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Tips for maximising natural light in your home

February 6, 2019 by Catherine 1 Comment

window blinds

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.

maximise natural light with curtains in lighter fabrics

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.

interior mirror

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.

bedroom roof windows

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.

white interior

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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Looking for ways to maximise the natural light in your home? Check out these simple tips and tricks for making the most of natural light in every room.

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Filed Under: Interior Design Tips Tagged With: Home, home accessories, Interior Design, Interiors, Lighting, Natural Light, Top Tips, Velux, windows

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Comments

  1. Jane Taylor says

    March 31, 2017 at 7:07 pm

    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.

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Hi, I’m Catherine. Welcome to Growing Family, a top UK home & garden blog sharing ideas, inspiration and tips for making the most of busy family life, indoors and out.
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