Natural light is essential for our health and well-being, and it can make a huge difference in the look and feel of a home - especially now that we spend nearly 90% of our time indoors. If you're looking to enhance the natural light in your home, there are several strategies you can try.
Install Skylights
Homes within cities tend to be packed closely together like sardines, making it harder to get direct sunlight into your home from traditional windows alone. The answer? Get your light directly from above - unless you're living in a block of flats, of course.
Skylights come in a variety of shapes and sizes, so you can find one that fits the design of your home. When planning where to install your skylight, think about areas you won’t want direct sunlight, such as onto the TV or your seating area, to avoid them becoming washed out in the summer months.
Consider also adding a shutter or shade to block heat if the skylight is in a place which could receive direct sunlight during the summer months.
© Veronica Rodriguez
Add Windows
Regardless of your surrounding area, windows still provide a surefire way to keep any feelings of cabin fever at bay as well as inviting some Vitamin D into your day. If you have walls that don't have any windows, consider adding some.
This can be a major undertaking, but it can also have a big impact on the amount of natural light in your home. Choose windows that are large and have a low U-factor (a measure of how well a window blocks heat loss) to maximise the amount of natural light that enters your home, while ensuring that you retain good insulation.
© Veronica Rodriguez
Replace heavy curtains with lighter ones
If you have heavy curtains or blinds, they may be blocking out a lot of potential natural light from your home. They can be very useful for keeping your home warm in the winter, but it may be worth investing in a summer set too. Consider lighter, sheer curtains or blinds that allow more light to pass through.
Use mirrors to reflect natural light
Mirrors reflect light, so strategically placing them in a room can help to bounce light around and make a space feel brighter. They can be strategically placed to capture light and direct it to dark corners and other areas of low light in the room. Bear in mind, it'll mean a double view of the room’s corner, so ensure you have something eye-catching there that you're happy to see twice!
Paint your walls a light colour
Dark colours absorb light, while light colours reflect it. Consider painting your walls a light colour to help bounce light around your home. We specifically recommend this for lower-ground rooms, or in areas you'd like to create a greater sense of spaciousness. You can have a look at Lick’s colour selection that will even add height to your space, right here. To add warmth, use accessories like rugs, throws, and other decorative items.
Use reflective surfaces
Similar to mirrors, surfaces that reflect light - like glossy tiles or metallic accents - can help to bounce light around a room and make it feel brighter. This can be really impactful in open-plan kitchens to create a feeling of more space and areas where it can feel cramped.
Trim trees and shrubs for more natural light in your home
If trees or shrubs are blocking natural light from entering your home, consider trimming them back to allow more light in. Greenery is great to look at but not if it gives you Jumanji mansion vibes, some quick pruning can avoid this as well as being great for the plants' health too.
By following these strategies, you can bring more natural light into your home and create a brighter, more welcoming space.
