The healing power of the sun can’t be overstated. If your home feels dull and the ambiance uninviting, it may be time to allow more natural light to flow indoors.
Sunlight is a natural mood booster and an efficient, cost-effective, and energy-saving lighting solution. This is one of the reasons why homeowners should increase the amount of natural light streaming into their houses. There can hardly ever be too much sunlight in a home.
If you’re wondering about how to increase natural lighting indoors, you’ve come to the right place.
This article discusses ways you can increase the flow of sunlight into your home.
Top Tips for Getting More Natural Light Indoors
Natural light does more than just improve the visual appeal and ambiance of your home. It impacts your well-being and helps you create a healthy environment that allows you to thrive.
Exposure to sunlight triggers the release of serotonin in your body which is responsible for making you happy. The reduced electricity operational cost is an added bonus. Here are methods you can use to maximize natural light in your home.
Assess Your Window Treatments
Opt for light-colored curtains, blinds, and drapes. Heavy and dark window treatments tend to block sunlight from reaching your interiors. You can choose to switch your curtains for sheers because they are lighter and allow in more natural light.
In instances where privacy isn’t an issue, you can do away with window treatments. This allows you to enjoy a warm, cozy, and bright space from sunrise to sunset.
Install Skylights
Most home interior design experts prefer adding skylights to maximize the natural light in your home. Apart from the enhanced atmosphere, dormers provide beautiful sky views helping you to connect better with nature.
Depending on the design you select, some skylights open up improving air circulation within a home. While you can DIY this project, it’s best to hire an expert due to its complexities.
Alternatively, if adding the skylights is too expensive, you can choose to add solar tubes. They’re a more affordable option. But, they allow in less sunlight. The trick is to install multiple units to help achieve a beautiful effect. Thankfully, they cost way less than skylights which makes it a viable option.
Choose Lighter Colors for Your Walls and Ceiling
Home lighting is a science and an art. The colors you use to paint your home are pivotal in influencing the flow of natural light into your home.
Lighter color palettes tend to reflect more light which helps to brighten your space. It also makes rooms to appear more spacious.
When shopping for your home’s interior paint, experts recommend that you select a color with a high reflectance value. Anything above 70 is a good choice. Neutral, warm, and pastel colors are a good choice. However, for the ceiling, it’s best to stick with white. Choose a matte or flat finish to avoid glare.
Avoid Clutter and Position Your Furniture Strategically
Too much clutter blocks the sunlight from reaching some parts of the home. You should keep things minimal and avoid placing furniture directly in front of a window. This is because objects absorb sunlight which limits the amount of natural light streaming indoors.
Clean Your Windows and Glass Doors
Your windows and doors need proper care and maintenance as much as your lighting products. Most homeowners tend to clean these surfaces only once a year. But, when too much grime and dust accumulate on your windows and doors, they tend to become dull.
If you’re living in dust-prone or stormy areas, it’s best to schedule routine cleaning. Maintaining a clear and vibrant surface on your windows and doors helps to ensure that more light flows into your home.
Add Mirrors
Upgrading your home lighting can be expensive. Maximizing your home’s natural lighting is an affordable yet stylish way to brighten up your interior. Adding mirrors in different spaces within your home helps to maximize the natural light in your home due to their reflective property.
You can position it against a window or doorway to help spread sunlight onto darker areas. Apart from helping you optimize your home’s natural light, mirrors also act as stunning décor pieces and create strong focal points in any space.
Use Glass Doors
Glass doors allow more light to stream into your home which helps to elevate the overall ambiance. Homeowners with dark hallways should embrace this approach for a brighter entryway. It can mean the difference between a perfect hosting experience and a disappointing impression.
Add or Replace Your Windows
Installing large windows helps bring more natural light indoors. However, while it’s the best and most effective option to use, it can be too costly. If budget isn’t an issue, you can go for floor-to-ceiling designs.
However, if it’s a constraint, it’s best to replace them to avoid the high prices. Remember, all the tips highlighted above won’t be practical if there are no entry points through which the sunlight can flow indoors.
Also, ensure that you select energy-efficient windows. After all, apart from brightening up your home, the goal of natural lighting is to save on operational costs.
Benefits of Increasing Natural Lighting in Your Home
Most homeowners aren’t aware of the numerous sunlight benefits and tend to overlook the need for natural light in their houses. However, apart from brightening up your space, there’s a lot of good to enjoy when you maximize the natural light entering your home. The benefits include:
- Boosts vitamin D in your body which is responsible for maintaining and improving your bone health.
- It’s a proven mood booster which makes it essential for people battling depression, anxiety, and mental stress.
- Enhances your sleep health by helping you regulate your circadian rhythm.
- Helps you save on energy bills. Your artificial lights don’t have to stay on throughout the day.
- Natural light has been proven to promote focus, productivity, and concentration.
- Maximizing your home’s natural lighting helps you avoid eye fatigue. Artificial light sources can be too harsh on the eyes which can impact your overall well-being.
- Improves a home’s curb appeal. Most homeowners prefer buying a home with ample natural light.
Let the Sunshine In!
If you’re looking to make your home feel bright and cheery, then maximizing natural light is a smart solution. The tips listed in this article can go a long way toward helping you transform your home and enhance its ambiance.
Bath your interiors with ample natural light and enjoy the healing power of the sun. It’s time to embrace healthy living. For more ideas on how to enhance your home’s ambiance, explore our modern light fixtures collection.