No matter what type of home you have, I bet you’d like to make the most of the natural light. I know a light, airy room always lifts my mood; I guess it’s a similar effect to being outside in a bright, open space. Think about how you feel waking up in the morning in the depths of winter versus midsummer; light definitely helps us to feel awake, energised and positive.
Having said that, the amount of natural light each room in a home benefits from isn’t always ideal. Small windows, nearby buildings or trees, and even the direction your house is facing, can all restrict natural light and make a room feel on the gloomy side. If you’d like to maximise the natural light in your home here are some simple tips and tricks that really work.
Choose light window dressings
It’s amazing the difference you can make to the amount of natural light in a room just by changing the window dressings. Avoid dark, heavy fabrics; instead choose light coloured or translucent blinds and curtains, and you’ll still benefit from natural light even when they’re closed. If you need a little daytime privacy voiles are a great option, or you could go for adhesive window film which creates an opaque effect while still allowing lots of light into the room.
Use mirrors
This is a simple but clever trick that interior designers love. A strategically-placed mirror will bounce natural light from a window around a room, making it feel bigger and brighter. Have a play around with position before getting the hammer out, so you can find the ideal spot.
Install roof windows
Roof windows such as those manufactured by Velux are brilliant for really upping the natural light levels. Because the windows are situated on the roof, they tend to be totally exposed to really strong daylight and direct it straight into the room. They’re a particularly good option when a wall window would receive limited light, for example if your neighbours house is close by. If you need a level of privacy with your roof windows or simply to block out the light at night (in a bedroom for example) there’s a wide range of fitted blinds available here.
Keep it clean
So simple, and so effective. Keep your windows clean and they’ll allow more light in! The same goes for reflective surfaces and light bulbs.
Choose furniture and paint with light in mind
Lighter colour schemes will go a long way to making a room feel lighter, but consider also light reflecting paint to really maximise the effect. When it comes to furniture and accessories, perspex or glass will allow light to travel through to other parts of the room, unlike solid finishes which effectively block it. Fabrics that have a metallic accent will also add a pop of brightness. In kitchens, reflective surfaces on worktops, units and splashbacks all work to bounce light around, so you might want to consider a high gloss finish. And remember that mirror trick too!
What are your tips for maximising natural light in your home?
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Lovely post, Catherine. I have to say adding an extension with folding doors and velux to the back of our house has flooded the room with light. Normally, I’m a bit of a vampire, who enjoys having a bedroom with blackout blinds but on days like today, when the sun is shining and the garden is alive with colour – It’s great to have a room filled with light where there’s a great view of the garden.