that enter your home from the exterior, it will be difficult for you to make any changes or improvements to the interior. Chris Harvey recommends to homeowners that they prune any trees, bushes, or climbing plants that are growing around their doors and windows and could be obstructing their view of the outside. Chris continues by saying, "While you're outside, it can also be worth giving your windows a thorough cleaning to ensure that as much light is coming in as possible."This will ensure that the maximum amount of light is able to penetrate through the glass and enter your home.
5) Change the configuration of the furniture in your space.
Not only does bulky furniture prevent light from entering a room, but it also gives the impression that the room is smaller than it actually is. We strongly suggest that you rethink the arrangement of your furniture and ask yourself if the current configuration makes the most efficient use of the available space. Is this piece of furniture essential or optional for meeting day-to-day requirements? First and foremost, Farah recommends staying away from "big, boxy furniture that blocks light."In addition, she recommends moving large pieces of furniture away from your windows in order to let the maximum amount of light possible into your home. Instead, go for furniture that is not bulky in appearance and is designed in a way that maximizes the use of the space that is at your disposal.
6) You should put money into your windows.
To get the most out of the natural light that comes into your home, it is highly recommended that you put in brand-new, large windows and doors if you have the financial means to do so. Because they can turn an entire wall in your home into glass, bi-folding doors are a particularly good choice because they allow for the most breathtaking views and the highest possible light levels. According to the Rooflight Division Manager at Duplus, Gavin Helgeson, Duplus has seen an increase in the number of customers (from new build enquiries to property renovators) looking to improve the lighting and space in their homes. These customers want to do this by installing rooflights. He suggests making investments in additional windows, including sky lights, in order to let in as much light as is humanly possible. According to Gavin, installing roof lights is an efficient way to increase the amount of natural light that enters a room. Additionally, roof lights allow for a more unobstructed view of the sky, which results in a room that has a sensation of being both larger and brighter. They are also fantastic for installing in a loft conversion, which will let in a great deal of natural light to the new room that is being created.
7) Supplement natural light with light from other sources.
Increase the brightness of your home by installing artificial lighting that complements the natural light already present rather than competing with it. It is especially important to pay attention to areas that are dark because the light from the windows cannot reach them, such as awkward corners, corridors, and alcoves. Installing dimmer switches will enable you to have greater control over how a space is lit, allowing you to gradually alter light levels as the natural light in your home changes throughout the day. This will allow you to make the most of the natural light that is available in your home. According to Jo Dyson, renovation and interiors expert for the Homebuilding & Renovating Show and co-founder of Mae House Design, "popular LED bulbs offer three main choices: soft/warm white, bright/cool white, and daylight.""I like to use warm white when I want a space that is cozy and relaxing. I am a big fan of dimmers, and I don't just think they're important for the main living areas of a home; I also think they're essential for bedrooms and bathrooms. When you are winding down and getting ready for sleep, you may want the lights to be dimmed, but if you get ready for work in the morning, you may choose to have a bright, light-filled bedroom and bathroom.
8. Be mindful of the drapes and blinds in the room
Heavy window dressings, similar to cumbersome furniture, have the potential to obstruct or obscure valuable sunlight. Choose instead blinds that are easily rolled up or opened, giving you the ability to adapt them to the shifting position of the sun throughout the day. It is also a good idea to install curtain hooks or ties so that you can clear as much curtain material as possible from the area. Instead of heavier fabrics like velvet, we recommend going with those that are lighter and more natural. You should still be able to get blackout options, which is important for people who have trouble sleeping due to light, but they should be easier to pull back during the day than bulkier fabrics. Voile sheer curtains are an excellent choice to go with if you want to preserve your privacy but let some light into the room at the same time.
